Eczema is a common problem in Hong Kong people, and there are many imbalances in intestinal microorganisms
Eczema is a common health problem in Hong Kong people. The Hong Kong Society of Gut Microbiome previously conducted a large-scale study from August last year to April this year. This study was technically sponsored by Biomed Technology Holdings Limited, a partner company of the Hong Kong Science Park, and commissioned by Hong Kong Healthcare Research Limited. The study randomly sampled and analyzed the data of 265 Hong Kong citizens, among whom 123 (46.4%) had eczema and skin allergies.
By collecting stool samples from participants with eczema and conducting intestinal flora DNA tests and next-generation gene sequencing technology (qPCR and NGS Gut Microbiome Test), it was found that most of them lack specific probiotics, reflecting Eczema is associated with an imbalance of gut microbes. Some participants underwent a second intestinal flora test after two months of probiotic supplementation, and the detailed results were announced at the 2021 Spring International Scientific conference by the The Hong Kong Society of Gut Microbiome on April 17.
80% of the participants with mild to moderate eczema improved after supplementing with probiotics
Subsequently, the researchers analyzed the gut data of 41 of the eczema participants. Statistics show that more than 80% of patients with mild to moderate eczema have significantly improved their symptoms after taking probiotics for enhancing anti-allergic ability for 2 months. The formula was developed by the Science Park team based on the big data of Hong Kong people’s gut microbiome, adding two composite elements of postbiotics and prebiotics to enhance the effectiveness of probiotics. Probiotic species include Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus acidophilus GKA7, which is generally deficient in eczema participants, and Bifidobacterium lactis Bifidobacterium lactis GKK2. Studies have pointed out that this probiotic can effectively regulate allergic factors and reduce allergic reactions. In contrast, patients with severe eczema have more severe gut imbalances and may take longer or higher doses to be effective.
Supplementing with appropriate probiotics can improve intestinal immune system disorders, thereby alleviating eczema symptoms
Hong Kong Society of Gut Microbiome representative and dermatologist Dr Steven Loo pointed out , Probiotics are one of the current directions in the medical field for the treatment of eczema. A study in the British authoritative natural science journal “Scientific Report” pointed out that the diversity of intestinal flora in patients with eczema is low, which is consistent with the research data of this association.
The gut is an important line of defense for the body, and more than 70% of immune cells are located in the gut. When the microbiome is off balance, it is difficult for the body to defend against viruses and allergens, which will increase inflammatory factors and easily lead to eczema. If the ratio of probiotics and harmful bacteria in the intestines is adjusted, it will not only help improve immunity, but also reduce eczema inflammation.
There are many causes of intestinal dysbiosis in people with eczema
The ratio of probiotics and hramful bacteria in the gut of eczema patients is related to many factors, including caesarean section and non-breastfeeding . Babies born naturally can ingest rich probiotics when passing through the mother’s vagina and breastfeeding, and have a lower risk of eczema. The World Allergy Organization also issued guidelines in 2015, suggesting that pregnant women and newborn babies should consider taking probiotics in addition to a healthy diet to reduce the risk of eczema.
Experts recommend focusing on the “iron triangle of eczema” for precision treatment
There are many factors for eczema. Experts suggest that patients should focus on the “Iron Triangle of Eczema”, including:
1. Consolidate the skin barrier: Many eczema patients will have congenital structural problems at the stratum corneum of the skin, allowing allergens such as dust mites to enter the skin easily, stimulating the immune system and cause inflammation. Patients need to pay attention to daily moisturizing, such as avoiding hot water baths, which will cause skin oil loss, and applying moisturizer after washing hands to enhance moisturizing effect.
2. Control inflammation: The immune system is hyperactive and produces many inflammatory factors, which stimulate the stratum corneum of the skin. Patients should follow the doctor’s instructions to improve inflammation. In terms of drug treatment, there are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug(NSAID), topical steroid ointment, oral immunomodulator drugs, etc., which can help patients of different severity to keep inflammation under control.
3. Maintaining the intestinal microbial balance: Intestinal dysbiosis will lead to abnormal immune response and worsen eczema. Therefore, a healthy diet is especially important, including reducing the intake of processed, high-temperature fried and high-sugar foods. This reduces the inflammatory substances released by these foods in the gut. Patients can also take probiotic supplements with anti-allergic ability, regulate the intestinal microbiome, and improve the condition of eczema. In addition, patients can also consider getting a gut microbiome test first, and then decide the duration and the dosage of probiotic treatment based on the test results.