Topical cream containing live lactobacilli decreases malodor-producing bacteria and downregulates genes encoding PLP-dependent enzymes on the axillary skin microbiome of healthy adult Nigerians.

Background: Clinical data exist that support the utility of topical probiotics for certain dermatological diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis. However, there is paucity of data on the use of live lactobacilli to control axillary malodor. The objective of this study was to determine whether application of topical oil-based cream containing live Lactobacilli could decrease malodor-producing bacteria in the axilla of healthy subjects.