ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Esperienze Dermatologiche 2019 March;21(1):11-5

DOI: 10.23736/S1128-9155.19.00480-1

Copyright © 2019 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The use of lactobacilli as a new approach for pityriasis versicolor: a pilot study

Patrizia MALFA ¹ ✉, Marco FERRARI ², Angelo S. FERRARI ³, Vittorio MAZZARELLO ²

¹ Proge Farm Srl, Novara, Italy; ² Skinlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy; ³ Dermatology and Allergology Territorial Service ASP Crotone, Crotone, Italy

BACKGROUND: Skin microbiota is constituted by bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses that contribute, in a dynamic ecosystem, to physiology and immunity of the skin. Malassezia spp., a saprophyte lipophilic yeast, is one of resident microorganisms of normal microbiota skin. When Malassezia presence increases, different pathologies, such as pityriasis versicolor, can occur. Currently, pityriasis versicolor is treated with topical or oral antifungals, depending on the dissemination and the severity of disease. In the present pilot study, the effectiveness against Malassezia spp. of EuToplac®, a new topical formulation containing a patented mixture of specific probiotic strains, namely L. crispatus P 17631 and L. paracasei I 1688, and metal oxides, has been assessed.
METHODS: Ten patients (four males, six females; mean age 35.7±6.1 years), suffering from pityriasis versicolor, were treated with a topical probiotic ointment, applied on the skin, for seven consecutive evenings.
RESULTS: Results obtained after one week of treatment showed significantly amelioration of signs and symptoms of pityriasis versicolor in all patients (P<0.001). This new therapeutic approach for pityriasis versicolor seems to inhibit the Malassezia spp. overgrowth, by balancing the normal skin microbiota.
CONCLUSIONS: The treatment for seven consecutive days with EuToplac®, a new topical medical device containing a specific mixture of lactobacilli and modified metal oxides is effective, well tolerated and innovative approach for pityriasis versicolor.

KEY WORDS: Tinea versicolor; Malassezia; Microbiota; Probiotics