Eczema

Is Air Pollution Making Your Eczema Worse? What You Need to Know

Experts warn air pollution could be making your eczema worse, but there are simple ways you can help protect your skin.

This article was medically reviewed by Tiffany Clay-Ramsey, MD, FAAD.

Woman's hand, covered in eczema, against a dark screen, highlighted in a rainbow prism — (Darya Komarova/Getty Images)

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If you’ve been battling with dry, itchy skin, you might be dealing with atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema. It’s more than just a little dryness—this inflammatory skin condition results from a weakened skin barrier (the layer of oils that protect your skin’s surface.) When this barrier is compromised, environmental triggers like allergens and pollutants can easily penetrate the skin, causing discomfort and flare-ups.

So, what does this mean for those with eczema-prone skin? Well, the skin barrier is already a bit on the fragile side, making it more susceptible to eczema triggers.

But pollutants in the air, like ozone and fine particles, can make matters worse. The smallest of these particles, PM2.5s (tiny bits of soot), can even reach the deeper layers of your skin, setting off a chain reaction of irritation and inflammation.

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It’s not just about itchiness and dryness. Air pollution can lead to some serious skin issues, from dehydration and microbiome disruption to premature aging and even skin cancer. For those already dealing with conditions like acne, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, or, even, eczema, pollution can exacerbate it all.

Research backs this up. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollutants like benzene, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide can significantly ramp up eczema symptoms, especially in children.

Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to flexural eczema, a type that tends to show up in areas like the inner elbows and behind the knees.

And if you thought wildfires were only dangerous for your lungs, think again. Smoke from wildfires has been found to damage the skin barrier and trigger inflammatory responses, leading to eczema flare-ups.

Three cooling towers at power plant — (Bernhard Lang/Getty Images)

So, what can you do to protect your skin when the air quality is out of your control? Here are a few tips to keep eczema symptoms in check:

Regular cleansing can help soothe and hydrate your skin.
Take any medications your dermatologist has prescribed.
Look for fragrance-free skin products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Limit your outdoor time on days when air pollution is at its worst.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to shield your skin from pollutants.

Remember, managing eczema is all about being proactive. With the right care and precautions, you can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of air pollution.