Breathing Dirty Air Might Raise Eczema Risks

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 15, 2024.

By Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, Nov. 15, 2024 -- Cases of the autoimmune skin condition eczema appear to rise in areas most plagued by air pollution, new research shows.

Since data has long shown that rates of eczema -- clinically known as atopic dermatitis -- increase along with industrialization, dirty air might be a connecting link, according to the team from Yale University.

“Showing that individuals in the United States who are exposed to particulate matter [in air] are more likely to have eczema deepens our understanding of the important health implications of ambient air pollution," wrote researchers led by Yale School of Medicine investigator Gloria Chen.

Her team published its findings Nov. 13 in the journal PLOS ONE.

According to the National Eczema Association, over 31 million Americans have the skin disorder, "a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections."

The exact causes of eczema aren't clear, but it's thought to originate in an an overactive immune system that responds to certain environmental triggers.

Could air pollution be one of those triggers?

To find out, the Yale team looked at data on almost 287,000 Americans, about 12,700 of who (4.4%) had an eczema diagnosis.

They compared local eczema rates against levels of air pollution in zip codes across the United States.

Chen's team focused especially on what's known as "fine particulate matter" -- microscopic bits of pollution that can get deep into the lungs with each breath.

The result: With every increase of 10 micrograms of fine particulate matter per square meter of air that was recorded in a zip code, residents' odds for eczema doubled, the Yale group found.

That risk assessment held even after the researchers factored in other possible triggers, including smoking.

The study couldn't prove a cause and effect relationship, only associations. But the team pointed to similar findings from studies conducted in places as varied as Australia, Germany and Taiwan.

Besides playing a role in the development of eczema, "individuals [already diagnosed] with eczema may be at elevated risk for disease exacerbation or acute flares" when local air quality declines, the researchers wrote.

On very smoggy days, "patients may be advised to stay indoors, filter indoor air or cover exposed skin outdoors," Chen and colleagues added.

Sources

  • PLOS ONE, Nov. 14, 2024

    • Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

    Source: HealthDay

    Posted : 2024-11-16 06:00

    Read more

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

    Popular Keywords