Probiotics in dermatologic practice

•We studied literature concerning the use of probiotics and prebiotics of different strains and their effects on dermatologic pathologies.•We found enough evidence regarding the protective effects of probiotics to prevent atopic dermatitis, although the effect on treating atopic dermatitis was not as clear.•The use of probiotics on other dermatologic pathologies such as eczema, acne, and cutaneous candidiasis needs to be studied because evidence is lacking and conflicting.

ObjectiveProbiotics are live microorganisms that beneficially affect the host when administered in adequate amounts. They have an excellent safety profile. Probiotics have been used as immunomodulators in inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to summarize the available evidence concerning the use of different strains of probiotics in dermatology practice.MethodsWe conducted a literature review of English and Spanish publications listed in standard databases (PubMed, Ovid, Google Scholar, Medline, and EBSCO), between 1994 and 2015 using the words “probiotics” and “dermatology.” We found ∼70 studies containing these criteria and selected 42 in which probiotics were used for dermatologic purposes.ResultsWe found enough evidence to recommend the use of probiotics in specific conditions in dermatology practice, especially in children with atopic dermatitis.ConclusionsFurther well-designed, large population based trials are needed to validate the use of probiotics in dermatology practice, including innovative therapies to rebuild skin barrier defects, protection against microbial colonization, and restoration of immunologic balance.