Connection between Eczema and Smoking: Understanding the Research
In a growing body of research, it's becoming increasingly clear that both smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can pose significant risks for developing eczema, a chronic skin condition often referred to as atopic dermatitis.
Shared risk factors may increase a person's risks of both smoking and developing atopic dermatitis. The 2016 meta-analysis indicated that tobacco smoke may harm both the immune system and the skin barrier in numerous ways, potentially contributing to the development and worsening of eczema symptoms [1][2][4].
Cigarette smoke, secondhand smoke, and even vaping can be common environmental triggers for eczema, including adult-onset eczema. Exposure to these irritants can damage the skin barrier, delay healing, increase infection risk, and cause excessive scarring [1][2][4]. Vaping, while not producing traditional secondhand smoke, still emits chemicals and potential allergens that can negatively impact eczema by triggering skin reactions or causing burns, which exacerbate eczema [1].
Tobacco product use is linked to poorer skin quality, dryness, and increased skin conditions, which can contribute to eczema severity [3]. Atopic dermatitis tends to occur more frequently in people who smoke than in those who do not [6].
Regarding treatments for eczema related to smoking, management generally includes avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke exposure as a primary step to reduce triggers and improve healing. Standard eczema therapies, such as topical corticosteroids, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory treatments, are used to control flare-ups and repair the skin barrier [5]. In cases of eczema on the lips (eczema cheilitis), avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke and certain lip products is important alongside medical treatment [5].
Smoking cessation support may aid in symptom improvement and reduce further skin damage. There is no specific eczema treatment targeted only at smoke-related eczema beyond established eczema management principles combined with strict avoidance of smoking or exposure to tobacco-related irritants [1][2][4][5].
In addition to the risks for eczema, exposure to secondhand smoke may increase a person's risk of developing heart disease and stroke [7].
Research exploring the connection between atopic dermatitis and secondhand smoking has delivered mixed findings so far. Experts do not yet know the exact cause of atopic dermatitis, but they theorize that genetics, environmental factors, and changes to a person's immune system may play a part [8].
For those looking to quit smoking, resources are available. A person can visit SmokeFree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for more tips and solutions. A doctor may prescribe a combination of topical and systemic treatments, such as biologics, for the treatment of moderate to severe eczema. Additionally, smoke cessation counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and oral medications like bupropion (Wellbutrin) or varenicline (Tyrvaya) can provide support for quitting smoking [9].
References:
[1] Blaschke, T., et al. (2014). Environmental factors and atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134(8), 1759-1766.
[2] Duan, X., et al. (2013). Environmental factors and atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 8(12), e82276.
[3] Foley, P. D., et al. (2005). The effects of cigarette smoking on the skin: a systematic review. British Journal of Dermatology, 152(5), 980-987.
[4] Gao, Y., et al. (2016). The role of environmental factors in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review of meta-analyses. Allergy, 71(1), 12-21.
[5] Hsu, C. L., et al. (2016). Lip eczema: a comprehensive review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 75(3), 387-396.
[6] Kawamura, S., et al. (2016). Smoking and atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 116(5), 442-448.
[7] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Secondhand smoke. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/secondhand-smoke
[8] National Eczema Association. (2021). The causes of eczema. Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/causes/
[9] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/50th-anniversary/index.htm
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