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Air Pollution and Atopic Dermatitis, from Molecular Mechanisms to Population-Level Evidence: A Review

Author

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  • Raj P. Fadadu

    (Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
    Dermatology Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
    School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA)

  • Katrina Abuabara

    (Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
    School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA)

  • John R. Balmes

    (School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
    Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA)

  • Jon M. Hanifin

    (Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA)

  • Maria L. Wei

    (Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
    Dermatology Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA)

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased in prevalence to become the most common inflammatory skin condition globally, and geographic variation and migration studies suggest an important role for environmental triggers. Air pollution, especially due to industrialization and wildfires, may contribute to the development and exacerbation of AD. We provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of existing molecular and epidemiologic studies on the associations of air pollutants and AD symptoms, prevalence, incidence, severity, and clinic visits. Cell and animal studies demonstrated that air pollutants contribute to AD symptoms and disease by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, promoting oxidative stress, initiating a proinflammatory response, and disrupting the skin barrier function. Epidemiologic studies overall report that air pollution is associated with AD among both children and adults, though the results are not consistent among cross-sectional studies. Studies on healthcare use for AD found positive correlations between medical visits for AD and air pollutants. As the air quality worsens in many areas globally, it is important to recognize how this can increase the risk for AD, to be aware of the increased demand for AD-related medical care, and to understand how to counsel patients regarding their skin health. Further research is needed to develop treatments that prevent or mitigate air pollution-related AD symptoms.

Suggested Citation

  • Raj P. Fadadu & Katrina Abuabara & John R. Balmes & Jon M. Hanifin & Maria L. Wei, 2023. "Air Pollution and Atopic Dermatitis, from Molecular Mechanisms to Population-Level Evidence: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2526-:d:1052499
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ban Al-Sahab & Maria Atoui & Umayya Musharrafieh & Fares Zaitoun & Fuad Ramadan & Hala Tamim, 2008. "Epidemiology of eczema among Lebanese adolescents," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 53(5), pages 260-267, October.
    2. Qiao Li & Yingying Yang & Renjie Chen & Haidong Kan & Weimin Song & Jianguo Tan & Feng Xu & Jinhua Xu, 2016. "Ambient Air Pollution, Meteorological Factors and Outpatient Visits for Eczema in Shanghai, China: A Time-Series Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-10, November.
    3. Young-Min Kim & Jihyun Kim & Seoung-Chul Ha & Kangmo Ahn, 2021. "Effects of Exposure to Indoor Fine Particulate Matter on Atopic Dermatitis in Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-11, November.
    4. Ji-Young Lee & Dirga Kumar Lamichhane & Myeongjee Lee & Shinhee Ye & Jung-Hyun Kwon & Myung-Sook Park & Hwan-Cheol Kim & Jong-Han Leem & Yun-Chul Hong & Yangho Kim & Mina Ha & Eunhee Ha, 2018. "Preventive Effect of Residential Green Space on Infantile Atopic Dermatitis Associated with Prenatal Air Pollution Exposure," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, January.
    5. Le Thi Nhu Ngoc & Duckshin Park & Yongil Lee & Young-Chul Lee, 2017. "Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Skin Diseases Due to Particulate Matter," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-11, November.
    6. Raj P. Fadadu & John R. Balmes & Stephanie M. Holm, 2020. "Differences in the Estimation of Wildfire-Associated Air Pollution by Satellite Mapping of Smoke Plumes and Ground-Level Monitoring," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-9, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mandla Bhuda & Janine Wichmann & Joyce Shirinde, 2024. "Association between Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution Sources and Atopic Eczema among Preschool Children in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-14, March.

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