Eczema is a common dermatological condition of multifactorial origin. It represents a complex interplay between the skin barrier, genetic predisposition, immunological development, environment, nutrition, and pharmacological and psychological factors. Many discuss a link between eczema and the gut microbiota, but what is the actual situation?
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Eczema: Understanding the Connection Between Gut Microbiota and This Dermatosis.
Summary
Published October 11, 2023,
updated on August 28, 2024,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
4 min read
What is the gut microbiota?
The microbiota refers to the collection of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, yeasts) that live in a specific environment. In the human body, there are several types of microbiota (oral, skin, vaginal...), but the intestinal microbiota is the most populated among them.
There are 10 times more bacteria in the gut than cells making up the human body, and 100 times more bacterial genes in the gut than genes in the human genome.
The gut microbiota is a vast ecosystem that is established from birth. Among individuals, there is a tremendous variety in the gut microbiota. However, various factors can influence the composition of an individual's gut microbiota.
The type of birth.
The way a child is born conditions a part of their microbiota. For instance, a child born vaginally will have a gut microbiota very similar to the mother's vaginal microbiota, with predominantly bacteria of the type Lactobacillus and Prevotella, whereas a child born via cesarean section will have a gut microbiota similar to the mother's skin microbiota, this time with bacteria of the type Streptococcus, Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium.
The intake of antibiotics.
Antibiotics are molecules capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, the intake of antibiotics by the mother during pregnancy or by the newborn at birth can influence the composition of the child's intestinal microbiota.
Newborn Nutrition.
There is a connection between an infant's diet and their gut microbiota. Babies who are breastfed will have fewer Gammaproteobacteria type bacteria than babies who are fed with formula milk, but will have more of the Bifidobacteria type bacteria.
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health. A rich and diverse microbiota promotes better health. Moreover, an imbalance in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) has been highlighted in numerous diseases. But is there a connection with the development of eczema?
A link between eczema and gut microbiota?
According to a scientific study, the gut microbiota of individuals with eczema consists of specific bacteria that are not found in healthy individuals. Furthermore, an inflammation in the gut microbiota has been observed in some cases. It is therefore suggested that disruption of the gut microbiota in newborns may be the cause of an increased risk of allergies, and thus a higher incidence of atopic eczema.
Studies have examined the link between the type of milk given to infants (breast milk or formula) and the risk of developing eczema. However, the results obtained vary from one study to another and do not demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship.
It has also been suggested that the symptoms of eczema could be improved by altering the composition of gut bacteria or by reducing inflammation in the gut. Probiotics, which are living microorganisms like the Lactobacillus found in unpasteurized milk and yogurt, could facilitate this. A study has indeed shown that administering milk containing prebiotics to children could modulate the intestinal microbiota.
It would therefore seem that a link exists between eczema and gut microbiota. However, the eczema being a complex pathology involving various factors, this link is not currently fully understood.
Sources
REDDY D. & al. Role of the normal gut microbiota. World Journal of Gastroenterology (2015).
KROLL J. S. & al. Intestinal Microbiota in infants at high-risk for allergy: Effects of prebiotics and role in eczema development. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2017).
VIRTA M. & al. Maternal gut and breast milk microbiota affect infant gut antibiotic resistome and mobile genetic elements. Nature Communications (2018).
CHAN J. & al. Effects of gut microbiome and environment on the development of eczema in Chinese infants Medicine (2020).
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