Probiotics and Prebiotics Orally Assumed as Disease Modifiers for Stable Mild Atopic Dermatitis: An Italian...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• The skin-gut axis role in atopic dermatitis (AD) is debated, impacting non-pharmacological treatments.
• Understanding probiotics and prebiotics for mild AD monotherapy requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of specific oral probiotics and prebiotics as monotherapy for mild atopic dermatitis.
• To explore the potential of these interventions in managing AD-related symptoms and gut dysbiosis.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, retrospective observational study involving 144 patients with mild AD.
• Oral administration of three selected bacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BS01, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP14, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR05) and prebiotics for 12 weeks.
• Clinical assessments included Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), and Three-Item Severity (TIS) scores.

Main Results:

• Significant clinical and statistical improvement (p < 0.001) in both pruritus and AD-related lesions.
• Observed reductions in erythema, edema/papules, and excoriation after 12 weeks of treatment.
• Preliminary evidence suggests a link between the skin-gut microbiome and AD symptom improvement.

Conclusions:

• Specific probiotics and prebiotics show potential as a monotherapy for mild atopic dermatitis.
• These interventions may help reduce AD flares and associated gut dysbiosis.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the role of the skin-gut axis in AD management.