Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis – otherwise known as “good bacteria” -- are readily available as a natural food supplement. In a recent study from the Ukraine, a group of 1-3 yr old children with eczema were given a mixture of these supplements twice a day for 8 weeks, and were compared with similar children not receiving probiotics. In the end, about 2/3 of the children in the probiotic treatment group improved significantly, while far fewer of the others improved. The probiotic group also needed less steroid creams to maintain control of the eczema, without any apparent adverse effects from the supplements. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to try probiotic supplementation, under the supervision of a physician, in children with severe eczema. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Am J Clin Dermatol 2010; 11(5): 351-61. Probiotic Supplement Reduces Atopic Dermatitis in Preschool Children. Gerasimov SV, Vasjuta VV, Myhovych OO, Bondarchuk LI. (Dept of Pediatrics, Lviv National Medical University, Ukraine).
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