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2003 The Effects of Probiotics in Infants with Atopic Dermatitis Allergic diseases, such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) are becoming more and more common. Atopic eczema is frequently the first manifestation of allergic disease, and is now the most frequent inflammatory skin disease in childhood. It is a chronic relapsing, highly itchy skin disorder with enormous personal, social and economic cost. It has been proposed that progressively “cleaner” environments are contributing to the recent rise in allergic diseases such as atopic eczema. As well as reduced exposure to bacteria that cause infections, there may also be altered exposure to “probiotic” gut bacteria species that are thought to help normal development of the immune system. Probiotics (such as lactobacillus / acidophilus) are the “friendly” gut bacteria essential for normal health. They promote normal immunity and protect against harmful bacteria. There is concern that with increasing use of antibiotics and with “cleaner” societies, we may have less of these friendly probiotic bacteria in our gut, and this may predispose to abnormal immune responses, such as allergy. Probiotics are naturally occurring and are found in some fermented foods (the AB cultures in some yoghurts). There is preliminary evidence, which suggests that using probiotics in early life may help reduce the symptoms of atopic eczema. Our study aims to confirm these findings. “Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth, Western Australia, have recently conducted a study in 6-18 month old infants with bothersome eczema . The study was a randomised placebo-controlled, double blind trial to examine the effects of probiotics in infants with atopic eczema. The results from this study will be available in the near future.” Please see our Disclaimer
The Eczema Association of Australasia Inc appreciates GAIA's generous support in sponsoring this website  GAIA Skin Naturals, the home of GAIA Natural Baby
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