Itching for Answers About Probiotics and Eczema

Host Sonal Choudhary, MD, the Director of the Integrative Dermatology and Skincare Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA, talks to Peter Lio, MD, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and a partner at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago in Chicago, IL, about the role that probiotics can play in the prevention and treatment of eczema.Key takeaways:·With eczema, bacteria are imbalanced on the skin and in the gut. Some studies show oral probiotics may help. This is why Dr. Lio suggests all his patients take a multi-strain probiotic.There likely is not a one-size-fits-all probiotic for eczema due to the heterogeneity of the condition.·Most eczema patients can also benefit from vitamin D supplementation.