Why some probiotics might be making your eczema worse

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “Support your gut with probiotics, they’re great for your skin!”

And while that’s mostly true… it’s not true for everyone.

If you struggle with eczema or histamine intolerance, certain probiotic strains can actually worsen inflammation instead of calming it.

Let’s unpack why:

Some of the most common probiotic strains, like Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus thermophilus, are known to increase histamine production in the gut.

Histamine is a natural compound your body uses for immune signaling, but in excess, it can drive:

• Itching and redness

• Rashes or eczema flare-ups

• Bloating or fatigue after meals

So when your histamine-degrading enzymes (like DAO) are already under strain, adding histamine-producing bacteria can tip the balance, leading to more inflammatory responses.

That doesn’t mean all probiotics are bad for eczema. It just means strain specificity matters.

For individuals with histamine-driven skin conditions, strains like Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus plantarum, or Bifidobacterium longum tend to be more supportive, as they help regulate the immune system without triggering histamine overload.

Your gut and your skin speak the same biochemical language. When one is inflamed, the other often shouts louder.

So before reaching for a 'skin probiotic', check the label, because what’s healthy in theory might not be healthy for you.

Written by Shweta Patel

Medical Biochemist | Founder of Derm360º

Shweta helps people struggling with chronic acne uncover the root biochemical causes behind their skin challenges. Through advanced hormone and gut testing, functional nutrition, and barrier restoration, her evidence-based approach delivers lasting, clear-skin results.

📩 Ready to look deeper than your blood test results? Book your consultation at www.derm360.co.uk or contact hello@derm360.co.uk