Association of Air Pollution with Incidence of Elderly-Onset Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Prospective Cohort Study in UK Biobank

Abstract Background Elderly-onset seborrheic dermatitis (SD) seriously affects the quality of life. However, associations between air pollution exposures and elderly-onset SD incidence have not been elucidated. Objectives Investigate air pollution's role in the incidence of elderly-onset SD. Methods We engaged a prospective cohort analysis utilizing the UK Biobank database. Exposure data for specific air pollutants (PM2.5, PM2.5-10, NOX, NO2, and PM10) spanning various years was incorporated. Through a composite air pollution score constructed from five pollutants and employing Cox proportional hazards models, the relationship between pollution and SD was delineated. Results Our examination of 193,995 participants identified 3,363 SD cases. Higher concentrations of specific pollutants, particularly in the upper quartile (Q4), were significantly linked to an elevated SD risk. Notably, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and NOX exhibited hazard ratios of 1.11, 1.15, 1.22, and 1.15, respectively. The correlation was further solidified with a positive association between air pollution score increments and SD onset. Intriguingly, this association was accentuated in certain demographics, including younger males, the socioeconomically deprived, smokers, daily alcohol consumers, and those engaging in regular physical activity. Conclusions Our findings revealed that air pollution exposures were associated with elderly-onset SD incidence. These results emphasize the importance of preventing environmental exposures to the risk of SD development.