Increased air pollution could be a trigger for psoriasis flare-ups

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-02-17 14:15

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Flare-ups of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, could be triggered by an increase in air pollution according to an Italian study. The researchers used data from an Italian dermatology clinic, and measured the air pollution before patients attended the clinic for regular treatment compared to when they visited while having a psoriasis flare-up. The researchers say levels of all major air pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, other nitrogen oxides, benzene and coarse particulate matter) tended to be higher in the 60 days before patient visits where they were experiencing a flare-up, suggesting air pollution could be a trigger for the condition.