A group of experienced researchers from the University of Otago is looking for adults or children in the Wellington region to be part of a study trialling the use of probiotic ointment to reduce the symptoms of eczema.
Eczema has been associated with an imbalance in the naturally occurring skin bacteria. Participants taking part in the study would use probiotic ointment with the aim of achieving a healthier balance of microbes on the skin.
The probiotic used in the ointment naturally occurs on the skin and is considered safe by the Communicable Disease Centre in the USA.
There is evidence that this probiotic has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and could be a natural alternative to topical steroids and antibiotics.
“We want to find out if this probiotic ointment is an effective and acceptable product to treat eczema,” explains research assistant Fiona Hood.
“Probiotics are helpful microbes that occur naturally in many foods such as yoghurt. They provide health benefits.”
Participants would have four study visits over six weeks, would apply the ointment everyday and keep a short record of their eczema symptoms.
“You will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups,” explains Fiona.
“One group will receive ointment containing the probiotic. The other group will receive ointment that does not contain the probiotic.”
In addition to participant’s symptoms possibly improving through the treatment, the research team says participants will be contributing to important research which will help the team better understand eczema.
Petrol and parking vouchers would also be provided to contribute to travel costs.
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