Mapping the relationship between atopic dermatitis and gut microbiota: a bibliometric analysis, 2014–2023

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting a significant portion of the population, with prevalence rates of 25% in children and 7–10% in adults. AD not only poses physical challenges but also profoundly impacts patients’ mental well-being and quality of life. The stability of gut microbiota is crucial for overall health and can influence AD progression by modulating immune function, skin barrier integrity, and neuroendocrine signaling, which may be an effective target for the prevention and treatment of AD. Thus, exploring the interactions between AD and gut microbiota, particularly in infants, can provide insights into potential preventive and therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore the correlation between AD and gut microbiota while providing an overview of current research trends and emerging areas of interest in this field.Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) for relevant publications from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2023. English-language articles and reviews were included. Two investigators independently screened the publications, and visual analysis was performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, and Microsoft Excel software.Results: A total of 804 articles were included, showing a significant increase in publications over the past decade. The United States, Wageningen University, and University Ulsan (represented by Hong SJ) had the highest number of published papers. Nutrients was the journal with the most publications, while the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology had the highest number of citations and centrality among co-cited journals.