Bacteria Therapy and Eczema: How Good Microbes Are Changing the Way We Heal Skin

For decades, bacteria have been cast as the enemy in skincare. From harsh cleansers to antibacterial soaps, we’ve built an entire culture around eliminating microbes. But science is rewriting the script—and this time, bacteria might just be the heroes.

Welcome to the future of eczema care: bacteria therapy. Known formally as microbiome-based therapy, this cutting-edge approach is transforming how we treat chronic skin conditions by restoring balance—not destroying it.

In this post, we explore the exciting link between bacteria therapy and eczema, how your skin microbiome works, and what 2025’s most promising research says about using good bugs to soothe inflammation and rebuild your skin’s natural defenses.

The Skin Microbiome: A Forgotten Organ?

Your skin isn’t just a barrier—it’s home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Together, they form the skin microbiome, an ecosystem that helps:

• Defend against harmful pathogens
• Maintain hydration and pH
• Regulate immune responses
• Support wound healing

In healthy skin, this ecosystem is diverse and balanced. But in eczema, that balance is often disrupted—especially by the overgrowth of one common bacterium: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

A 2022 NIH paper confirmed that eczema-prone skin shows significantly reduced microbial diversity, with pathogenic species like S. aureus dominating and driving inflammation.

What Is Bacteria Therapy?

Bacteria therapy—sometimes called live biotherapeutic treatment or topical probiotic therapy—involves introducing beneficial bacteria to the skin to rebalance the microbiome.

Rather than wiping everything out (as with antibiotics), bacteria therapy selectively encourages helpful microbes that:

• Compete with or kill pathogenic bacteria like S. aureus
• Reinforce the skin barrier by producing antimicrobial peptides
• Calm immune overactivity and reduce flare frequency

These “good bugs” act like peacekeepers—restoring order in the skin’s microscopic community.

How Bacteria Therapy Helps Eczema

1. Reduces Harmful Bacteria

Many therapies use Staphylococcus hominis or Roseomonas mucosa, two bacteria known to suppress S. aureus growth. By restoring competition, these microbes naturally limit flare triggers.

2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier

Certain microbes help produce ceramides and other lipids that repair the stratum corneum—the outermost skin layer. This makes skin less prone to cracking, dryness, and allergen penetration.

3. Regulates Inflammation

Research shows that some commensal bacteria modulate immune pathways, reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines (like IL-4 and IL-13) commonly seen in eczema.

4. Improves Resilience to Triggers

By stabilizing the microbiome, bacteria therapy may help the skin respond more calmly to environmental stressors, allergens, or friction—reducing overall flare intensity.

The Research So Far: Real Results from Real Skin

Bacteria therapy may sound futuristic, but it’s already showing real promise in clinical studies.

• A 2023 randomized trial published in JCI Insight found that children with moderate eczema who received topical Roseomonas mucosa therapy saw significant reductions in itching, steroid use, and flare frequency over 16 weeks.
• A study in Science Translational Medicine demonstrated that a single application of Staphylococcus hominis A9 (ShA9) reduced S. aureus colonization and eczema severity within days.
• The biotech firm BiomeRx is currently in Phase II trials for a live probiotic spray aimed at adult atopic dermatitis, showing excellent tolerance and promising early outcomes.

How Bacteria Therapy Is Being Delivered

While still emerging, bacteria therapy for eczema is now being developed in several delivery formats:

• Topical sprays: Easy to apply directly to flare-prone areas
• Moisturizer blends: Combine probiotics with ceramides or emollients
• Serum or patch formats: For localized or severe outbreaks
• Prebiotic skincare: Feeds good bacteria to enhance their growth

Some dermatology clinics even offer microbiome assessments, using skin swabs to customize therapy based on your unique microbial makeup.

Please note these treatments are still in clinical phases. Always consult your dermatologist before trying over-the-counter “probiotic skincare” not backed by clinical trials.

The Future: Personalized Microbiome Therapy

As bacteria therapy evolves, the next frontier lies in precision dermatology. That means:

• Analyzing your skin’s unique microbial composition
• Matching you with bacteria strains that restore balance
• Adjusting treatment over time as your microbiome shifts

Think of it as a probiotic prescription for your skin, tailored like a fingerprint. In time, this could replace long-term steroid use and dramatically reduce flare recurrence.

How to Support Your Microbiome Right Now

While prescription bacteria therapy may still be on the horizon for most, there are steps you can take now to nurture your microbiome and support future treatment success:

Avoid Antibacterial Soaps

These strip away good microbes. Use gentle, pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleansers.

Moisturize Twice Daily

Dry skin impairs microbial diversity. Choose non-comedogenic, microbiome-friendly moisturizers.

NellaDerm’s eczema-friendly moisturizers are formulated to support barrier health and reduce microbiome disruption.

Use Prebiotics Wisely

Look for skincare with prebiotic ingredients like inulin or oat extract—these feed beneficial bacteria and promote balance.

Limit Topical Antibiotic Overuse

Only use antibiotic ointments under medical supervision. Overuse can lead to resistant bacteria and microbiome damage.

Read more about the microbiome in our recent blog post.

Q&A: Bacteria Therapy and Eczema

Q1: Is bacteria therapy the same as probiotics?
Not exactly. Probiotics refer to live bacteria you ingest. Bacteria therapy for eczema involves topical application of specific skin-compatible strains designed to rebalance your microbiome.

Q2: Can I use yogurt or DIY probiotics on my skin?
No—these aren’t formulated for skin and could cause infections or irritation. Always use dermatology-approved products or participate in clinical studies under supervision.

Q3: When will bacteria therapy be widely available?
Many treatments are in Phase II or III trials, so broader availability could come within 1–3 years. Keep an eye on clinical updates and talk to your dermatologist about future options.

Final Thoughts

The relationship between bacteria therapy and eczema marks one of the most promising shifts in dermatology today. By moving from suppression to symbiosis, we’re entering a new era of healing—one that embraces the skin’s natural intelligence and empowers patients with long-term, side-effect-free solutions.

Until prescription therapies arrive, focus on protecting your skin microbiome with gentle, evidence-backed care. For barrier-supportive skincare designed with your microbiome in mind, visit NellaDerm.com and discover what your skin can do when it’s finally in balance.