(DENVER, Colorado) – Eczema is the most common skin condition worldwide. Without effective treatment options, patients must often suffer a lifetime of painful, itchy skin. In a new clinical trial, researchers at National Jewish Health are exploring a surprising new approach – fighting bacteria with more bacteria.
It may seem counterintuitive to apply bacteria to skin that is frequently plagued by bacterial infections, but the hope is that by applying good bacteria in a lotion to eczema patients’ skin, a healthy bacterial balance will be restored. “The beneficial bacteria actually make natural antibiotics that kill staph aureus, the bad bacteria on the skin,” said Donald Leung, MD, head of the Division of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology at National Jewish Health. “We know that eczema patients don’t have the good bacteria on their skin that’s needed to kill staph aureus.”
Patients apply the bacteria-infused lotion twice a day. Researchers are then able to analyze patients’ skin DNA to see if the bad bacteria have been reduced. “The goal is that we eliminate the bad bacteria on their skin altogether,” said Leung. “The cream helps to restore the natural balance of bacteria on the skin, which will help create the barrier skin has to keep harmful bacteria out.”
Leung says more research is needed, but the hope is that this will clear the skin of eczema patients, and ultimately lead to a long-term solution for those who suffer from eczema.
