Time-Series Analysis of the Association Between Daily Outpatient Visits for Adult Atopic Dermatitis and Air Pollution in Beijing

Abstract: Background: Few studies have examined the potential impact of air pollutants on atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults. Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and the frequency of daily outpatient visits for AD in adults in Beijing. Methods: Data from Xiyuan Hospital were analyzed to assess the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and the frequency of daily outpatient visits for AD in adults in Beijing. Results: For individuals aged 41–60 years, a 10 μ g/m 3 increase in particulate matter (PM) 2.5 , PM 10 , nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and ozone (O 3 ) corresponded to a 0.3–2.9 increase, while a 10 mg/m 3 increase in carbon monoxide (CO) was associated with a 3.4 increase (odds ratio [OR] = 1.034; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.014–1.054). Among individuals aged ≥60 years, a positive association with all pollutants was observed, particularly CO, presenting the strongest link to outpatient visits on day 6 (OR = 1.024; 95% CI: 1.003–1.044). Adult female patients with AD exhibited heightened susceptibility to air pollution, as evidenced by the positive correlations between the concentrations of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 , CO, NO 2 , and O 3 and the frequency of female outpatient visits. Conclusion: These findings highlight the positive relationship between air pollution and outpatient visits in adult patients with AD.