Research Article
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Skin microbiome manipulation via activated charcoal strips for relieving erythema among dogs with cutaneous disease phenotypes of different origins

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 3, 176 - 180, 31.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.51753/flsrt.1721171

Abstract

Several bacteria could selectively use substrates among a combination of different carbon sources. Activated carbons exhibit a position for essential medicines and are involved in battling gastrointestinal and dermatological issues by removing toxins from the skin. Herein, in this research, we hypothesized that activated carbon nose pore strips could have helped diminish erythema scores, which is a concern for owners at initial dermatological referral. For this purpose, 116 pure or cross-bred owned dogs, from several different breeds, age and of both sexes, were deemed available for enrollment in 3 different groups. For a tentative diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (n=57, group I), cutaneous adverse food reaction (n=40, group II) and demodicosis (n=19, group III); epidermal corneometric analytes (skin pH and hydration), in vitro Ig E detection, dermatoscopy, bioresonance, breath nitric oxide test (low grade systemic inflammation), skin cytology along with visual analogue scale erythema severity score were deemed available. Erythema scoring was graded as 0 to 3. Skin microbiome manipulation by use of Activated charcoal (A-ch) nose strips was based on previously defined methodology by the same researcher group. A-ch Nose Pore Strips were placed onto the lesional skin, moistened, for at least 10 minutes. This allowed probable withdrawal of pathogens (removal), which were then A-ch strips removed. Day 10 measurements for the Visual analogue scale erythema severity score (VAS-ESS) revealed a difference between group II and others (p<0.001). Moreover, intra-group comparison exhibited significant decreases (p<0.001) were validated for groups 1, 2, and 3 between day 0 and 10 values. Mean VAS-ESS were 2.88 vs. 1.05, 2.62 vs. 1.20, and 2.58 vs. 0.95, before and after treatment for groups I, II, and III, respectively.

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Aydın Adnan Menderes University Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee (Approval No:64583101/2023/165; Date:21 December 2023).

References

  • Akhmetova, A., Saliev, T., Allan, I. U., Illsley, M. J., Nurgozhin, T., & Mikhalovsky, S. (2016). A comprehensive review of topical odor-controlling treatment options for chronic wounds. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 43, 598-609.
  • Boxberger, M., Cenizo, V., Cassir, N., & La Scola, B. (2021). Challenges in exploring and manipulating the human skin microbiome. Microbiome, 9, 125.
  • Burchacka, E., Łukaszewicz, M., & Kułażyński, M. (2019). Determination of mechanisms of action of active carbons as a feed additive. Bioorganic Chemistry, 93, 102804.
  • Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16, 143-155.
  • Callewaert, C. (2025). Skin microbiome manipulations. In A. Lauerma, N. Fyhrquist, H. I. Maibach, & B. Homey (Eds.), The Skin Microbiome Manual (Chap. 15, pp. 257-273). Springer.
  • Callewaert, C., Knödlseder, N., Karoglan, A., Güell, M., & Paetzold, B. (2021). Skin microbiome transplantation and manipulation: Current state of the art. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, 19, 624-631.
  • Chew, S. C., & Yang, L. (2016). Biofilms. In B. Caballero, P. M. Finglas & F. Toldrá (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Food and Health (pp. 407-415). Academic Press.
  • Chu, G. M., Jung, C. K., Kim, H. Y., Ha, J. H., Kim, J. H., Jung, M. S., Lee, S. J., Song, Y., Ibrahim, R. S. H., Cho, J. H., Lee, S. S., & Song, Y. M. (2013). Effects of bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar as antibiotic alternatives on growth performance, immune responses and fecal microflora population in fattening pigs. Animal Science Journal, 84(2), 113-120.
  • Cugmas, B., & Olivry, T. (2021). Evaluation of skin erythema severity by dermatoscopy in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology, 32(2), 183-e46.
  • Dalvi, R. R., & Ademoyero, A. A. (1984). Toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 in chickens given feed contaminated with Aspergillus flavus and reduction of the toxicity by activated charcoal and some chemical agents. Avian Diseases, 28(1), 61-69.
  • Dalvi, R. R., & McGowan, C. (1984). Experimental induction of chronic aflatoxicosis in chickens by purified aflatoxin B1 and its reversal by activated charcoal, phenobarbital, and reduced glutathione. Poultry Science, 63(3), 485-491.
  • Derlet, R. W., & Albertson, T. E. (1986). Activated charcoal - past, present and future. Western Journal of Medicine, 145, 493-496.
  • Dewi, D. A. R., Perdiyana, A., Wiliantari, N. M., Nadhira, F., Arkania, N., Salsabila, C. A., Allun, C. V., Allatib, A., & Dewantara, K. (2023). Managing the skin microbiome as a new bacteriotherapy for inflammatory atopic dermatitis. Cureus, 15(11), e48803.
  • Grice, E. A., Kong, H. H., Conlan, S., Deming, C. B., Davis, J., Young, A. C., NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Bouffard, G. G., Blakesley, R. W., Murray, P. R., Green, E. D., Turner, M. L., & Segre, J. A. (2009). Topographical and temporal diversity of the human skin microbiome. Science, 324(5931), 1190-1192.
  • Ito, Y., & Amagai, M. (2022). Controlling skin microbiome as a new bacteriotherapy for inflammatory skin diseases. Inflammation and Regeneration, 42(1), 26.
  • Karonidis, A., Delikonstantinou, I., & Tsoutsos, D. (2011). Use of Actisorb dressings over a skin-grafted infected wound. Burns, 37, 360-361.
  • Krasaekoopt, W., Bhandari, B., & Deeth, H. (2004). The influence of coating materials on some properties of alginate beads and survivability of microencapsulated probiotic bacteria. International Dairy Journal, 14(8), 737-743.
  • Lee, M. G., Joeng, H., Shin, J., Kim, S., Lee, C., Song, Y., Lee, B. H., Park, H. G., Lee, T. H., Jiang, H. H., Han, Y. S., Lee, B. G., Lee, H. J., Park, M. J., Jun, Y. J., & Park, Y. S. (2022). Potential probiotic properties of exopolysaccharide-producing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei EPS DA-BACS and prebiotic activity of its exopolysaccharide. Microorganisms, 10(12), 2431.
  • Paredes-Doig, A. L., Pinedo-Flores, A., Aylas-Orejón, J., Obregón-Valencia, D., & Sun Kou, M. R. (2020). The interaction of metallic ions onto activated carbon surface using computational chemistry software. Adsorption Science and Technology, 38, 191-204.
  • Pederson, J. A., Matter, B. J., Czerwinski, A. W., & Llach, F. (1980). Relief of idiopathic generalized pruritus in dialysis patients treated with activated oral charcoal. Annals of Internal Medicine, 93, 446-448.
  • Rivera‐Utrilla, J., Bautista‐Toledo, I., Ferro‐García, M. A., & Moreno‐Castilla, C. (2001). Activated carbon surface modifications by adsorption of bacteria and their effect on aqueous lead adsorption. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 76(12), 1209-1215.
  • Salminen, H., & Weiss, J. (2014). Electrostatic adsorption and stability of whey protein-pectin complexes on emulsion interfaces. Food Hydrocolloids, 35, 410-419.
  • Sanchez, N., Fayne, R., & Burroway, B. (2020). Charcoal: An ancient material with a new face. Clinics in Dermatology, 38(2), 262-264.
  • Sands, D. C., McIntyre, J. L., & Walton, G. S. (1976). Use of activated charcoal for the removal of patulin from cider. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 32(3), 388-391.
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., & Erdoğan, S. (2022). Heterologue skin microbiota transplantation for treatment of sarcoptic mange in two dogs with zoonotic transmission. Bozok Veterinary Sciences, 3(2), 52-56.
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., & Erdoğan, S. (2023). Skin microbiota transplantation by Nivea Refining Clear-Up Strips could reverse erythema scores in dogs with atopic dermatitis: Novel strategy for skin microbiome manipulation. Türkiye Klinikleri Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 14(1), 11-17.
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., & Erdoğan, S. (2024a). Ctrl-X, Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V in veterinary dermatology: Skin microbiota transplantation as a promising approach for dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions. Analecta Veterinaria, 44, e080, 1-13.
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., Erdoğan, S., & Balıkçı, C. (2024b). Lesionally enriched skin microbiota transplantation by activated charcoal nose pore strips for ‘treat to target’ in canine pyoderma. Archives of Veterinary Science, 29(3).
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., Erdoğan, S., & Balıkçı, C. (2025). Heterologue skin microbiota transplantation in dogs with primary and secondary dermatoses: Large prospective cohort study. Journal of Health Sciences Institute, 10(2), 148-157.

Skin microbiome manipulation via activated charcoal strips for relieving erythema among dogs with cutaneous disease phenotypes of different origins

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 3, 176 - 180, 31.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.51753/flsrt.1721171

Abstract

Several bacteria could selectively use substrates among a combination of different carbon sources. Activated carbons exhibit a position for essential medicines and are involved in battling gastrointestinal and dermatological issues by removing toxins from the skin. Herein, in this research, we hypothesized that activated carbon nose pore strips could have helped diminish erythema scores, which is a concern for owners at initial dermatological referral. For this purpose, 116 pure or cross-bred owned dogs, from several different breeds, age and of both sexes, were deemed available for enrollment in 3 different groups. For a tentative diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (n=57, group I), cutaneous adverse food reaction (n=40, group II) and demodicosis (n=19, group III); epidermal corneometric analytes (skin pH and hydration), in vitro Ig E detection, dermatoscopy, bioresonance, breath nitric oxide test (low grade systemic inflammation), skin cytology along with visual analogue scale erythema severity score were deemed available. Erythema scoring was graded as 0 to 3. Skin microbiome manipulation by use of Activated charcoal (A-ch) nose strips was based on previously defined methodology by the same researcher group. A-ch Nose Pore Strips were placed onto the lesional skin, moistened, for at least 10 minutes. This allowed probable withdrawal of pathogens (removal), which were then A-ch strips removed. Day 10 measurements for the Visual analogue scale erythema severity score (VAS-ESS) revealed a difference between group II and others (p<0.001). Moreover, intra-group comparison exhibited significant decreases (p<0.001) were validated for groups 1, 2, and 3 between day 0 and 10 values. Mean VAS-ESS were 2.88 vs. 1.05, 2.62 vs. 1.20, and 2.58 vs. 0.95, before and after treatment for groups I, II, and III, respectively.

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Aydın Adnan Menderes University Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee (Approval No:64583101/2023/165; Date:21 December 2023).

References

  • Akhmetova, A., Saliev, T., Allan, I. U., Illsley, M. J., Nurgozhin, T., & Mikhalovsky, S. (2016). A comprehensive review of topical odor-controlling treatment options for chronic wounds. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 43, 598-609.
  • Boxberger, M., Cenizo, V., Cassir, N., & La Scola, B. (2021). Challenges in exploring and manipulating the human skin microbiome. Microbiome, 9, 125.
  • Burchacka, E., Łukaszewicz, M., & Kułażyński, M. (2019). Determination of mechanisms of action of active carbons as a feed additive. Bioorganic Chemistry, 93, 102804.
  • Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16, 143-155.
  • Callewaert, C. (2025). Skin microbiome manipulations. In A. Lauerma, N. Fyhrquist, H. I. Maibach, & B. Homey (Eds.), The Skin Microbiome Manual (Chap. 15, pp. 257-273). Springer.
  • Callewaert, C., Knödlseder, N., Karoglan, A., Güell, M., & Paetzold, B. (2021). Skin microbiome transplantation and manipulation: Current state of the art. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, 19, 624-631.
  • Chew, S. C., & Yang, L. (2016). Biofilms. In B. Caballero, P. M. Finglas & F. Toldrá (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Food and Health (pp. 407-415). Academic Press.
  • Chu, G. M., Jung, C. K., Kim, H. Y., Ha, J. H., Kim, J. H., Jung, M. S., Lee, S. J., Song, Y., Ibrahim, R. S. H., Cho, J. H., Lee, S. S., & Song, Y. M. (2013). Effects of bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar as antibiotic alternatives on growth performance, immune responses and fecal microflora population in fattening pigs. Animal Science Journal, 84(2), 113-120.
  • Cugmas, B., & Olivry, T. (2021). Evaluation of skin erythema severity by dermatoscopy in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology, 32(2), 183-e46.
  • Dalvi, R. R., & Ademoyero, A. A. (1984). Toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 in chickens given feed contaminated with Aspergillus flavus and reduction of the toxicity by activated charcoal and some chemical agents. Avian Diseases, 28(1), 61-69.
  • Dalvi, R. R., & McGowan, C. (1984). Experimental induction of chronic aflatoxicosis in chickens by purified aflatoxin B1 and its reversal by activated charcoal, phenobarbital, and reduced glutathione. Poultry Science, 63(3), 485-491.
  • Derlet, R. W., & Albertson, T. E. (1986). Activated charcoal - past, present and future. Western Journal of Medicine, 145, 493-496.
  • Dewi, D. A. R., Perdiyana, A., Wiliantari, N. M., Nadhira, F., Arkania, N., Salsabila, C. A., Allun, C. V., Allatib, A., & Dewantara, K. (2023). Managing the skin microbiome as a new bacteriotherapy for inflammatory atopic dermatitis. Cureus, 15(11), e48803.
  • Grice, E. A., Kong, H. H., Conlan, S., Deming, C. B., Davis, J., Young, A. C., NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Bouffard, G. G., Blakesley, R. W., Murray, P. R., Green, E. D., Turner, M. L., & Segre, J. A. (2009). Topographical and temporal diversity of the human skin microbiome. Science, 324(5931), 1190-1192.
  • Ito, Y., & Amagai, M. (2022). Controlling skin microbiome as a new bacteriotherapy for inflammatory skin diseases. Inflammation and Regeneration, 42(1), 26.
  • Karonidis, A., Delikonstantinou, I., & Tsoutsos, D. (2011). Use of Actisorb dressings over a skin-grafted infected wound. Burns, 37, 360-361.
  • Krasaekoopt, W., Bhandari, B., & Deeth, H. (2004). The influence of coating materials on some properties of alginate beads and survivability of microencapsulated probiotic bacteria. International Dairy Journal, 14(8), 737-743.
  • Lee, M. G., Joeng, H., Shin, J., Kim, S., Lee, C., Song, Y., Lee, B. H., Park, H. G., Lee, T. H., Jiang, H. H., Han, Y. S., Lee, B. G., Lee, H. J., Park, M. J., Jun, Y. J., & Park, Y. S. (2022). Potential probiotic properties of exopolysaccharide-producing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei EPS DA-BACS and prebiotic activity of its exopolysaccharide. Microorganisms, 10(12), 2431.
  • Paredes-Doig, A. L., Pinedo-Flores, A., Aylas-Orejón, J., Obregón-Valencia, D., & Sun Kou, M. R. (2020). The interaction of metallic ions onto activated carbon surface using computational chemistry software. Adsorption Science and Technology, 38, 191-204.
  • Pederson, J. A., Matter, B. J., Czerwinski, A. W., & Llach, F. (1980). Relief of idiopathic generalized pruritus in dialysis patients treated with activated oral charcoal. Annals of Internal Medicine, 93, 446-448.
  • Rivera‐Utrilla, J., Bautista‐Toledo, I., Ferro‐García, M. A., & Moreno‐Castilla, C. (2001). Activated carbon surface modifications by adsorption of bacteria and their effect on aqueous lead adsorption. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 76(12), 1209-1215.
  • Salminen, H., & Weiss, J. (2014). Electrostatic adsorption and stability of whey protein-pectin complexes on emulsion interfaces. Food Hydrocolloids, 35, 410-419.
  • Sanchez, N., Fayne, R., & Burroway, B. (2020). Charcoal: An ancient material with a new face. Clinics in Dermatology, 38(2), 262-264.
  • Sands, D. C., McIntyre, J. L., & Walton, G. S. (1976). Use of activated charcoal for the removal of patulin from cider. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 32(3), 388-391.
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., & Erdoğan, S. (2022). Heterologue skin microbiota transplantation for treatment of sarcoptic mange in two dogs with zoonotic transmission. Bozok Veterinary Sciences, 3(2), 52-56.
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., & Erdoğan, S. (2023). Skin microbiota transplantation by Nivea Refining Clear-Up Strips could reverse erythema scores in dogs with atopic dermatitis: Novel strategy for skin microbiome manipulation. Türkiye Klinikleri Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 14(1), 11-17.
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., & Erdoğan, S. (2024a). Ctrl-X, Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V in veterinary dermatology: Skin microbiota transplantation as a promising approach for dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions. Analecta Veterinaria, 44, e080, 1-13.
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., Erdoğan, S., & Balıkçı, C. (2024b). Lesionally enriched skin microbiota transplantation by activated charcoal nose pore strips for ‘treat to target’ in canine pyoderma. Archives of Veterinary Science, 29(3).
  • Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., Erdoğan, S., & Balıkçı, C. (2025). Heterologue skin microbiota transplantation in dogs with primary and secondary dermatoses: Large prospective cohort study. Journal of Health Sciences Institute, 10(2), 148-157.
There are 29 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Cellular Interactions
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Kerem Ural 0000-0003-1867-7143

Hasan Erdoğan 0000-0001-5141-5108

Serdar Paşa 0000-0003-4957-9263

Songül Erdoğan 0000-0002-7833-5519

Submission Date June 17, 2025
Acceptance Date September 29, 2025
Publication Date December 31, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 6 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., Paşa, S., Erdoğan, S. (2025). Skin microbiome manipulation via activated charcoal strips for relieving erythema among dogs with cutaneous disease phenotypes of different origins. Frontiers in Life Sciences and Related Technologies, 6(3), 176-180. https://doi.org/10.51753/flsrt.1721171

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