Harmful Pollutants That Trigger Eczema and Allergies
According to research, high levels of volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, in the air can cause allergies when they come into contact with your skin. The city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies can trigger skin inflammation and damage the skin’s protective layer. Let us talk more about these pollutants in this article.
Eczema
- Tobacco smoke
Did you know that tobacco smoke can increase the risk of eczema? Studies reveal that people who have been exposed to tobacco smoke tend to have skin inflammation conditions such as eczema. Tobacco smoke is one of the worst air pollutants to promote allergies and eczema in a person. If you are a smoker, quit smoking for your health and that of others living in the house with you. - Indoor pollution
Indoor pollution is caused due to several reasons such as paints, cleaning solutions, HVAC units, pet dander, burning stoves, and so on. Not many people know this but some home modeling projects can make childhood eczema worse. These pollutants trigger an inflammatory response to cause conditions like eczema. - Outdoor pollution
When you step outside your home, you are exposed to multiple city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies. Air contaminants like nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide are released from sources like dust, fire, volcanic eruptions, industrial waste from factories and automobiles among others. Researchers claim that when these pollutants come in contact with your skin, it can lead to an inflammatory reaction that causes eczema.
Allergies
- Smoke
The smoke emanated from the fireplace, or cigarettes can cause allergies inside and outside of your home. Forest fires and burning wood contain harmful toxins that can cause allergic reactions in people, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. To prevent an adverse allergic reaction from smoke indoors, you must ensure proper ventilation in your home, avoid using a wood-burning stove as a source of heat, and quit smoking inside the house. - Smog
Smog is a type of air pollutant that forms when a mix of gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, VOCs, nitrogen oxide, and ozone, react with sunlight. These particulates can also include dust, sand, pollen, and smoke. Pollution caused due to particulate matter can have serious health implications. However, it is particularly bad for people with allergies and asthma. Air pollution due to smog can make allergy symptoms worse. - Industrial pollutants
The rapid industrial development has increased the number of factories and vehicles on the road. As a result, the environment is laced with highly concentrated chemicals that trigger allergies and respiratory problems in people.
People who suffer from skin conditions and allergies can see their symptoms flare due to city pollutants. Therefore, take help from your doctor to make the necessary lifestyle changes to lead a healthy life.