Short-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and psoriasis: A time-series analysis in Beijing, China

Front Public Health. 2022 Oct 13:10:1015197. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1015197. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) adversely affects human health and has been linked to a variety of skin disorders. However, little is known about the effects of PM2.5 on psoriasis.

Methods: The Beijing Medical Claim Data for Employees database recorded 500,266 outpatient visits for psoriasis during 2010-2017. A generalized additive quasi-Poisson model was used to examine the relationship between daily PM2.5 concentrations and outpatient visits for psoriasis with stratification by sex, age, and season.

Results: Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with outpatient visits for psoriasis-related health concerns. A same-day increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 concentrations was associated with a 0.29% (95% confidence interval: 0.26-0.32%) increase in daily outpatient visits for psoriasis. Female and older patients appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of PM2.5 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Short-term elevations in PM2.5 concentrations may be associated with exacerbations in psoriasis. Further work is warranted to confirm the findings and elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.

Keywords: air pollution; fine particulate matter; outpatient visits; psoriasis; time-series study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants* / adverse effects
  • Air Pollutants* / analysis
  • Air Pollution* / adverse effects
  • Air Pollution* / analysis
  • Beijing / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Particulate Matter / adverse effects
  • Particulate Matter / analysis
  • Psoriasis*

Substances

  • Particulate Matter
  • Air Pollutants