As the air quality in the national Capital keeps fluctuating from ‘severe to very poor and poor level’, hospitals in Delhi are flooded with patients complaining of skin related problems. Dermatologists at various hospitals said they are witnessing almost 30 per cent surge in skin related allergies, itching, rashes and premature ageing.
Dr VK Sharma Professor and Head of Department (HOD) of Dermatology (AIIMS) said that long exposure to pollution leads to early ageing of skin, pigmentation, skin irritation and other skin related problems.
"The number of patients with skin problems has gone up. It is proven by research that high level of PM 2.5 present in the air leads to inflammation of skin," he said, adding that due to high pollution level, patients experience skin allergy and aggravation.
Air quality in the national capital entered the very poor category again on Wednesday and is likely to turn severe over the next two days due to prevailing calm winds and increased incidents of farm fires.
"While our skin is meant to work as a protective layer and ward off environmental hazards, the current levels of pollution is way too much for it to endure, resulting in various skin problems and premature ageing," said Dr Ajaya Kashyap, Medical Director of KAS Medical Centre
He said that in last few days, we have seen 30 per cent increase in number of patients visiting here with skin related issues and also for anti-ageing treatments.
Explaining the link between pollution and premature ageing, Dr Kashyap said "Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidants, and inflammation are the major reasons behind skin damage and premature ageing.
"Unfortunately, pollution accelerates both these procedures, leading to breakouts, irritations, eczema, allergy, pigmentations and even wrinkles. The patients we are receiving, report black spots and fine lines coming up on their faces in a fortnight or so," he said.