Helpful tip that is easy to implement
One new study showed that the right strain of probiotic could actually help prevent the development of eczema. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which is considered to be the best kind of study. The research involved giving pregnant women the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus from 35 weeks gestation until 6 months, if breastfeeding, and their infants to take the same probiotic from birth to 2 years. At 2 years the infants were shown to have a significantly reduced risk of eczema.
The strain of probiotic was an issue since one strain (Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001) was effective at reducing eczema, whereas another strain (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis) was not effective.
Reference:
Wickens K, Black PN, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008 oct; 122 (4): 788- 94