Evaluating the Efficacy of Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Adult Patients - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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Published: Mar 31, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.2.27
Keywords:
Probiotics, Eczema, Atopic dermatitis, Adult, Treatment, Meta-analysis

Main Article Content

Muhammad Hariadi Nawawi
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Mohd Hafiz Arzmi
Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences, Kuliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Afiza Azmi
Microbiology Department, Jardin Probiotic Research Centre, Jardin Pharmabiotic Sdn. Bhd., 06250, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
Maryam Al-Batul Azizudin
Advanced Research and Quality Control Laboratory Department, Jardin Pharma Berhad, Sunway Subang Business Park, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the potential benefits of probiotics in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults. Materials and methods: A meta-analysis was performed on randomized controlled trials investigating the use of probiotics, either applied to the skin or taken orally, to decrease AD severity in adult patients. A comprehensive search gathered all available trials from January 1st, 2012 until November 1st, 2023. The analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5 software. Results: In a study involving 10 prevention studies with 457 adult participants, probiotics significantly reduced AD severity compared to the control group, as indicated by SCORAD scores (MD: -7.92; 95% CI -11.69 to -4.15; p < 0.0001). Both short-term and long-term treatments showed significant reductions in SCORAD scores. Single-strain and mixed-strain probiotics were both effective. Probiotics improved SCORAD scores for both young and middle-aged adults. Internal (oral) and external (topical) interventions both significantly reduced AD severity. Probiotics had a significant impact on SCORAD scores in both Europe and Asia. The effectiveness of probiotics was consistent regardless of treatment duration, type of probiotics used (single-strain probiotics vs. mixed-strain probiotics), participant age, intervention type, or geographical area. Conclusion: Probiotics significantly alleviate allergic symptoms in adults with AD, demonstrating consistent effectiveness across various factors including treatment duration, type of probiotics, participant age, intervention type, and geographical area.

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Nawawi, M. H., Arzmi, M. H., Azmi, A., & Azizudin, M. A.-B. (2025). Evaluating the Efficacy of Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Adult Patients - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21(2), 216–226. https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.2.27
Issue
Vol. 21 No. 2 (2025)
Section
Systematic Reviews
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Scopus
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Europe PMC

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