Language: English
The healthcare portal for patients and the general public in Europe
This service contains links to third party websites. EPG Patient Direct is not in a position to verify this information and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the content contained.
08 Oct 2008
The "friendly" probiotic bacteria found in health drinks and yoghurt has no effect on the symptoms of eczema, a study has suggested.
A study led by staff at UK academic institution Imperial College London reviewed 12 studies incorporating almost 800 children.
It found probiotic products did nothing to ease itching and rashes associated with the condition, the BBC reports.
The news provider explains the causes of eczema are "complex" and after finding that people who suffer from it have different bacteria in their gut has led some physicians to recommend probiotics to treat the skin ailment.
Dr Robert Boyle comments: "There is no evidence that probiotics are a worthwhile treatment for eczema."
He adds that in some cases, the products could even be harmful for some groups of people, such as those susceptible to infection and very young infants.
Dr Boyle concludes that it is possible probiotics which have not yet been studied could have an effect on eczema symptoms.
Click here to visit the Eczema Quick Guide
Delicious
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
