Probiotics Improve Dermatitis Symptoms in Kids: Study

A blend of probiotics could improve symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) in children, according to a new study presented this month at the 'Probiotics: From Bench to Market' conference, sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences.

AD is a common skin disease in children, characterized by symptoms of itching and dry skin. About 65% of AD cases are developed during the first year of a patient...s life, and 10-20% of children experience AD symptoms, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Researchers in Ukraine tested the effects of a mixture of L. acidophilus DDS-1 and B. lactis UABLA-12 versus placebo on 90 children with 'moderate-to-severe' AD. The Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD) tool was used to identify any overall improvements in AD symptoms.

After eight weeks, SCORAD scores were lowered by an average of 33.7% in the probiotic group compared to 19.4% in the placebo group. Furthermore, patients in the probiotic group used topical corticosteroid (a dermatitis ointment) at an average of 7.7 g less than the placebo group, throughout the trial.

To view the full study abstract, download the collection of probiotic studies, here.