Key takeaways

  • Although research suggests that probiotics may prevent eczema in children and reduce symptoms in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, more studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment.
  • Probiotics are believed to help treat eczema because they can strengthen the immune system by increasing beneficial gut bacteria, which helps combat the faulty immune response that causes eczema.
  • Current research does not confirm that probiotics are an effective treatment for eczema; therefore, they should only be considered as a complementary treatment alongside doctor-recommended treatments. They may also provide benefits, such as improved gut health and a strengthened immune system.

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, refers to a group of common skin conditions.

In severe cases, the skin can become crusty and may bleed. As such, people are always looking for new ways to treat the condition. Some health food and natural remedy supporters suggest using probiotics to treat eczema.

This article explores how probiotics work and whether research supports their use in treating eczema.

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There is some evidence that giving children probiotics may help prevent them from developing eczema.

A 2025 review noted that children with atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, have less beneficial bacteria and more harmful bacteria in their intestines. Therefore, they may benefit from taking probiotics.

A 2023 meta-analysis of 9 studies found that certain strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus salivarius, L. acidophilus, and L. plantarum) significantly reduced symptoms in adults with atopic dermatitis. The results were best in people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

However, the authors noted that more research is needed to determine the optimal dose and duration for probiotic treatment.

Additionally, a 2018 review found that in comparison to no probiotic, probiotic strains available at the time of the review probably made little or no difference in improving self-reported eczema symptoms.

Based on the research available, medical professionals cannot say with certainty that probiotics are an effective treatment for eczema.

While there have been some clinical improvements, further research is needed before healthcare professionals consider probiotics as a treatment for eczema.

There are many different types of eczema, but the most common type is atopic dermatitis. Learning what causes this helps explain why some people use probiotics to treat it.

Eczema and the immune system

Environmental factors and irritants can make atopic dermatitis worse, but these are not the cause. The cause is a faulty immune response, which prompts the skin to become inflamed, dry, and cracked.

As the cause is an immune response, people may ask how they can fix this. One avenue that people have explored is treatments that support a healthy immune system, such as probiotics.

Gut bacteria and probiotics

The balance of bacteria in the digestive system is one factor that affects the immune system. Many people use probiotics because they believe they increase beneficial gut bacteria.

People who use probiotics for eczema believe they strengthen the immune system. They reason that by strengthening the immune system, they can combat the faulty immune response that causes eczema.

While the gut microbiota does affect the immune system, that does not necessarily mean that probiotic supplements will significantly impact either. It depends on the strain, and more research into different strains and optimal doses is needed.

There are other treatments available for eczema. These include:

There are also lifestyle changes that people can make to avoid aggravating the condition. These include:

  • wearing natural fabrics to reduce skin irritation
  • keeping the environment cool if heat is an irritant
  • avoiding soaps, detergents, lotions, and perfumes that are heavily scented
  • avoiding any foods that have triggered flare-ups previously

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that add to the “good” bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy digestive system. Some foods are naturally rich in live bacteria, some of which may be probiotics. These include:

Probiotics are also available as supplements; common types include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

The live bacteria in probiotics attach to the gut wall, leaving less space for undesirable or “bad” bacteria to grow. This promotes a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system, improving its function.

Eating foods rich in probiotics or taking them as supplements has other health benefits, beyond the potential treatment of eczema.

These may include improved digestive and immune system function.

The connection between “good” bacteria in the gut and the immune response in eczema supports the idea that probiotics may be a viable treatment. Some positive clinical indications support the case for further research.

However, based on the research to date, it is not possible to conclude that probiotics are a proven, effective treatment for eczema.

It is important to note that people should not rely on probiotics as the sole means of treating eczema. Probiotics may be used as a complementary treatment for eczema. Using them in this way means people may also benefit from improved gut health and a strengthened immune system.

People with eczema should continue using the treatments their doctor recommends. Doctors will continue to give this advice unless further research proves the effectiveness of probiotics in eczema treatment.