Prebiotics in atopic dermatitis prevention and management

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease that is highly prevalent, especially among children. In addition to impaired skin barrier functions, AD is characterized by dysfunctional immunity and altered skin and gut microbiome. On the skin, there is an increased S. aureus colonization and reduced microbiome diversity while in the gut there is a diminution of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium. There is no cure for AD, but symptoms can be managed by appropriate therapies aimed at minimizing exacerbations, and duration and degree of the AD flares. Functional foods, including probiotics and prebiotics, are being used to relieve AD symptoms. While probiotics supplement the gut with “good bacteria”, prebiotics promote the growth of “good bacteria” on the skin and in the gut. Here, we review immune dysfunction and microbiome association in AD and potential use of prebiotics in the prevention and management of AD.