New Study Links Air Pollution to Increased Risk of Late-Onset Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

The findings, published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, indicate that exposure to air pollution is linked to late-onset seborrhoeic dermatitis. This highlights the need for strategies to prevent environmental air pollution to reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Late-onset seborrhoeic dermatitis can significantly impact patients' quality of life. While research has established links between air pollution and various inflammatory skin conditions, the specific relationship between air pollution exposure and the incidence of late-onset seborrhoeic dermatitis has yet to be fully explored. In light of this gap, Chengcheng Zhang, Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, and colleagues sought to investigate the role of air pollution in developing late-onset seborrhoeic dermatitis.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a prospective cohort analysis using the UK Biobank database. They incorporated exposure data over several years for specific air pollutants, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5), between 2.5 and 10 μm (PM2.5–10), and ≤ 10 μm (PM10), as well as nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2, collectively referred to as NOx) and NO2. By creating a composite air pollution score based on these five pollutants and applying Cox proportional hazards models, the researchers examined the relationship between air pollution and the incidence of seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Key results from the research are as follows:

• The analysis of 193,995 participants revealed 3,363 cases of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
• Higher concentrations of specific pollutants, particularly in the upper quartile (Q4), were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing the condition.
• Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) showed hazard ratios of 1.11, 1.15, 1.22, and 1.15, respectively.
• The relationship between air pollution and the onset of seborrhoeic dermatitis was further strengthened by a positive correlation with increments in the air pollution score. Interestingly, this association was more pronounced in certain demographics, including younger men, individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, smokers, daily alcohol consumers, and those who engage in regular physical activity.

The study provides compelling evidence that air pollution is associated with late-onset seborrhoeic dermatitis development. Addressing environmental air quality is crucial for respiratory and cardiovascular health and also for preventing skin disorders.

"As cities continue to grow and pollution levels rise, prioritizing clean air initiatives becomes increasingly vital for public health," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Chen, P., Zhang, Y., Zhang, T., Li, J., Shen, M., Mao, R., & Zhang, C. (2024). Association of air pollution with incidence of late-onset seborrhoeic dermatitis: A prospective cohort study in UK Biobank. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 49(10), 1164-1170. https://doi.org/10.1093/ced/llae122