HomeHealth articlesatopic dermatitisWhat Is the Link Between Wildfire Air Pollution and Atopic Dermatitis?

Wildfire Air Pollution and Atopic Dermatitis - Effects, Impacts, and Treatment

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Symptoms of atopic dermatitis (dry, inflamed, and itchy skin) worsen on exposure to certain air pollutants. Read the article for further details.

Written by

Dr. Saranya. P

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Published At January 25, 2023
Reviewed AtJune 13, 2023

Introduction

Aging skin becomes less resistant to environmental stimuli, such as air pollution. In addition, aging alters skin barrier function, including changes in the acidity and moisture of the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin), transepidermal water loss (evaporation of moisture in the skin into the atmosphere), and cytokine-mediated inflammation. As a result, individuals 65 and older are more susceptible to skin exacerbations caused by wildfire pollution than younger adults.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, often known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition resulting from a defect in the skin barrier and an enhanced immune response to allergens, marked by itching and erythematous, scaly skin lesions.

How Air Pollution Affects the Skin?

The development of air pollution over time has had a significant impact on human skin. Since the skin is the body's outermost barrier, it is affected by various air pollutants, including UV (ultraviolet) radiation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, oxides, particulate matter, ozone, and cigarette smoke. Air pollutants harm the skin because they cause oxidative stress (an increase in oxidants, higher than the capacity of the antioxidant defense system, causing inflammation and improper skin cell functions). Although the human skin repels chemicals and physical air pollutants, repeated or prolonged exposure to these pollutants at high levels can seriously affect the skin.

What Are the Ill Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Air Pollutants?

Extended exposure to pollutants may cause a variety of skin conditions, including:

  • Skin growth.

  • Skin sensitivity.

  • Skin aging.

  • Dry skin.

  • Wrinkles, pigmentation, and fine lines are signs of rapid aging.

  • It also results in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis (scaly skin), rashes, and acne.

How Does Air Pollution Impacts Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis has risen in industrialized countries, and 15 to 20 percent of youngsters globally are affected. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, production of reactive oxygen species, and creation of a pro-inflammatory response are potential avenues by which air pollution may contribute to developing and worsening atopic dermatitis.

A study was conducted to identify the association between wildfire air pollution and atopic dermatitis.

  • In the study, researchers examined how the California campfire, which produced a notable short-term increase in air pollution in San Francisco, affected the usage of healthcare services for skin diseases. Exposure to wildfire smoke was linked to a significantly higher proportion of young kids visiting the doctor for itch and an increased rate of adults taking systemic immunosuppressive medicines to treat atopic dermatitis. Overall, the data showed that short-term exposure to increased air pollution was associated with both pediatric and adult patients' exacerbations of atopic dermatitis and itch symptoms, as indicated by healthcare use rates.

  • Pruritus is a significant sign of atopic dermatitis, yet most adult patients treated for itching after the campfire was not previously diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. It shows that patients without atopic dermatitis may be affected when exposed to air pollution. Alternatively, these people may have undiagnosed preclinical atopic dermatitis.

  • Furthermore, the study shows solid and positive correlations between air pollution and the number of systemic drugs for managing atopic dermatitis in adults. It indicates that patients with severe skin diseases were more likely to be affected by poor air quality or air pollution exposure made pre-existing atopic dermatitis more severe, necessitating the start of systemic therapy.

How to Protect the Skin From Air Pollution?

Some common ways to protect the skin from ail pollutants are as follows:

  • Moisturizer: Free radicals in the air caused by smog, dirt, and dust reduce the oxygen in skin cells, harming them. Additionally, the drying effects of chlorine from the tap water on the skin can cause the appearance of fine lines and creases. A quality moisturizer moisturizes the skin and fortifies it against pollution and free radicals.

  • Sunscreen: Pollution depletes the ozone layer, which worsens the skin's sensitivity to free radicals and UV radiation. Excessive UV exposure can result in skin cancer and wrinkles.

  • Supplements: Vitamin C and antioxidants repair skin damage by battling free radicals in the body.

How to Control Exacerbation of Atopic Dermatitis on Exposure to Wildfire Air Pollutants?

Clinicians advise patients to cover their skin with clothing and use emollients to improve their skin barrier to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation during brief periods of poor air quality. Some other ways to reduce inflammation and itching are as follows:

  • Moisturizer: Moisturize at least twice daily using creams, oils, sprays, ointments, or a mix of these items. The product used should be free of colors and scents.

  • Apply Anti-Itch Cream: Atopic dermatitis-related itching can be temporarily relieved with over-the-counter (OTC) Hydrocortisone cream.

  • Avoid Scratching: Instead of scratching your irritated skin try pressing on it.

  • Humidifier: Atopic dermatitis symptoms may worsen if the air at home or place of employment is dehydrated. A humidifier makes the air more humid and will benefit the condition.

  • Wear Casual Clothing: Wearing clothing that is too tight or scratchy can worsen itchy skin.

What Are the Other Treatment Methods to Control Atopic Dermatitis?

There are several ways to control the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and they are as follows.

  • Topical Steroids: Topical steroids like corticosteroid creams and ointments help heal the skin and decrease itching. They should be used as instructed because misuse might result in unfavorable side effects like thinning skin or pigment loss.

  • Oral Steroids: Prednisone or other oral corticosteroids may be prescribed by the doctor if the inflammation is severe to help control it. The medications are used temporarily due to possible adverse effects such as excessive blood sugar, decreased growth in children, and slower wound healing.

  • Wet Dressing: Wet dressing method require the use of steroid creams, followed by wet bandages. A clinician might administer this treatment in a hospital environment while experiencing a severe flare-up.

  • Dupilumab: People who have tried and failed to get relief from various forms of treatment for severe atopic dermatitis can now use a new FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved injectable drug.

Conclusion:

Atopic dermatitis is a long-lasting skin condition with several treatments available. Some studies suggest a link between worsening atopic dermatitis symptoms and exposure to wildfire air pollution. However, the exact mechanism for such exacerbations needs to be understood better and requires investigations furthermore.

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Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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