Both active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure increase the risk of atopic dermatitis.[1] Smoking has the potential to disrupt the healthy functioning of the immune system, both aggravating pathogenic (potentially disease-causing) immune responses and impairing protective ones.[2] Prenatal exposure to smoking wasn’t associated with atopic dermatitis risk in general but has been in studies conducted in Asia.[3][1] The reason for this discrepancy is unknown.
How does smoking affect eczema?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Both active smoking and secondhand smoke increase the risk of atopic dermatitis by disrupting immune system functions. Although prenatal exposure to smoking is generally not associated with atopic dermatitis risk, some studies in Asia suggest otherwise, though the reason for this discrepancy is unclear.