A new article published in Postepy dermatologii i alergologii discussed that food allergy (FA) affects about 4-10% of children, especially those with atopic dermatitis (AD). During infancy the gut microbiome may determine both, the course of FA and tolerance to food allergens.

Comparatively, the skin microbiome changes in the course of AD. Maximum studies have associated FA with a lesser abundance and diversity of Lactobacillales and Clostridiales, but greater numbers of Enterobacterales. Whereas, AD in children has been associated with lower numbers of Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. hominis, but an abundance of S. aureus and Streptococcus species.

The authors stated that an understanding of the impact of the microbiome on the clinical course of FA and AD may allow for the development of new models of allergy treatment and prevention. Changes in the microbiome grant protection or susceptibility to FA or AD by modulating the immune system. Early childhood seems to be precarious for the colonization of a diverse microbiome.

Latest research efforts have focused on the identification of bacterial strains necessary for oral tolerance and identification of the most effective probiotic strains for the prevention and treatment of FA. However, the role of skin microbiome in the course of FA and acquiring tolerance to food allergens by children is still unknown. Nevertheless, early skin topical treatment could reduce S.aureus colonization through exerting an anti-inflammatory effect.

It was further stated that the management of skin diseases in the future may include manipulation of the gut function. Balancing the gut and skin microbiome may represent an effective treatment for allergy. So, widespread studies are required to identify the interactions between the gut and skin microbiomes.

Source: Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. 2020 Oct; 37(5): 641–650. Published online 2020 Nov 7. doi: 10.5114/ada.2019.90120