Probiotics and Psoriasis: Could Beneficial Bacteria Offer Relief?
In the realm of dermatology, a growing body of research is exploring the potential of probiotics in managing symptoms of psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that triggers the immune system to attack healthy skin cells, resulting in red, scaly patches.
Psoriasis is increasingly being understood as a systemic inflammatory condition linked to the gut-skin axis, where imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as gut dysbiosis, contribute to disease pathogenesis and exacerbation. Studies have found that psoriasis patients often have altered gut microbiomes, with reduced levels of beneficial bacteria like *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii* and increased amounts of proinflammatory species such as *Prevotella copri*. These microbial changes influence immune pathways that affect skin inflammation [1].
Clinical and animal studies have investigated microbiome-targeted interventions, including probiotics. These studies show some promising but variable effects on reducing psoriasis severity and systemic inflammation by modulating immune responses [1][3]. Probiotics, living microorganisms found in certain foods and supplements, can help maintain a good balance of healthful gut bacteria, potentially mitigating immune dysregulation involved in psoriasis.
However, the evidence is not yet robust enough to establish probiotics as a standard treatment. Research is limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous probiotic strains used. There is also a lack of standardized microbiome profiling and biomarkers to reliably track therapeutic response. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to define optimal probiotic types, formulations, and treatment durations [1].
While the benefits and risks of taking probiotics will require further research to confirm, it is crucial for individuals with psoriasis to identify what triggers their symptoms. These triggers may include stress, smoking, alcohol, infection, certain medications, some foods (e.g., those containing gluten, dairy, or citrus), cold or dry weather. Everyone's microbiome is unique, so a person may need a particular combination of probiotic strains. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any probiotic supplements.
For mild to moderate outbreaks, treatments include topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, vitamin D analogs, salicylic acid, coal tar, and phototherapy. Treatments for severe outbreaks involve systemic drugs, immunosuppressants, biologics, and laser therapies.
It's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any probiotics for preventing or treating any health problem. The human body contains a diverse microbiota, collectively known as the human microbiota, which plays a key role in health. Probiotics can be found in probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, fermented cheeses, pickles, miso, fermented vegetables (e.g., kimchi and sauerkraut), and probiotic supplements.
In conclusion, while current clinical evidence remains preliminary and inconclusive, probiotics hold potential as adjunctive therapy in psoriasis through gut microbiota modulation and immune regulation. Medical guidance is needed before their use. Further well-designed clinical trials are required to clarify efficacy and translate findings into practice [1][3].
- Psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, is linked to the gut-skin axis, where gut dysbiosis contributes to its pathogenesis and exacerbation.
- Studies have found that psoriasis patients often have altered gut microbiomes, with reduced levels of beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and increased amounts of proinflammatory species.
- Clinical and animal studies have investigated microbiome-targeted interventions, including probiotics, with some promising but variable effects on reducing psoriasis severity and systemic inflammation.
- Probiotics, living microorganisms found in certain foods and supplements, can help maintain a good balance of healthful gut bacteria, potentially mitigating immune dysregulation involved in psoriasis.
- However, the evidence is not yet robust enough to establish probiotics as a standard treatment, due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous probiotic strains used, and a lack of standardized microbiome profiling.
- More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to define optimal probiotic types, formulations, and treatment durations.
- While the benefits and risks of taking probiotics will require further research to confirm, individuals with psoriasis should identify what triggers their symptoms and consider a particular combination of probiotic strains under medical guidance.
- Mild to moderate psoriasis outbreaks can be treated with topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, vitamin D analogs, salicylic acid, coal tar, and phototherapy.
- Severe psoriasis outbreaks are treated with systemic drugs, immunosuppressants, biologics, and laser therapies.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any probiotics for preventing or treating any health problem, but probiotics can be found in probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, fermented cheeses, pickles, miso, fermented vegetables, and probiotic supplements.
- In conclusion, while current clinical evidence remains preliminary and inconclusive, probiotics hold potential as adjunctive therapy for psoriasis through gut microbiota modulation and immune regulation.
- Furthermore, besides psoriasis, probiotics may also offer benefits for other chronic diseases, mental health, skin conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, cardiovascular health, and even neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of continuing research in this area.
