If you live in a city or spend a lot of time outdoors, you’re no stranger to air pollution. We’re all aware of the toll pollution can take on our lungs and overall health, but did you know it could also be impacting your skin? For people living with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation, air pollution could be doing more harm than we realize.
Psoriasis flare-ups are triggered by a mix of genetics, immune responses, and environmental factors.1 But with air pollution on the rise, especially in urban areas, the question becomes: could the air we breathe actually be making psoriasis worse?
Learn about the connection between pollution, skin health, and possible psoriatic arthritis — and how our experienced psoriatic arthritis doctors can help.
Understanding Psoriasis Causes and Triggers
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick, scaly patches on the skin. While the exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, researchers believe that genetics may contribute to the likelihood of developing the abnormal skin cell growth and inflammation seen in psoriasis.
A genome-wide association study discovered that over 60 gene markers may be linked to psoriasis.2 However, more research is needed for cases where patients develop psoriasis without having a genetic predisposition and, on the flip side, for those who have a genetic predisposition but never develop psoriasis.1
Studies have also shown that psoriasis shares similarities with other autoimmune diseases, which suggests they may have common causes or triggers. Rapid inflammation caused by TNF-α, IL-23, and IL-17 proteins is now understood to be the main reason psoriasis develops.3
Although immune dysfunction and genetics are linked to psoriasis, researchers believe that environmental factors may trigger flare-ups — and understanding what exacerbates this condition is crucial for managing it effectively.
- Infections
- Stress
- Medications
- Weather conditions
- Lifestyle factors
- Air pollution
Can Air Pollution Make Psoriasis Worse?
The latest report from the American Lung Association shows that air pollution has reached its highest levels yet. Over 131 million people, which is about 39% of the US population, live in areas with unhealthy air pollution.4
Studies show that people living in polluted areas are more likely to develop skin problems, including psoriasis.5 A recent study published on JAMA Network shows that long-term exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) was associated with increased psoriasis risk.6
But it’s not just about what’s happening on the outside. Breathing polluted air can cause deeper issues within the body. Those suffering from psoriasis already have an overactive immune system; pollution can add more stress to your body, possibly exacerbating flare-ups.
How Air Pollution Might Be Linked to Skin Problems
Polluted air is filled with chemicals and particulate matter that penetrate the skin. These pollutants can trigger oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals (unstable molecules) and antioxidants in the body. Over time, oxidative stress can weaken the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.7
Does Genetic Susceptibility Play a Role in Psoriasis Triggered by Pollution?
Studies say yes. While air pollution can exacerbate symptoms, an individual’s genetic makeup can influence how bad the symptoms get. Those with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to experience severe flare-ups when exposed to high levels of pollution. Genetic factors determine how the immune system reacts to environmental triggers like pollution, meaning some people may be more susceptible to pollution-induced inflammation.6
Tips to Protect Your Skin From the Harmful Effects of Air Pollution
Protecting your skin from the effects of air pollution is especially important for people with psoriasis. Here are some tips to help safeguard your skin:
- Moisturize Regularly: Pollution can dry out your skin, making it more prone to irritation and damage. Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing daily, especially in colder months when the air is dry. Plus, a moisturizing cream or lotion forms a protective layer over your skin, preventing pollutants from penetrating the surface.
- Cleanse Your Skin: Regular cleansing helps remove pollution particles from the surface of your skin, preventing them from clogging pores and causing irritation.
- Wear Sunscreen: Harmful UV rays can amplify the damaging effects of pollution on your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from both pollution and UV damage.
- Invest in an Air Purifier: Indoor air can also be polluted. An air purifier in your home can help reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants, offering a cleaner environment for your skin to heal.
- Avoid High Pollution Areas When Possible: While it’s not always possible to avoid polluted areas, try to limit your exposure during peak pollution times, such as rush hour.
Worried About Psoriatic Arthritis Associated with Psoriasis? Contact ARBDA Now for Expert Advice
Are you concerned about how air pollution might be affecting your psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis? Have you noticed worsening symptoms recently? Don’t hesitate to contact New Jersey’s premiere psoriatic arthritis specialists at ARBDA.
With decades of experience helping patients with autoimmune conditions, our mission is to offer personalized care and expert guidance. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your symptoms, explore treatment options, and get professional advice on how to protect your skin!
1https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/causes
2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751129/
3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5904708/
4https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/sota-2024
5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7838324/