A new study conducted by researchers from Yale University School of Medicine in the United States revealed that people who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to develop eczema. The results of the study were published in Plus One magazine on November 13 and were written about by the Eurek Alert website.
Annoying itching and eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition that can lead to recurrent infections, poor quality of life and suffering if left untreated. People describe eczema as “an itchy rash,” and the hallmark of eczema is skin that is dry, itchy, and prone to infection.
Atopic dermatitis is a type of chronic skin infection that causes dryness and severe itching of the skin, and may appear as a red rash. This type of inflammation is common, especially among children, and may persist for some into adulthood. Symptoms include severe itching, dryness, and a red rash that often appears in the creases of the elbows, knees, neck, and face. Symptoms also include pimples and peeling.
Environmental factors play a role in the development of eczema, and eczema patients suffer from impaired skin barrier function, leading to increased water loss and sensitivity to environmental irritants and allergens. Common triggers for eczema flare-ups include exposure to irritants such as detergents, soaps, solvents, allergens such as pet dander, and certain foods.
Other factors that can worsen eczema symptoms include stress, changes in temperature and humidity, and infections. But what about pollution?
Air pollution may cause you eczema
The global prevalence of eczema has increased in the era of industrialization, suggesting a possible contribution from environmental factors. In the new study, the researchers used data from a research program of the US National Institutes of Health, which covers hundreds of thousands of adults in the United States. The current study included more than 280,000 people whose demographic, zip code and electronic health record data were available to researchers.
Overall, 12,695 participants (4.4%) were diagnosed with eczema. After demographics and smoking status were taken into account during the analysis, people with eczema were more likely to live in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter in the air. With every increase in fine particulate air pollution, people were more likely to develop eczema.
The authors conclude that increased air pollution may affect the risk of eczema, perhaps through its effects on the immune system.
“Showing that individuals in the United States who are exposed to pollutants are more likely to develop eczema deepens our understanding of the important health effects of ambient air pollution,” the authors add.