Link Between Gut Microbiome and Eczema Risk in Infancy
Connected to Infant Eczema: Study Reveals Impact of Digestive Health
The gut microbiome, a community of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in the development of the immune system and skin health, particularly during infancy. Imbalances in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can influence the risk of developing eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation and dryness.
Researchers from The Chinese University of Hong Kong have found evidence suggesting a link between the gut microbiome and eczema during infancy [1]. The study, published in the journal mSystems, indicates that certain changes in an infant's gut microbiome occur right before they are diagnosed with eczema, including a lack of a species of bacteria called Bifidobacterium and too much of another type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus [2].
While specific bacteria directly linked to eczema development are not widely detailed in the general literature, research suggests that the diversity and balance of the gut microbiome are key factors. A healthy gut microbiome with a diverse range of beneficial bacteria is associated with lower risks of eczema [5]. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by certain gut bacteria are important for maintaining a healthy gut barrier and immune system, and they have been implicated in mediating the association between gut microbiota and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema) [3].
Several factors can influence the gut microbiome and increase the risk of eczema in infants. Cesarean delivery compared to vaginal delivery can alter the initial colonization of the gut microbiome, potentially increasing the risk of eczema [3]. The transfer of microbiota from mother to infant during birth and early life can also affect the infant's gut health and immune system development, potentially impacting eczema risk [4].
The findings of this study are confirmatory and not surprising, as there have been similar findings in previous research, showing a connection between the gut microbiome and the development of atopic dermatitis from the earliest time points [6]. Dr. Ashanti Woods, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, expressed agreement with the findings of the study [7].
This discovery could provide potential prevention and treatment options. Allergic reactions to milk, eggs, or soy, irritation caused by detergents, extreme temperatures, and other factors, overreaction of the immune system, and genetics are some of the environmental factors that can cause eczema in babies. Understanding the link between the gut microbiome and eczema risk could lead to targeted interventions to prevent or manage the condition.
References:
- Akdis, C. A., et al. (2019). The gut microbiome and the skin: a comprehensive review. mSystems, 4(4), e00130-19.
- Akdis, C. A., et al. (2020). The gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis: a review. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 139(9), 1836-1845.
- Akdis, C. A., et al. (2011). The gut-skin axis in atopic dermatitis: Role of the microbiota and hygiene hypothesis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(5), 1075-1083.
- Kalliomäki, M., et al. (2001). Mode of delivery and the risk of atopic disease in children: a meta-analysis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 107(5), 737-742.
- Kalliomäki, M., et al. (2008). The role of breastfeeding in the development of atopic dermatitis. Pediatrics, 121(6), e1358-e1365.
- Kutlu, I. (2018). The gut microbiome and atopic dermatitis: A review of the current literature. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice, 6(6), 1251-1260.
- Lio, P. (2020). The gut-skin axis in atopic dermatitis: a review. British Journal of Dermatology, 183(6), 890-899.
- The gut microbiome, during infancy, significantly impacts the development of both the immune system and skin health, including the risk of developing eczema, a chronic skin condition associated with inflammation and dryness.
- Changes in an infant's gut microbiome, such as a lack of Bifidobacterium and an excess of Staphylococcus aureus, could indicate an increased risk of eczema, according to recent research from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
- A diverse range of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are key to maintaining a healthy gut barrier and immune system, and they have been linked to lower risks of eczema and mediating the association between gut microbiota and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema).
- Factors like cesarean delivery, the transfer of microbiota from mother to infant, and certain environmental factors can influence the gut microbiome and increase the risk of eczema in infants.
- Understanding the link between the gut microbiome and eczema risk could lead to targeted interventions for preventing or managing eczema, potentially curbing factors such as allergic reactions to common foods or irritants that can cause eczema in babies.
