From the Guidelines
Tobacco use has devastating effects on overall health, and its impact on the skin is no exception, as it can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and increase the risk of certain cancers. When considering the effects of tobacco on the skin, it is essential to prioritize the potential harm it can cause, particularly when applied directly to the skin or when handling tobacco leaves, as seen in cases of green tobacco sickness among farm workers 1. The chemicals in tobacco, including nicotine, can be absorbed through the skin, leading to nicotine poisoning and other adverse effects. Some of the key points to consider regarding tobacco's impact on the skin include:
- Skin irritation and allergic reactions due to the toxic chemicals present in tobacco
- Increased risk of certain cancers, as tobacco smoking is causally related to at least 16 types of cancer, according to the study published in Circulation 1
- Premature aging of the skin due to damage caused by tobacco's chemicals
- Impaired healing of wounds when tobacco is applied to broken skin It is crucial to avoid using tobacco as a folk remedy for skin conditions or insect bites, as there are no proven medical benefits to this practice, and instead, opt for evidence-based treatments, such as hydrocortisone cream or antibiotic ointments, under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Given the potential harm caused by tobacco, it is strongly advised to avoid direct contact with tobacco, especially on broken skin, and to seek medical attention if any adverse effects occur.
From the Research
Effects of Tobacco on the Skin
- Tobacco use, particularly smoking, has been associated with significant negative effects on the skin, including delayed wound healing, accelerated skin aging, and increased risk of skin cancer 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Nicotine, a key component of tobacco, has been shown to induce vasoconstriction and inhibit inflammation, but its overall effect on the skin is still unclear 3, 4.
- Smoking has been linked to various dermatologic conditions, including psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic dermatoses, alopecia, lupus erythematosus, and polymorphous light eruption 2, 4, 5.
- The effects of tobacco smoke on the skin can be distinguished from the effects of pure nicotine, with nicotine having potential therapeutic effects on certain skin diseases 4.
- Quitting smoking can help improve skin health and reduce the risk of smoking-related skin problems 6, 5.
Mechanisms of Tobacco's Effects on the Skin
- Nicotinic receptors are expressed in the skin, on keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and blood vessels, and nicotine can bind to these receptors to produce its effects 3, 4.
- Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can increase the risk of developing chronic disorders, cancer, and premature death 6, 5.
- Nicotine can affect dermatological diseases by inhibiting inflammation and delaying wound healing, but its role in skin diseases remains unclear 3, 4.