Fine dust exposure raises psoriasis risk, large-scale study finds
A nationwide study of 8.4 million adults found that long-term exposure to fine dust elevated the risk and severity of the skin disease that affects 2 to 3 percent of the global population.
Lotte Tower is barely visible through the thick haze over Seoul's skyline as fine dust blankets the city on a poor air quality day on April 22.NEWS1
A large-scale study has found that fine dust not only affects the respiratory system but also increases the risk of developing and worsening psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease.
An analysis of data from about 8.4 million adults nationwide, using records from the National Health Insurance Service, showed that long-term exposure to particulate matter was associated with a higher risk of psoriasis, according to the Korea National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Wednesday.
The study is the largest of its kind conducted on an Asian population to examine the link between air pollution and psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting an estimated 2 to 3 percent of the global population. In addition to genetic factors, a range of environmental influences — including lifestyle, immune responses and air pollution — are known to contribute to the disease.
Fine dust has been identified as a factor that can damage the skin barrier and trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, potentially contributing to inflammatory skin disorders.
The analysis found that the risk of developing psoriasis increased by about 19 percent for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in annual average concentrations of PM2.5 fine particulate matter. For PM10 particulate matter, the risk rose by about 27 percent for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase.
Over an average follow-up period of 13.6 years, researchers identified 68,260 new cases of psoriasis.
Fine dust exposure was also found to affect people already living with the condition.
Researchers conducted an additional analysis of about 68,000 psoriasis patients to examine the relationship between short-term exposure to particulate matter and disease flare-ups.
Researchers used the need for more intensive treatment — such as medication, phototherapy or biologic therapies — as an indicator of worsening disease.
Fine dust blankets the Seoul skyline on April 21.YONHAP
The results showed that the risk of psoriasis increased by about 3 percent for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in daily average PM2.5 concentrations, and by about 1 percent for the same increase in PM10 levels.
The association between PM2.5 exposure and psoriasis was particularly significant among people under 60, urban residents, current or former smokers, recipients of medical aid and those with allergic conditions.
Researchers said the findings suggest that fine dust pollution may influence not only respiratory diseases but also the onset and progression of chronic skin disorders.
“This study suggests that reducing exposure to fine dust is important not only for respiratory health but also for the prevention and management of skin diseases,” said Kim Won-ho, the Director General at NIH’s Department of Chronic Disease Convergence Research.
“On days when fine dust concentrations are high, vulnerable groups such as people with psoriasis or allergic conditions should pay close attention to skin care by washing their face and moisturizing after going outdoors. They should also seek medical care if symptoms worsen.”
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
