Short Wave Itchy? Air Pollution May Be Making It Worse
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Jul 8, 2025 
Raj Fadadu, a resident physician in dermatology at UC San Diego, dives into the intriguing link between air pollution and eczema. He discusses how environmental factors, particularly wildfire smoke, can trigger and worsen this skin condition. Insights on prevention and effective treatments are shared, along with the impact of climate change on skin health. With up to ten percent of Americans affected, Fadadu sheds light on the importance of understanding these connections to manage symptoms better.
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Family Eczema and Environment
- Hannah's mother had severe eczema that visibly worsened in certain environments and improved when away from the home.
- Changes like removing carpets and curtains in their house helped manage her eczema symptoms.
Wildfire Smoke Triggers Eczema
- Short-term exposure to wildfire smoke increases the prevalence of eczema and itch quickly.
- Even brief exposure to air pollution significantly impacts skin disease sufferers.
Genetics and Environment in Eczema
- Genetic mutations affecting skin barriers raise eczema risk combined with early environmental exposures.
- Eczema often coexists with asthma and allergies, sharing underlying atopic traits.