New Year’s Eve Smog: Air Pollutants Link to Eczema

As a norm, we welcome the new year with the brightest, loudest explosion. With this scenic beauty in the sky, its chilling remnants remain below, mingling with the spectators. These fireworks not only produce beautiful lights but also a thick cloud of smoke that pollutes the air and sticks to your skin.

The Lurking Skin Irritant on Polluted Air

It is common knowledge that air pollution has a significant effect on our respiratory system. What most people don't know is that it is also linked to eczema and overall skin health. The smoke produced during this majestic show carries a lot of PM 2.5 that may have allergens or cause dryness, which causes a cascading effect on your skin.

PM 2.5 and Its Link to Eczema

PM 2.5 is a simplified term for micro particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. To put that into perspective, it is at least 40 times smaller than sand. Commonly emitted from cars and industrial sites, this particle mainly consisted of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, elemental carbon, organic carbon, silicon, sodium ion, and some metal compounds, depending on the source. A recent study found a link between high levels of exposure to these particles in the air and eczema.

After adjusting for other factors that could influence eczema risk, the researchers found a clear pattern: people exposed to higher levels of PM 2.5 were more likely to have eczema. Those with the condition had consistently higher-than-average PM 2.5 exposure compared to individuals without eczema.

Other existing research supported this claim. Its size might be a factor as it can easily penetrate deep into the skin, disrupt the skin barrier, and trigger inflammation. It also interacts with receptors involved in the body’s immune response, setting off reactions that can worsen itching, redness, and swelling. Further study needs to be done to pinpoint the direct reason for the correlation, but it is evident that PM 2.5 has an undeniable link to eczema.

PM 2.5 on New Year's Eve and How to Protect Your Skin

A study was done in Albany, New York, which showed that the air pollutants after a fireworks show are ten times worse than those from cars in the area. PM 2.5 carried by smoke from a fireworks display might carry different kinds of metallic salt, as it is mainly used to produce bright colors. This might add up to the irritants carried by this micro particle.

So, should you still go to the fireworks display? According to Dr. Anna Fishbein, associate professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, “As far as triggering eczema, it is likely more particulate matter landing on the skin than breathing it in” We would not want to miss this once-in-a-year celebration, and all you need to do is wear protective clothing to avoid particles from getting to your skin. 

In choosing clothing for protection, you also need to consider the material used on the product, because the clothing might become the very trigger itself. Hypoallergenic clothing made from 100% organic cotton is your best bet, and Cottonique offers just that. A wide selection of hypoallergenic clothing that will protect you from outside and in.

Check us out TODAY and welcome the year worry-free from the sudden itch.