Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a skin condition that is chronic. It appears as red and itchy patches of skin. The condition is often accompanied by hay fever or asthmatic conditions. There may be periods when the condition gets better, but it keeps recurring. There is no cure for this skin condition though it can be managed.

The skin, of people with atopic dermatitis, is unable to protect itself from irritants, allergens, and bacteria. People with atopic dermatitis/eczema have to take extra care of their skin and the environment it is exposed to. Anything that causes the skin to be irritated or dry up can cause the condition to worsen. This includes environmental triggers such as the climate, ozone levels, and air pollution in the place you live in as well as the air quality indoors.

A city with high levels of pollution is naturally bad for your overall health. But for those with eczema or atopic dermatitis, the pollutants in the air can irritate the skin and cause the skin condition to worsen. A city with less strict smoking laws also has more irritants in the air. If the city has high ozone levels, it is an added problem for the skin. Extremely dry air is very hard on the skin that is prone to atopic dermatitis. Extreme temperatures and winds make the problem worse. High UV radiation adds to skin woes.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada
The city that is famous for its casinos and entertainment is however not so good for those with skin problems. Las Vegas is located in a desert that is over 2000 feet above sea level. The hot and dry climate makes it one of the worst cities to live in with atopic dermatitis and eczema. Statistics also show that the city has a high number of smokers, which is also a factor that worsens the air quality.

2. Phoenix, Arizona
The city of Phoenix has very harsh sunshine and higher UV radiation. It also has a very dry climate that makes for a difficult environment for those with skin problems. The city has a lifestyle that encourages outdoor activities that expose one to the harsh sun and dry air.

3. Los Angeles, California
This sunny city has a population that is aware of the importance of taking care of the skin. However, the city has the most number of high ozone days in the country. Further, the geography of the city places it in the middle of a circle of mountains that trap the city’s pollution. This unfortunately adds LA to the list of worst cities to live in with atopic dermatitis and eczema.

4. Charlotte, North Carolina
This city does not have a high number of pollutants. However, it is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian mountains. This traps air pollution in the city and causes high smog levels. Not surprisingly, it has very high pollution levels that are compounded by many high ozone days, making it one of the worst cities to live in with atopic dermatitis and eczema.