How are symptoms of atopic dermatitis influenced by outdoor air pollution?

The big idea:

Outdoor air pollution specifically in the form of Particulate matter (PM10) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms. 

What the study asked:

How does outdoor pollution affect symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

What the study did:

• This study was conducted in Seoul, South Korea, with infants (35 month olds average). The parents recorded their child’s daily symptoms.

• The researchers collected daily outdoor air pollution data from monitoring stations near where the children lived, focusing on PM10, Benzene and VOCs levels. Analysis was done to determine whether higher pollution levels were followed by worse eczema symptoms. 

What the study found:

• When pollution levels (especially PM10 and certain VOCs) increased, eczema symptoms were more likely to worsen the next day.

• The effect was short-term, it was strongest within 1-2 days after exposure.

• The specific VOCs linked to worsening symptoms were benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and Xylene of which benzene showed the most consistent and significant association with worsening atopic dermatitis symptoms.

  • These VOCs are commonly produced by vehicle exhaust, gasoline evaporation and industrial emissions.

What this means for eczema:

Those with atopic dermatitis should monitor environmental pollutant levels if possible and take precautions to minimise effects of pollutants. For example, wearing full coverage clothing, taking regular showers, cleaning clothing that has been exposed to pollutants and investing in air purifiers at home.

Link to study: 

https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(13)00666-0/fulltext