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Pollution-sore throats & skin allergies surge—It’s not just the weather

Pollutants desiccate the mucosa lining of the throat, thus giving a feeling of roughness and scratchiness. Long exposure can lead to weakened immunity, making the throat more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, which in turn can cause increased mucous production, resulting in postnasal drip and coughing.

Air pollutants—especially PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide and ozone—don’t just irritate the lungs; they directly impact the skin, the body's largest barrier organ.
Air pollutants—especially PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide and ozone—don’t just irritate the lungs; they directly impact the skin, the body's largest barrier organ.
| Updated on: Dec 01, 2025 | 01:21 PM

New Delhi: AS pollution levels rise across major cities, dermatologists are reporting a noticeable spike in skin allergies, rashes, and sensitivity, often accompanied by sore throats. While many people blame seasonal changes, experts say the real trigger is poor air quality, not the weather. Dr. Asma Akhlaq, Consultant - Dermatology, CK BIRLA HOSPITALS, Jaipur, spoke about how the weather, alone, is not to blame for a surge in skin allergies and sore throat episodes.

How Pollution Damages the Skin

Air pollutants—especially PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone—don’t just irritate the lungs; they directly impact the skin, the body's largest barrier organ. Dermatologists explain three major ways pollution harms skin:

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  • Barrier Disruption: Fine particulate matter penetrates deep into the epidermis, breaking down the skin’s protective lipid barrier. This results in dryness, rough texture, flakiness, and heightened sensitivity. People often mistake this for “winter dryness,” but it is actually pollution stripping the skin of essential moisture.
  • Inflammation & Allergic Reactions: Pollutants generate free radicals that trigger oxidative stress. This leads to inflammation, worsening conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria (hives). Dermatologists report an increase in patients presenting with sudden itching, redness, and unexplained rashes during high-AQI days.
  • Acne & Pigmentation Flare-Ups: Pollution mixes with sebum and sweat to clog pores, increasing blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne. Exposure to suspended particles also causes dullness, uneven tone, and post-inflammatory pigmentation—making breakouts last longer.

Why Sore Throats and Skin Allergies Occur Together

Polluted air irritates the throat and nasal passages, causing inflammation in the respiratory lining. This triggers an immune response that can also affect the skin. As the body fights pollutants, individuals become more prone to allergic dermatitis, itching, and flare-ups of pre-existing conditions. This is why many people notice both throat discomfort and skin symptoms during weeks when air quality dips.

Dermatologist-Approved Protection

  • Gentle cleansing: Use mild, sulphate-free cleansers to remove pollutants without stripping oils.
  • Barrier repair: Moisturisers with ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid help strengthen the skin.
  • Antioxidants: Vitamin C, Vitamin E and green-tea extract combat free radical damage.
  • Daily sunscreen: UV rays combined with pollution accelerate pigmentation and aging.
  • Indoor measures: HEPA air purifiers help reduce allergen and pollutant exposure.

When to Seek Help

Persistent itching, redness, rashes that worsen on polluted days, or sudden acne flare-ups warrant a dermatology consult. Early treatment prevents chronic inflammation and long-term skin damage.

Dr Amit Nahata, Senior Consultant - ENT & Otolaryngology, CK BIRLA HOSPITALS, Jaipur, said, "As it is a well-known fact that pollution is an ever-increasing menace in today's new era. One of the major causes of throat irritation is the presence of fine particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in air pollution. These pollutants inflame the mucous membrane, resulting in soreness, foreign body sensation, and pain during swallowing. Pollutant-induced throat irritation may start with the settling of tiny pollutants on the sensitive lining of the throat, which may cause physical irritation in the throat. These pollutants can trigger the body's immune system, taking them as foreign invaders, which leads to a cascade of inflammatory response leading to swelling and soreness."

Pollutants desiccate the mucosa lining of the throat, thus giving a feeling of roughness and scratchiness. Long exposure can lead to weakened immunity, making the throat more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, which in turn can cause increased mucous production, resulting in postnasal drip and coughing.

Symptoms that patients may present with:

  • Pain while swallowing.
  • Dry cough or hawking.
  • Hoarseness or vocal fatigue.
  • Red, inflamed throat.

Prevention measures

  • Monitor air quality and take steps to improve it.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Improve indoor air:
  • Take ample liquids
  • Gargling with salty lukewarm water 2-3 times/day.
  • Use humidifiers.
  • Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and spicy foods.
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