Atopic Dermatitis and the Role of the Skin Microbiome in Choosing Prevention, Treatment, and Maintenance Options

J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Oct 1;19(10):935-940. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2020.10.36849/JDD.2020.5393.

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition characterized by disturbed barrier function, skin inflammation, and cutaneous dysbiosis. Clinically, it manifests as chronic-recurrent xerosis, pruritus, and erythematous lesions. Its pathophysiology is complex, making the selection of appropriate treatment options a task.

Aim: To share insights gained from a literature review and discussions with experts in dermatology on key factors related to the prevention, treatment, and management of AD in relation to the skin microbiome.

Methods: Results from an expert panel were summarized and discussed to provide updated recommendations for the treatment and maintenance of AD.

Results: Evidence supports a strategy for managing inflammatory skin diseases with a selenium-rich post-biotic thermal water and biomass containing moisturizer. The moisturizer helps to restore homeostasis of the skin, re-populate a diverse microbiome, encourage the growth of commensal bacteria, and improve barrier function and symptoms of AD.

Conclusions: Normalization of skin microbiome diversity using a topical moisturizer containing post-biotic aqua and biomass may offer a valuable option for the treatment and maintenance of inflammatory skin diseases. Clinicians should discuss the benefits of this treatment in the context of a full AD management program that covers prevention, active treatment, and maintenance. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(10):935-940. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5393.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Combined Modality Therapy / standards
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / microbiology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / therapy*
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Dermatology / methods
  • Dermatology / standards
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / standards
  • Humans
  • Hydrotherapy / methods*
  • Infant
  • Microbiota / immunology*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prebiotics / administration & dosage
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / microbiology*
  • Symbiosis / immunology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Water Loss, Insensible / drug effects
  • Water Loss, Insensible / immunology

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Prebiotics