The link between gut microbiota and atopic dermatitis is mediated by the gut-skin axis. Supplementation with specific strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. salivarius , and Bifidobacterium breve helps to rebalance the Th1/Th2 balance, reducing inflammation and itching in both humans and dogs.
Atopic Dermatitis Bacterial dysbiosis
The skin is also inhabited by a multitude of microorganisms and an imbalance of it is associated with the disease. To determine whether bacterial dysbiosis occurs on the skin of allergic cats, some studies have been carried out. In a study published in the journal Veterinary Dermatology, researchers from Texas A&M University and the University of Minnesota discussed the distribution of microbiota as bacteria and fungi or microflora, which populate the bodies of humans, dogs and cats. The studies were performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies revealed important information about the skin microbiota of people and dogs and cats, demonstrating that bacterial and fungal dysbiosis plays a predominant role in atopic dermatitis in humans and allergic dermatitis in dogs.
In-depth study: Microbiota of cat and dog skin: The bacteria that inhabit the skin of cats and allergic dogs
Atopic Dermatitis Remedies: The Role of Probiotics
1. The Gut-Skin Axis: Why Do Probiotics Cure Dermatitis?
The intestinal tract of mammals is home to over 100,000 billion microbes. This ecosystem, called microbiota, not only promotes digestion, but is the main director of the immune system.
An intestinal imbalance (dysbiosis) is often related to systemic inflammatory diseases. In veterinary medicine, the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella or Clostridium perfringens has been directly associated with gastrointestinal and skin disorders in dogs.
Skin Dysbiosis and NGS Technologies
The skin also has its own microbiota. Studies published in Veterinary Dermatology (Texas A&M and University of Minnesota) have used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to show that bacterial and fungal dysbiosis plays a predominant role in both human and allergic canine atopic dermatitis.
2. Specific Probiotic Strains for Atopic Dermatitis
Not all probiotics are created equal. Modern research focuses on strain-specificity to modulate inflammatory cytokines.
The most effective strains (Scientific Evidence)
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103): The most studied strain for the prevention and treatment of atopic eczema.
- Lactobacillus salivarius LS01: Essential for improving the Th1/Th2 ratio and reducing the release of type 2 allergic cytokines.
- Bifidobacterium breve BR03: Essential for restoring the flora in atopic subjects, who often have bifidobacteria deficiencies.
- Lactobacillus sakei proBio65: International studies indicate that this strain suppresses IgE, IL-4 levels and histamine release, significantly improving scratching lesions.
3. Guide to Recommended Products and Supplements
Here is a selection of solutions designed to restore immune homeostasis:
FlorAtopic (Human/Veterinary)
Food supplement based on Lactobacillus salivarius LS01.
- Action: It restores the intestinal microflora altered by incorrect diets or antibiotics.
- Dosage: Each sachet guarantees 1 billion live bacteria for the maintenance of immune balance.
Anallergo Iprob
Freeze-dried mixture of three lactobacilli and one streptococcus.
- Composition: L. Acidophilus LA02, L. Delbrueckii LDB01, L. Rhamnosus LR04, Streptococcus Thermophilus.
- Plus: Free of lactose, gluten and egg proteins. Ideal for allergy sufferers or intolerant people.
Bifiderm
It combines L. salivarius LS01 with Bifidobacterium breve.
- Effectiveness: It prolongs the interval between atopic crises and reduces systemic inflammation. Odorless and tasteless, it is easy to administer even to the most difficult subjects.
Inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus sakei PROBIO 65 on atopic dermatitis
Studies have shown that oral administration of L.sakei proBio 65 (AB-Sakei 65) improves the condition of the skin and reduces the frequency of self-injury from scratches, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) are suppressed and controlled as well as the release of histamine. The study suggests that L. sakei proBio65 has an inhibitory effect on atopic dermatitis (AD) and is proposed as a new effective anti-inflammatory agent.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Probiotics for Dermatitis
Answer: Esiste un asse diretto intestino-pelle: uno squilibrio della flora batterica (disbiosi) altera il sistema immunitario, favorendo l’infiammazione cutanea. L’integrazione di probiotici mirati ripristina l’equilibrio intestinale, riducendo la sensibilità agli allergeni e i sintomi della dermatite atopica.
Answer: Sì, ceppi specifici come il Lactobacillus sakei proBio65 hanno dimostrato di poter sopprimere il rilascio di istamina e ridurre la frequenza delle lesioni da grattamento. L’uso costante di probiotici agisce come immunomodulatore naturale, diminuendo l’intensità del prurito cronico.
Answer: Per ottenere un riequilibrio stabile del microbiota e del sistema immunitario, è necessario un ciclo di trattamento di almeno 4-8 weeks. I benefici sulla riduzione dell’eczema e della permeabilità intestinale sono progressivi e dipendono dalla costanza della somministrazione.
Answer: I probiotici agiscono come adiuvanti preziosi. Sebbene non sostituiscano sempre i farmaci nelle fasi acute, il loro uso costante permette di ridurre la dipendenza da cortisonici e di prevenire le recidive modulando il sistema immunitario.
Answer: Rebalancing the microbiota takes time. Usually, the first benefits on the skin and on the reduction of itching are observed after 4-8 weeks of daily supplementation.
Conclusion
The role of probiotics in the management of atopic dermatitis is now supported by solid scientific foundations. Choosing the specific strain and ensuring consistent administration is key to transforming gut health into healthy, protected skin.
© Copyright – This article is the property of the Elicats.it site – Reproduction prohibited. Article published 2020 – Updated 2026
Disclaimer: The Contents Are For Informational Purposes Only And Under No Circumstances Can They Constitute A Prescription Of A Treatment Or Substitute For A Specialist Visit Or Direct Relationship With Your Veterinarian/Doctor. All information reported here is derived from bibliographic sources, personal experiences and clinical studies in the public domain. All information on special diets and dietary supplements for pets is for informational purposes. This information serves as a general guideline, cannot be applied to all pets or considered as an alternative to professional advice. These pages include “Homeopathic preparations of non-scientifically validated efficacy and without approved therapeutic indications. The products are not intended as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and must be used as part of a healthy lifestyle. Disclaimer and terms
