Bite Sized Science

Streptococcal throat infections are known to trigger or exacerbate psoriasis.

New research indicates that specific bacteria on the skin and in the gut can complicate or even cause eczema. 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed the impact of popular eczema lotions on our skin's essential bacterial communities. What they discovered challenges common perceptions – some of the most popular eczema lotions may be inadvertently harming the beneficial skin bacteria that are crucial for skin health.

 

Revelations from the NIH Study:

The NIH study uncovered a startling truth – certain eczema lotions, often touted as therapeutic, exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Instead of improving skin conditions, these products may actually worsen them by inadvertently disrupting the essential bacterial communities that support skin health. This revelation should serve as a significant wake-up call for users of such products.

 

Understanding the Study's Results:

The NIH study aimed to assess the impact of eczema lotions on our skin's bacteria. They employed a simple chart to categorize lotions as safe or unsafe for our skin bacteria. A full 100% black bar on the chart denotes that a lotion is considered safe for your beneficial bacteria. Conversely, partial or empty black bars suggest that the lotion may harm these vital microorganisms.

 

Click here to view graph

(We are not able to share any specific brands. However, you can go to page 11 on the supplemental article linked above to see if your lotion is on the list.)

Atopic Dermatitis and the Microbiome:

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition marked by inflammation and persistent itching, often shows a deficiency in beneficial skin bacteria. These microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining a balanced skin ecosystem and regulating the proliferation of potentially harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. The NIH study accentuates the risks of disturbing these beneficial bacteria, shedding light on how it could worsen symptoms for atopic dermatitis patients.

 

The Consequences of Disrupting Commensal Bacteria:

Our skin's commensal bacteria aren't passive passengers; they function as a crucial defense mechanism against harmful pathogens. When these beneficial bacteria are harmed, it can lead to an imbalance that allows opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus to thrive, worsening skin problems and discomfort. This emphasizes the importance of preserving the balance of skin bacteria for overall skin health.

 

Reference:

• Zeldin, Jordan et al. “Exposure to isocyanates predicts atopic dermatitis prevalence and disrupts therapeutic pathways in commensal bacteria.” Science advances vol. 9,1 (2023): eade8898. doi:10.1126/sciadv.ade8898

According to the USDA, the vast majority of Americans are not eating enough dietary fiber, which is important for a healthy gut microbiome. Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. A lack of fiber can lead to the extinction of beneficial gut bacteria and chronic diseases. To improve your health, it is recommended to eat more fiber. Eating a cup of beans a day can add years to your lifespan. Eating a diverse range of foods that contain fiber is important for a healthy gut.

Please take the time to read and understand these published reports.

1. USDA reports 97% of Americans not eating enough fiber by a 50% shortfall
2. Americans' fiber intake is a public health emergency for both adults and children
3. Lack of fiber causes extinction of beneficial gut bacteria 
4. Gut bacteria eat your colon lining when starved for fiber
5. U.S. immigration is associated with loss of gut microbiome diversity
6. Low-diversity gut microbiome dysbiosis is linked with disease
7. Institute of Medicine recommends 38g/day fiber for men 25g/day fiber for women
8. A higher dietary fiber intake is associated with a reduced risk of death

 

With an endless supply of new diet fads low in fiber, and some even completely eliminating fiber, we need to better understand fiber's role in feeding our bacteria and our overall health. Afterall, you contain more bacteria than human cells and these microbes are what keep us healthy. 

It is suggested that we feed our microbes by eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that agree with each of our individual systems.  In the natural world, a diverse ecosystem is a healthy ecosystem. 

 

 

Research evidence suggests that psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disorder affecting 3% of individuals, or approximately 7.5 million people from the United States, is not an isolated pathology of the skin, but a systemic condition involving multiple organs and systems, with bacteria playing a central role. 

According to the latest research, pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus is the driving force behind a chronic state of dysbiosis in 9 out of 10 eczema patients. 

Skin allergies and conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, are inflammatory conditions all caused by a combination of immune activation, environmental factors, genetics, bacteria, and stress.

A meta-analysis study ranks the safety and efficacy of all the studies that used probiotics to treat pediatric atopic dermatitis.

You contain more bacteria cells than human cells. 

In 2003, the FDA approved colloidal oatmeal as an over-the-counter drug ingredient. It is classified as a skin protectant which temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritations and itching due to eczema and rashes.

Skinesa®'s new shipping box follows sustainable supply chains practices. 

Skinesa® adheres to a rigorous production process to ensure both high yields and shelf stability.