AIR POLLUTION AND ATOPIC DERMATITIS: INSIGHTS INTO PATHOGENIC MECHANISMS AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent chronic, inf­lammatory skin condition that affects both the pediatric and adult populations, with a higher incidence in child­hood. AD pathogenesis is multifactorial, ranging from genetic susceptibility to environmental factors. Among the environmental factors, air pollution has emerged as a significant contributor to pathogenesis of AD. The key components of air pollution include particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and ground-level ozone (O3). Evidence shows that air pollutants contribute to the exacerbation of atopic diseases by amplifying al­lergic immune responses.

Most studies have demonstrated that air pollution ne­gatively affects the progression of AD. The key mecha­nisms of AD exacerbation, as derived from laboratory studies, highlight the roles of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species generation and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation. Given the observed variability in the prevalence of AD across different regions and between rural and urban settings, especially heavily industrialized ones, it is hypothesized that air pollution contributes to a predisposition for AD and other atopic diseases and exacerbates existing disease condition. However, evi­dence supporting this hypothesis remains inconsistent and warrants further investigation. Due to rising urba­nization and population density, further analysis of in­teraction between air pollution and allergies has signi­ficant implications for both clinical practice and public health strategies.