Cigarette smoking is not a risk factor in atopic dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
In recent years several diseases have been shown to have a relationship with smoking. Psoriasis is largely a disease of smokers, whereas acne appears to be associated with not smoking.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty patients with atopic dermatitis were sent a postal questionnaire on smoking habits and the results were compared with those from matched controls in the local community.


RESULTS
One hundred and twenty-seven patients (85%) completed the questionnaire. There was no apparent difference in the prevalence of current smokers amongst atopic dermatitis patients compared with controls (odds ratio = 1.1, 95% confidence limits 0.65-1.86, P = 0.8).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no significant difference between the smoking prevalence of patients with atopic dermatitis and matched controls.
Mills
C M
CM
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff.
Srivastava
E D
ED
Harvey
I M
IM
Swift
G L
GL
Newcombe
R G
RG
Holt
P J
PJ
Rhodes
J
J
D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*