Eczema, a skin disease in children with a red itchy rash, has no cure. Prevention has become a priority. In addition to breastfeeding and formula supplementation, clinicians are testing out synbiotics.
A 2007 workshop at Yale University gave a top rating for probiotics for their usage in atopic eczema associated with cow’s milk allergy.
In a study with more than 200 infants in Finland, when their allergic mothers were given probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding, risk of eczema was reduced. Results are not consistent but the thought is that women should take probiotics before and after birth and continued up to at least 2 and possibly 4 years of age of their child. Thus far, lactobacillus appears most effective.
Further reading on eczema and probiotics:
Probiotics and prebiotics in preventing food allergy and eczema.