Secondhand smoke increases the risk of atopic dermatitis in adolescents – Jornal Estado de Minas

It is nothing new that cigarettes, in addition to causing a lot of harm to the smoker, also expose people nearby, due to so-called secondhand smoke, which can have respiratory and even cardiovascular consequences. But now, a recent study has shown that teenagers exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke at home face an increased risk of developing atopic dermatitis.

“Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and hereditary disease of unknown cause. The condition is linked to the development of lesions, itching and dry, red-looking skin, precisely because it causes inflammation. The disease requires special care to strictly control the condition”, explains Ana Maria Pellegrini, dermatologist member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and technical manager of the PELLE clinic. The problem is that external factors, such as secondhand smoke, can worsen the condition.

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The study was carried out in nine secondary schools in Kuwait, with 746 students. Household exposure to secondhand smoke increased the risk of atopic dermatitis by 29.6%. “The toxic substances in cigarettes can cause irritation and stimulate inflammation in the skin of these more predisposed patients”, explains Ana Maria.

Secondhand smoke and the development of asthma

According to the study, a significant proportion of the risk of atopic dermatitis is mediated by factors such as secondhand smoke and the development of asthma, which may also be linked to atopic dermatitis. “A household no-smoking rule emerges as a potential intervention to minimize exposure to secondhand smoke, reduce the development of asthma and atopic dermatitis, and discourage the initiation of smoking among adolescents,” suggests the dermatologist.

The doctor highlights that the study contributes valuable information about the complex relationship between home exposure to secondhand smoke and skin diseases among adolescents. “Dermatology physicians can leverage these findings to advocate for holistic interventions that address direct and mediated effects, promoting healthier environments for adolescents,” says the doctor.

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Ana Maria Pellegrini comments that patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis should see a dermatologist in order to start treatment, which aims to control itching and reduce skin inflammation, to prevent recurrences.

“The basis of the treatment is the use of moisturizers and oils for the good formation of the skin’s hydrolipidic layer, improving the natural protective barrier that the skin forms. This hydration should be used several times a day and this patient should avoid hot baths and excessive use of soaps and loofahs. Orally, the use of antihistamines can help control itching, but the medication must be prescribed by a doctor in order to avoid side effects”, warns the dermatologist.