Going smokeless

There is a notable link between smoking and atopic dermatitis, with research suggesting that smoking can worsen the condition in several ways. Importantly, smoking introduces harmful chemicals and toxins into the body that increase systemic inflammation, whilst also reducing the skin barrier’s functionality, potentially leading to increased dryness, redness, itchiness, greater susceptibility to irritants, and more frequent flare-ups.

Smoking also slows down the skin’s ability to heal itself, so any skin damage from scratching or inflammation may take longer to recover, leading to prolonged irritation, discomfort, and the risk of secondary infections.

Why giving up smoking is a benefit

Smoking is illegal in the UK for anyone under the age of 18

Having a cigarette can sometimes feel like a quick and useful way of relieving stress, but it may help to remind yourself that quite a lot of this response is actually caused by the addictive nature of smoking. Stopping smoking may help to lower stress in the long-term.

Many people talk about the self-reinforcing cycle linking stress and atopic dermatitis, but smoking may make this worse. Smoking introduces harmful chemicals and toxins into the body that increase systemic inflammation. Since atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition, smoking can exacerbate the inflammation, worsening symptoms like redness, itching, and skin irritation.

Stopping smoking can reduce inflammation and is also a great thing to do to improve your skin health (in addition to all the health benefits you will know about already such as reducing the likelihood of developing heart disease and many cancers).

Never give up on giving up smoking! The more you try, the better your chances.

After smoking a cigarette our bodies can go into withdrawal from the nicotine it contains, causing us to feel physically stressed. As a result, when we have the next cigarette, we experience temporary relief… until, of course, we feel like we need that next cigarette...

If you have been using cigarettes in this way, you may want to look at one of the many healthy ways to reduce or cope with stress.

Expect and plan for a LAPSE (= a temporary slip)
Avoid a RELAPSE (= a return to smoking)
Remember a lapse doesn't have to lead to a relapse

For more information about cutting back, or stopping smoking visit the NHS better health quit smoking website where you can also find your local support service. Quit smoking - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Information on e-cigarettes (vaping)

The use of e-cigarettes (vaping) is likely to be less harmful than smoking, however there is not yet enough evidence to know whether there are long-term harms from e-cigarette use. There is also currently no scientific information about the effects that vaping may have on atopic dermatitis.

However, e-cigarettes contain various chemicals, including nicotine, flavouring agents, and propylene glycol, which can act as skin irritants or allergens. Any smoking is likely to be harmful, so you should consider permanently stopping smoking of any kind.

Consult your healthcare professional for advice on how to stop smoking.