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Wildfire smoke affects every aspect of health – even skin

Smoke fills the air as the mountainside burns on August 8, 2021 in Greenville, California.
Smoke fills the air as the mountainside burns on August 8, 2021 in Greenville, California.
Maranie R. Staab/Getty Images

California’s air quality has been extremely compromised this summer, particularly due to the Dixie and Caldor fires.

It’s been well-documented how smoke can affect respiratory function and other aspects of health. According to a new study out of UCSF, wildfires and subsequent air pollution can actually lead to skin irritation.


"Specifically we were interested in how air pollution can in a very short time, affect the skin," said Dr. Maria Wei with UCSF. According to Wei, the idea originated from one of her students, Raj Fadudu, who is studying dermatology.

"Overall in summer we found that short-term exposure to air pollution from a wildfire was associated with increased skin exacerbations from eczema and more generalized reactions of itch," said Fadudu.

To avoid symptoms, stay indoors, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants, and use an emollient, said Wei.