Symptom Severity of Atopic Dermatitis and Indoor Exposure to Air Pollutants in a Child Day Care Center

PP-30-020 Background/Aims: The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of climate factors and indoor air quality on triggering symptoms in children with atopic dermatitis. Methods: The study subjects were 21 children (mean age of 4.8 ± 1.4 years) from a Public Child Day Care Center over a 7-month period beginning on May 2009. Each teacher recorded an atopic dermatitis diary, which consisted of scores on daily pruritus index, daily activity schedule, and 10 questions on indoor environmental characteristics. Daily pruritus index was scored using a 0–10 grading scale. We measured 24 hours daily indoor air quality; particulate matter (PM10), PM2.5, PM1.0, NO, NO2, NOx, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, xylene, styrene, and total VOCs). We have analyzed a correlation between environmental factors and symptom severity. Results: We found a strong correlation between pruritus index and temperature, humidity, PM10, NOx, toluene, and benzene. The children's pruritus index consistently negatively correlated with temperature and humidity increased (P < 0.05), but had a positive correlation with PM10 and PM2.5. Concentration of VOCs had a varying degree of positive correlation with symptom on each child. Conclusion: It is suggested that climate factors and indoor air pollutants play a significant role in triggering symptom of atopic dermatitis. Further studies are required to ascertain the relationship between atopic dermatitis severity and daily activity, and indoor environmental characteristics.