GB-EZ-SIM03 Probiotics Study for Childhood Eczema

Eczema is the most prevalent chronic skin disease in young children, and skin infection is commonly seen during eczema flare. Dysbiosis is increasingly recognised in the stool and skin of these patients. It is a common practice for parents to start these eczematous children on probiotics, but there is limited evidence if this treatment works in young patients. This single-centre, open-label clinical trial aims to investigate the benefits of a 3-month treatment of young children with eczema with a new probiotics called microbiome baby immunity formula (SIM03). Study outcomes include eczema severity, quality of life, biophysical measures of the skin and gastrointestinal symptoms, while adverse events related to this probiotics treatment will be monitored. The effects of this intervention on stool microbiome will also be analysed.

Inclusion Criteria:Children aged 1 to 5 years old with physician-diagnosed eczema according to Hanifin and Rakja criteria [22,23];One of the parents or legal guardian (no mental illness or dementia, etc. that will hinder their ability to undertake informed consent) will provide written informed consent.Exclusion Criteria:Children with other documented chronic and clinically significant dermatologic diseases, such as erythra, that may interfere with evaluation of cutaneous microbiome. Common transient conditions such as acne are permissible.Children with eczema who have taken antibiotics, probiotics or prebiotics in supplement, including but not limited to growing-up milk formula and infant's supplementary food within three months prior to inclusion.Children with eczema who require systemic immunosuppressive treatments (e.g. corticosteroid, azathioprine, biologics) within six months prior to recruitment.