A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has unveiled a concerning link between air pollution and an increased risk of developing psoriasis. The comprehensive analysis draws from data collected over a 12-year period from the U.K. Biobank, which includes 474,055 participants initially free of psoriasis.
The study highlights that exposure to air pollutants, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and particulate matter (PM10), correlates with a heightened risk of psoriasis. Notably, the risk of developing psoriasis surged by 41% for every interquartile range increase in PM2.5, and by 47% for PM10.
Individuals with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis faced over four times the risk of developing the condition when exposed to elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10 compared to those with both low genetic susceptibility and lower exposure levels. However, this genetic analysis was limited to White Europeans, who comprised 94% of the study’s participants.
Dr. Alexa Kimball, MD, MPH, a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the novel aspect of the study. “While the idea that pollution might trigger psoriasis has been suggested in previous research, this study uniquely demonstrates that pollution specifically heightens the risk in individuals with a genetic predisposition,” she explained.
Kimball noted that the exact mechanisms through which pollution may trigger psoriasis remain unclear, though possibilities include direct skin irritation or systemic inflammation resulting from lung exposure.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the rapid proliferation of skin cells, leading to thick, red, scaly patches that can be itchy and painful. The condition affects over 7 million adults in the United States.
Dr. Kimball recommended that individuals with a strong family history of psoriasis consider relocating to areas with lower pollution levels. According to a 2024 report by the American Lung Association, the most polluted regions include parts of California and Oregon, whereas Maine and Hawaii register among the lowest pollution levels.
In addition to environmental factors, other strategies to mitigate psoriasis risk include avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and skin injuries from tattoos and piercings, advised Dr. Angela Moore, MD, an associate professor at Texas Christian University’s Burnett School of Medicine, who has led numerous clinical trials on psoriasis treatments.
Moore also highlighted the association between certain medications, such as beta-blockers and lithium, and an increased risk of psoriasis.
Despite the study’s U.K.-based data, Moore affirmed its relevance to U.S. cases and domestic air pollution conditions. In a related commentary, experts pointed out that while there is growing evidence on the impact of air pollutants on inflammatory skin diseases, there is a lack of data to support specific clinical recommendations. They questioned whether topical moisturizers and protective clothing might mitigate or exacerbate the risk, emphasizing the need for further research.
As the understanding of air pollution’s role in psoriasis continues to evolve, the study underscores the importance of both environmental and lifestyle factors in managing and potentially preventing the condition.
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