Use of probiotics in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Objective: Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease. Its increased incidence has changed the focus of research on atopic dermatitis toward epidemiology, prevention, and treatment.

Methods: Evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis inducing immunosuppression, but its exact mechanism is still unclear. Probiotics have been widely reported to act on the immune system. They are living microorganisms with immunomodulatory effects that stimulate Th1 cytokines and suppress the Th2 response, which are being researched for the treatment of several diseases. Probiotics most commonly used are part of the intestinal microflora like lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and enterococci.

Results: We describe here a case of evident response to the use of probiotics in a girl with severe atopic dermatitis, with a significant change in severity scores of atopic dermatitis (BSA/SCORAD/FDLQI).

Conclusions: Modulation of the intestinal microbiota with probiotics may offer a way to prevent or treat allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis.