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Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports 8/2023

26-05-2023 | Atopic Dermatitis

The Impact of Air Pollution on Atopic Dermatitis

Authors: Austin Lai, Kelly Owens, Surya Patel, Matilda Nicholas

Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports | Issue 8/2023

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) remains a dermatological disease that imposes a significant burden on society. Air pollution has previously been linked to both the onset and severity of atopic dermatitis. As air pollution remains a critical environmental factor impacting human health, this review seeks to provide an overview of the relationship between different air pollutants and AD.

Recent Findings

AD can develop from multiple causes that can be broadly grouped into epidermal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Air pollution imposes significant health risks and includes a wide variety of pollutant types. AD has been linked to outdoor air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOC), gaseous compounds, and heavy metals. Exposure to indoor pollutants such as tobacco smoke and fungal molds has also been associated with an increased incidence of AD. While different pollutants impact distinct molecular pathways in the cell, they mostly converge on ROS product, DNA damage, and dysregulated T-cell activity and cytokine production.

Summary

The presented review suggests a strengthening tie between air pollution and AD. It points to opportunities for further studies to clarify, as well as potential therapeutic opportunities that leverage the mechanistic relationships between air pollution and AD.
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Metadata
Title
The Impact of Air Pollution on Atopic Dermatitis
Authors
Austin Lai
Kelly Owens
Surya Patel
Matilda Nicholas
Publication date
26-05-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports / Issue 8/2023
Print ISSN: 1529-7322
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6315
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-023-01095-w

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