Improving Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis Sufferers with Novel Probiotic Therapies

Authors

Valerie A. Stern, University of LynchburgFollow
Valerie A. Stern, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Dermatology

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this clinical review paper is to bring attention to the fact that atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic, relapsing condition requiring safe yet effective therapies. The bacteria, Roseomonas mucosahas been under investigation and is showing significant promise as a potential treatment option in atopic dermatitis. This article reports on this novel approach to a very common condition that may hold the answer in bringing about a therapy that is safe, cost effective, and can be used on all ages without sequelae.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition affecting over 18 million people in the U.S. alone. Children and adults, males and females alike suffer from atopic dermatitis, as do all ethnicities. The U.S. economic burden of atopic dermatitis is over $5.3 billion dollars, accounting for both direct medical care and indirect losses in productivity as well as a decrease in the overall quality of life.¹Comorbidities of AD include depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and debilitation affecting activities of daily living.^1,2,3,4

Treatment options range from topical steroid use, the “gold standard” to calcineurin inhibitors, topical hydration and barrier creams as well as oral immunosuppressants and more recently, biologics .^5,6,7,8,9 Side effects can range from minor to life threatening, depending upon the therapy being used, while the costs of these medications, especially biologics must be taken into consideration as these drugs are highly expensive and are not covered by basic tier insurance formularies in many cases.2,^7,8,9 With the high cost of medications today, insurance denials, negative side effect profiles, laboratory tests needed to begin certain medications, as well as inefficacy, newer treatment options are needed that are easy to use, cost effective and provide high quality relief from the symptoms and disease state of AD.¹⁰

Roseomonas mucosa(RM), a symbiotic bacteria found in greater numbers on the epidermal surface of healthy skin, is being studied at present as a possible treatment option in the ongoing therapy of AD.^11,12 The University of California San Diego School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, is presently performing investigational research into the use of Roseomonas mucosaas therapy in treating AD. The symbiotic bacteria is being applied to the skin as a bacterial transplant where it can reduce inflammation and repopulate the hostile, inflamed environment of the epidermis of atopic skin. This novel therapy is showing positive results in the improvement and control of chronic AD flares.¹² Though studies are presently being conducted at this time, preliminary results thus far have been promising, showing ease of application, lack of side effects and untoward responses, while efficacy has been seen.^12,13 Roseomonas mucosaapplication could be a significant game changer as a potential treatment option for AD sufferers, and one without adverse sequelae, additional monitoring or lab testing, and one that can be used on all ages, unlike many other AD treatment options available today.^{6,9,11,12,13,14,15}

The high cost of healthcare along with limited prescription drug coverage for many medications prescribed is simply not affordable for many AD sufferers, leaving them hopeless and helpless. Newer, more cost-effective therapies that work must be discovered, and the application of RM is on the cutting edge of what may be the future in atopic dermatitis therapy.^{8,9,,12,16,17,19}

Recommended Citation

Stern VA, Stern VA. Improving Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis Sufferers with Novel Probiotic Therapies. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(3).