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Novel therapies with potential immunomodulatory properties, such as probiotics, are being studied for treatment of chronic eczema. Cochrane Collaboration investigators performed a meta-analysis of 12 randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving 781 children (most were younger than 18 months) that assessed the effects of probiotic treatment for childhood eczema. Only four studies had well-described randomization and blinding procedures. Most studies evaluated Lactobacillus species and reported outcomes based on the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index.
No significant short-term (during active treatment) benefits of probiotics were identified in pooled analysis of participant- or parent-rated eczema symptom scores (5 studies…