Buying an air purifier for eczema

When one thinks of the impact of air pollution, many health conditions may come to mind, but its impact on the skin may not be at the top of the list. However, studies show that air pollution not only has an impact on both its onset and its severity. What is eczema? What is the relationship between air pollution and eczema? Read on to learn more.

Understanding eczema and indoor air quality

What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as ‘atopic dermatitis’ or ‘atopic eczema’, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition caused by a compromised skin barrier, leading to loss of moisture and an ability to retain moisture in the skin. Although eczema afflicts both children and adults, it is more common in children, some of whom may grow out of the condition by the time they become adults. It is estimated that 223 million people globally suffer from eczema, 43 million of whom are infants or young children aged 1 to 4 years². An increasing number of elderly individuals are affected by eczema with one study estimating that 17% of cases of eczema are found in elderly individuals³. Individuals with eczema have overactive immune systems, making them sensitive to external factors and triggers that lead to both the onset and aggravation of eczema and similar health conditions.

There are six types of eczema, and it is possible to experience multiple types at the same time. The six types include:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Neurodermatitis
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis³

Common causes of eczema

Several of the most common triggers of eczema include:

• Your immune system – sensitivity to triggers like small irritants and allergens
• Genetic factors – having a history of eczema, allergies, asthma, and/or hay fever in the family puts you at higher risk of developing eczema yourself
• Environmental factors – exposure to air pollution, allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould), smoke, and/or harsh irritants found in cleaning products like soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, and fragrances
• Climate – low humidity environments and dry weather conditions
• Mental health – high levels of emotional stress, anxiety, and/or depression⁴

Symptoms of eczema

Typical symptoms of eczema are as follows:

• Redness and inflammation of the skin
• Itchiness and scratching
• Rashes and sensitive skin
• Severely dry or cracking skin
• Blisters
• Scaly patches
• Skin infections if it is left untreated¹

It may occur all over the body, but symptoms most commonly appear on the hands, neck, face, elbows, ankles, knees, and feet. The symptoms of eczema can be distressing to the sufferer, causing excessive itching and irritation.

Eczema and air pollution

As mentioned above, eczema onset and severity is often linked to environmental factors. Studies claim that not only is there evidence that air pollution is linked to an increased prevalence of skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis but that the this link is severely understudied and underreported⁵.

Source 6

Recent studies have shown a link between fine particle pollution, particularly PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO with an increased incidence of atopic dermatitis⁶. This may be due the diffusion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a major component of particulate matter (PM), causing an increased production level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, thus, higher oxidation in the stratum corneum⁷. Further studies are required to fully understand and confirm mechanistic pathways of PM and its effects on the skin.

Furthermore, exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially formaldehyde, causes more transepidermal water loss in children with eczema than children without, leading to an exacerbation of the condition⁸.

Heavy metals found in the airborne environment, like those emitted from industry and cigarette smoke, additionally increases the likelihood of developing and aggravating eczema. Specifically, exposure to nickel, cobalt, and chromium has been linked to a heightened prevalence and severity of adult eczema⁹.

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Benefits of using an air purifier for eczema

Reduction of airborne diseases

Filtering out common allergens like dust and dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores will remove common triggers that lead to eczema flare-ups. Air purifiers containing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-certified filters specialise in removing 99.97% of tiny air pollutant particles down to a size of 0.01 microns, significantly reducing their concentration in indoor air. Eliminating potent triggers like pollen and mould spores reduces skin irritation for people with eczema. During the seasons when allergens are prevalent, it is ideal to have clean indoor air free of irritants in order to achieve relief from eczema symptoms.

Improvement of indoor air quality

Removing harmful chemicals and toxins from indoor air is essential in improving your indoor air quality. Chemical pollution like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is released by everyday products including household cleaning agents, furniture, building materials, and other substances that irritate the skin and exacerbate eczema. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are effective at removing chemical pollutants from indoor air, leading to a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.

It is also important to ensure that indoor humidity levels are never too low as conditions that are too dry or too humid may trigger skin irritation and flare-ups in eczema sufferers.

Helps to improve sleep

Nighttime allergen exposure also aggravates eczema symptoms. Allergens disrupt sleep and contribute to overall discomfort and itchiness in those with eczema. An environment that has consistently cleaner indoor air helps reduce nighttime allergen exposure and skin irritation, and it helps improve sleep quality. The importance of a good night’s sleep should never be underestimated: it boosts the body’s healing processes and improves overall quality of life.

Additionally, the gentle whirring of an air purifier whilst you sleep has a white noise effect. Studies have shown that the use of a white noise machine is soothing, encouraging a calmer sleeping environment and higher quality, longer, more restful sleep.

Factors to consider when choosing an air purifier for eczema

Filter type(s)

When buying an air purifier for eczema, it is important to choose the best-adapted filters available. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-certified filters are considered to be the gold standard of air purification. Air purifiers offering HEPA filters are third-party tested to guarantee the removal of 99.97% of air pollutant particles down to 0.3 microns in a single pass. However, these filters are actually capable of filtering particles down to 0.01 microns. Read more about the 0.3 micron barrier here. HEPA filters are the filters that are most suited to trapping allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet hair and pet dander, mould and spores, and particulate matter that cause eczema flare-ups.

HEPA filters do have their limitations in that they are unable to remove chemical pollution from the air, compounds that may further irritate eczema. This is where activated carbon filters shine: they absorb gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and bad odours.

Devices containing the above technologies ensure comprehensive air purification, tackling both particulate pollutants and gaseous pollutants. Eoleaf devices take it a step further: our devices contain 8 different air purification technologies, providing you with the cleanest indoor air available and thoroughly combatting all three types of air pollution particles.

Room size compatibility

When purchasing an air purifier for eczema, it is important to consider the size of the room (the room’s dimensions) in which you plan to install your device. The effectiveness of an air purifier depends heavily upon being properly sized to your space or coverage area. Some air purifiers are designed for smaller spaces and others are best suited to larger rooms.

Additionally, when choosing the right air purifier for your needs, it is also essential to consider Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). This is a metric used by all air purifier manufacturers that allows customers to compare air filtration efficiency between devices of different brands. The higher the CADR, the more efficient the device.

Eoleaf offers three different models, each designed for spaces of the following sizes and offering the following CADR ratings:

• AEROPRO 40: 0 to 40 m2, CADR rating of up to 420 m3/hr (on maximum fan speed)
• AEROPRO 100: 0 to 80 m2, CADR rating of up to 570 m3/hr (on maximum fan speed)
• AEROPRO 150: 0 to 120 m2, CADR rating of up to 670 m3/hr (on maximum fan speed)

Noise level

Purchasing a quiet air purifier is a necessity. Quiet air purifiers allow you to sleep and/or focus without being disrupted by the sounds of your device. If you plan to install an air purifier in your bedroom or in an office, noise level is particularly important. If your device operates quietly at low decibel ratings, you do not have to worry about disrupted sleep or concentration.

More modern devices, like Eoelaf’s, come equipped with Night mode. This mode designed for nighttime use dims all indicator lights and keeps the device running at its lowest fan speed.

Ease of use and maintenance

The ideal air purifier should be both easy to use and easy to maintain. Maintenance requirements should be minimal for both your budget and peace of mind. All devices require filter replacements, but the frequency and cost of filter replacements will vary greatly depending upon your model. Some devices, particularly those with lower-quality filters, require changes every few months (this is common with Dyson devices, for example). These frequent filter changes quickly lead to an accumulation of operating costs and costs devoted to filter replacements.

Eoleaf devices come equipped with high quality filters that only require replacements once a year, reducing your long-term budget whilst maintaining your air purifier’s effectiveness. All of our filtration technologies (including our HEPA and activated carbon filters) are included in one filter block, making for straightforward, simple filter changes.

Smart features and additional benefits

Modern air purifiers contain smart features that facilitate your efforts to improve your indoor air quality. Some smart features may include air quality sensors, Automatic mode (your device automatically makes adjustments to fan speed when new pollutants are detected), remote control operation, smartphone app capability, gesture control, and voice commands. These features all enhance user experience all whilst maintaining a clean indoor environment. Eoleaf devices contain all of these things, making for a seamless, modern way to improve your indoor air quality.

Portability is another benefit of Eoleaf air purifiers. Our devices all come with either wheels or handles. Moving your device to different rooms depending upon the need has never been so easy.

Invest in Eoleaf devices for optimal indoor air

Eoleaf offers some of the most advanced devices on the market. We are unique in that our devices offer 8 different air purification technologies, compared to just one or two as seen in some of the air purifier market’s biggest brands (like Dyson or Philips). Our devices ensure the removal of all types of air pollution, keeping you, your loved ones, and your coworkers safe from the dangers of indoor air pollution. Feel free to reach out to our team or to refer to our in-depth Buying Guide for more information and to find the perfect device for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

What type of air purifier is best for eczema sufferers?

The symptoms experienced by eczema sufferers are often triggered by environmental factors, especially airborne allergens and fine particle pollution. An air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter (that removes particles of all sizes) and an activated carbon filter (that removes chemical pollution like VOCs) is recommended for easing eczema symptoms.

How do HEPA filters in air purifiers help with eczema?

HEPA-certified filters remove 99.97% of all air pollutants down to a size of 0.01 microns. Exposure to airborne allergens (like pollen, pet hair and dander, mould and spores, and dust) is a common trigger for both the onset and aggravation of eczema (as well as allergies and other respiratory diseases). Removing these particles from the air will help reduce eczema triggers and, thus, related symptoms.

Can air purifiers remove all allergens that trigger eczema?

If the triggering allergens are airborne, yes! However, not all air purifiers are able to do this. Only air purifiers with high-quality HEPA filters are third-party tested for their efficacy in removing particles of all sizes, including allergens.

How often should I replace the filters in my air purifier to maintain its effectiveness for eczema?

This answer depends upon the model of your air purifier. Some devices require filter replacements multiple times per year (every three or four months). These are usually filters of a lower quality. Eoleaf’s devices come equipped with high-quality filters that only require replacing once a year.

Are there air purifiers that also help with dry skin associated with eczema?

The dry skin associated with eczema is often caused by indoor environments that are either too dry or too humid. There are air purifiers that offer 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 air purification/humidifying capabilities, but buyer beware: the fibres in air purifier filters are highly sensitive to drastic changes in temperature and humidity. These devices are likely to damage an air purifier’s fibres, limiting the device’s ability to filter the air or making it completely unable to do so.

What is the best placement for an air purifier in a room to help with eczema?

In order to achieve the best air filtration results, air purifiers should always be placed in an area with optimal air flow. They should never be placed too close to furniture, shelving, or stuck in corners or closets. Read more about our placement suggestions here.

Can using an air purifier reduce the need for eczema medication?

The reduction of triggers may help to alleviate symptoms which may reduce the need for eczema medication used to treat eczema symptoms.

Can air purifiers help with eczema in children as well as adults?

Absolutely! Air purifiers are designed to help anyone and everyone who suffers from air pollution-caused or aggravated conditions like eczema, respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, and allergies. This is ideal for the most at-risk populations like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

Do air purifiers help with eczema flare-ups during specific seasons?

Yes! During seasons with high allergens (spring and fall, specifically), eczema sufferers experience more severe symptoms due to high trigger concentrations. Air purifiers make an excellent addition to eczema sufferers’ homes and workplaces year round, but they serve as an extra form of protection during high allergen seasons.

¹ NHS. (2023, November 13). NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/

² Global report on atopic dermatitis 2022. (n.d.). https://www.eczemacouncil.org/assets/docs/global-report-on-atopic-dermatitis-2022.pdf

³ McKenzie C, Silverberg JI. The prevalence and persistence of atopic dermatitis in urban United States children. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2019 Aug;123(2):173-178.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.05.014. Epub 2019 May 22. PMID: 31128232.

⁴ Eczema: What it is, symptoms, causes, types & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, October 25). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema

⁵ Lowe, M.E., Akhtari, F.S., Potter, T.A. et al. The skin is no barrier to mixtures: Air pollutant mixtures and reported psoriasis or eczema in the Personalized Environment and Genes Study (PEGS). J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 33, 474–481 (2023). doi:10.1038/s41370-022-00502-0

⁶ Kim J, Han Y, Ahn JH, Kim SW, Lee SI, Lee KH, Ahn K. Airborne formaldehyde causes skin barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol. 2016 Aug;175(2):357-63. doi: 10.1111/bjd.14357. Epub 2016 Feb 28. PMID: 27535603.

⁷ Lai A, Owens K, Patel S, Nicholas M. The Impact of Air Pollution on Atopic Dermatitis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2023 Aug;23(8):435-442. doi: 10.1007/s11882-023-01095-w. Epub 2023 May 26. PMID: 37233850; PMCID: PMC10214316.

⁸ Eberlein-König B, Przybilla B, Kühnl P, Pechak J, Gebefügi I, Kleinschmidt J, Ring J. Influence of airborne nitrogen dioxide or formaldehyde on parameters of skin function and cellular activation in patients with atopic eczema and control subjects. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1998 Jan;101(1 Pt 1):141-3. doi: 10.1016/S0091-6749(98)70212-X. PMID: 9449520.

⁹ Nakazawa S, Shimauchi T, Funakoshi A, Aoshima M, Phadungsaksawasdi P, Sakabe JI, Asakawa S, Hirasawa N, Ito T, Tokura Y. Suprabasin-null mice retain skin barrier function and show high contact hypersensitivity to nickel upon oral nickel loading. Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 3;10(1):14559. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-71536-3. PMID: 32884021; PMCID: PMC7471289.