Probiotics in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis for Children: A Case-Based Review

Abstract

Background. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is one of the most common dermatologic problems, especially in children. Several studies have hypothesized that alteration of gut-colonizing microbes might have induced and conditioned the development of the disease. Thus, modulation of microbial diversity and abundance might help alleviate symptoms and conditions for patients. Given the ability of commensal and symbiotic microorganisms in modulating the immune system, probiotics administration has been studied in previous research in the management of eczema. However, until today, there are conflicting results between studies making inconclusive recommendations towards probiotics supplementation in the management of atopic dermatitis. This case-based review was done to assess and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics supplementation in the management of eczema in children. Method. An electronic database search was conducted in PubMed-NCBI, Cochrane, EBSCO, ProQuest, and SCOPUS in March 2020. Individual studies and reviews were then gathered for screening using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The included studies were then critically appraised for their validity and importance. Result. A total of 5 studies, all of which were RCTs, were included in this review. Out of all the studies included, 4 showed no clinically significant improvements in using probiotics in the management of eczema in children as they did not pass the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of eczema severity as determined by SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis). Conclusion. Supplementation of probiotics in the management of eczema in children does not show a clinically relevant difference vs. standard treatment in reducing eczema severity.

Gut microbiota and atopic dermatitis in children: a scoping review

“…Fang et al [ 28 ] have focused on the the potential mechanisms of probiotics on alleviating AD via upregulation of epidermal barrier and regulation of immune signaling, and the possible effective substances on AD, which provide the supports for targeting gut microbiota to AD prevention and treatment. Disamantiaji et al [ 69 ] have included a total of 5 studies, and have concluded that probiotics supplementation in the management of eczema in children does not show a clinically relevant difference vs. standard treatment in reducing eczema severity. We focused on the relationship of gut microbiota and AD in the children population, with more studies included, we have found that probiotics may be an effective and safe treatment option for AD.…”