A couple of interesting articles were published recently on the topic of ‘Probiotics for Eczema’. The extract from the commentary below sums it all. There simply isn’t enough evidence yet to prove whether probiotics work in preventing eczema or not. But yes, there is no harm in taking them if you want to. However it is always a good idea to speak to your doctor/ dermatologist, especially if you are taking any other medications. Breast milk is really the best probiotic.
Much remains to be studied before the precise role of the gut microbiota in health and disease can be defined. It is reasonable to suggest that further studies of the microbial ecosystem, employing new powerful analytical tools, will reveal knowledge that may profoundly affect treatment and prevention of several diseases associated with a modern life style. From what we know today, early infancy is a critical period for modulation of the gut microflora. It is therefore reasonable to suggest that any efficacy of pre-, pro- and symbiotic preparations in the prevention or treatment of eczema and other allergic diseases would mostly be limited to infancy, i.e. at a time when they exert an influence on the development of immune regulation.