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Air Pollution Linked to Psoriasis: Millions at Risk

Pollution is making psoriasis worse for millions. Understanding this link is key to managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

In the foreground of the image, there is a man wearing coat and helmet is sitting on a motor bike....
In the foreground of the image, there is a man wearing coat and helmet is sitting on a motor bike. In the background, there is sand, net, traffic cone, few objects and the person's leg.

Air Pollution Linked to Psoriasis: Millions at Risk

Psoriasis, a common autoimmune skin condition, affects millions worldwide. While 42.98 million cases were diagnosed in 2021, estimates suggest the actual figure could be as high as 125 million. Air pollution, a significant global issue, is now linked to triggering and worsening psoriasis symptoms, as seen in the case of Babytai Suryavanshi from India.

Babytai Suryavanshi, a 76-year-old woman from Maharashtra, India, was diagnosed with psoriasis. Her condition was exacerbated by exposure to smoke from burning sugarcane residue and plastic seedling trays at her workplace, a sugarcane planting nursery near her home. Studies have shown that air pollution, which includes fine particulate matter and chemicals like nitrogen dioxide, can trigger or worsen psoriasis through immune dysregulation and oxidative damage. Psoriasis is characterized by thick, scaly patches that often appear on elbows, knees, and other areas. It's an autoimmune condition with a genetic component, but environmental factors like pollution also play a significant role. Alarmingly, around 99% of the world's population is exposed to air that doesn't meet WHO's air quality guidelines, highlighting the potential impact of pollution on psoriasis cases globally.

Babytai Suryavanshi's case underscores the link between air pollution and psoriasis. With 99% of the world's population exposed to poor air quality, understanding and addressing this connection is crucial for managing psoriasis symptoms and improving the quality of life for millions affected by the condition.

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