Eczema Health Center

Probiotics No Help in Childhood Eczema

Eczema Common Worldwide continued...

"Probiotics conceptually were well received by parents because it's a natural extract and if prepared properly could be quite safe. I haven't found them effective. I haven't seen any dramatic improvements in eczema," she says.

But Silverberg says there aren't enough data to prove either way the efficacy of probiotics. The review focused on small studies that might not give conclusive evidence.

Andrea Cambio, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist in Cape Coral, Fla., says patients and parents often ask about probiotics because they favor a more natural remedy to eczema. Still, she also hasn't seen positive results from probiotic treatment and isn't convinced they are completely safe. But she isn't discounting them completely.

"What is exciting is that his area of research has such great potential for future investigation," Cambio says.