The Impact of Topical Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum on Skin Barrier Repair in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by recurrent eczematous lesions and intense pruritus.It is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition, affecting approximately 13% of children and 7% of adults worldwide.The disease often manifests early in life, with 45% of cases presenting by six months of age, 60% by one year, and nearly 85% by five years (AAAAI/ACAAI JTF, 2024).AD has a strong genetic component and frequently coexists with other atopic conditions, including asthma and allergic rhinitis.Its pathophysiology involves a complex interplay of epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences.Notably, filaggrin deficiency compromises skin barrier integrity, while a skewed T helper 2 (Th2) cell-mediated immune response drives chronic inflammation.[1] Clinically, AD presents with erythema, edema, xerosis, excoriations, oozing, crusting, and lichenification, with pruritus as the hallmark symptom.[2] The disease follows a relapsingremitting course and significantly affects quality of life, contributing to sleep disturbances and psychosocial stress for both patients and their families.Recognizing the substantial burden of