Some research indicates that atopic dermatitis occurs more often in people who smoke than in those who do not. In addition, the condition may be more common in those who experience repeated exposure to secondhand smoke.
[26]. Moreover, Kantor et al. reported that both active and passive smoking are linked to an increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis [27]. According to Jing et al., second-hand smoke exposure is an independent but modifiable risk factor for atopic dermatitis and hand eczema in teenagers [28].
Experts link active and passive smoke exposure to an increased risk of atopic dermatitis. Additionally, a 2020 study found that exposure to secondhand smoke is an independent but modifiable risk factor for atopic eczema and hand eczema in adolescents. Read more about eczema from our dedicated hub.
Smoking was also said to make eczema worse. A few people smoked occasionally on nights out but thought it would help their skin to avoid this. Gary once quit smoking to see if his eczema improved but found it made no difference.
Benefits to Your Skin After Quitting Smoking
While wrinkles that have developed may not disappear entirely, you will see an improvement in bad skin after quitting smoking after a short amount of time. In fact, your skin will begin to improve after a matter of days as collagen and elastin renew themselves.
Untreated eczema can lead to serious infections and complications. If eczema is left untreated, the condition “can place people at risk for serious infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus or MRSA and severe outbreaks of herpes or shingles,” Dr. Esparza said.
Observational studies have indicated a link between vitamin D status and eczema outcomes, including lower serum vitamin D levels associated with increased incidence and severity of eczema symptoms.
Skin damaged by tobacco smoke typically has a greyish, wasted appearance. Smokers in their 40s often have as many facial wrinkles as non-smokers in their 60s. Skin damage caused by smoking may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, but it is still happening and can start to be detected in one's 20s or 30s.
Overall, the result is that middle-aged smokers often have as many wrinkles as non-smokers who are 60 or older. It's estimated that smoking 30 cigarettes a day could make your skin age an extra 14 years by the time you hit 70.
While how quickly positive effects of quitting smoking can differ from person to person, many people will see their skin quickly improve once they kick the habit. Even better, many will realize dramatic improvements in tone and texture along with a reduction in lines, wrinkles, and unwanted sagging of the skin.
There is evidence in some individuals that seborrhoeic dermatitis is an immuno-allergic reaction induced by nicotine as hapten. Nicotine is present in passive smoking, botanic areas, some foods at very low levels, smokeless tobacco and chewing gums.
Try 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment (Cortizone 10, others). This is a product you can buy at a store without a prescription. Use it 1 to 2 times a day for a few days. Try cooling it in the refrigerator before applying.
Contact dermatitis is most commonly caused by irritants such as soaps and detergents, solvents or regular contact with water. Allergic contact dermatitis is less common and can be triggered by an allergic reaction to substances found in certain products, such as cosmetics, or some metals, including nickel.
If your skin is also sore and inflamed, a GP may prescribe a topical corticosteroid (a cream or ointment applied directly to your skin) that can quickly reduce the inflammation. When used as instructed by a pharmacist or doctor, corticosteroids are a safe and effective treatment for contact dermatitis.
FUNGI INVOLVED IN ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Not only bacteria, especially S. aureus, but also fungi may play an important role as aggravating factors in AD. The majority of studies in AD and fungi deal with the Malassezia yeasts, probably because these yeasts are the most important fungi in AD.
Remember the 3-minute rule. The moisturizer should go on before 3 minutes go by after coming out of the bath or shower.
The median age at death among the atopic eczema–exposed patients was 83.2 years.
If eczema is weeping, crusted, or there are pustules, with fever or malaise, secondary bacterial infection should be considered, and antibiotic treatment should be prescribed.