In a nationwide Serbian survey of 1153 children aged 1-4 years, parent-reported atopic dermatitis (23.6%) was independently associated with cesarean delivery, post-term birth, and probiotic use in the previous 12 months, though the cross-sectional design means these associations should not be read as causal.
Parent-reported atopic dermatitis was present in 23.6% of children aged 1-4 years in Serbia.
Cesarean delivery was independently associated with higher odds of parent-reported AD.
Post-term birth was independently associated with higher odds of parent-reported AD.
Probiotic use during the previous 12 months was independently associated with higher odds of parent-reported AD.
Previous probiotic use was highly prevalent among children with AD, but only a minority used probiotics for skin-related purposes.
Parents of children with AD had slightly more favorable attitudes toward probiotics, mainly regarding their potential role in preventing AD.
The authors conclude that evidence-based parental information and guidance from healthcare professionals on probiotic use in pediatric AD are important.
This study surveyed parents of 1153 children aged 1-4 years across Serbia about eczema (atopic dermatitis), early-life factors, and probiotic use. About 1 in 4 children (23.6%) had parent-reported eczema. Children born by cesarean section or born post-term, and those who had taken probiotics in the past year, were more likely to have eczema reported. The link with probiotics does not mean probiotics cause eczema. Because the survey captured a single point in time, it is possible that parents of children who already had eczema were more likely to give probiotics in hopes of helping. Eczema was also reported by parents, not confirmed by a doctor. Among children with eczema, probiotic use was common, but only about a third received them specifically for skin problems. Parents of children with eczema were slightly more positive about probiotics, mostly regarding preventing eczema. This research suggests that parents may be using probiotics in ways not clearly tied to skin health, and that clear, evidence-based guidance from healthcare professionals could help families make informed decisions.
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Upload Your LabsĐanić M, Marković N, Ostojić T, Stanimirov B, Milanović B, Vukmirović S, et al.. (2026). Atopic Dermatitis and Probiotic Use in Children Aged 1-4 Years: Findings from a Nationwide Survey in Serbia.. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland). https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14060647