Effects of diurnal temperature range on atopic dermatitis: Findings from a northwestern Chinese city with temperate continental climate

Abstract

BackgroundClimate change contributes to the increasing incidence of AD, diurnal temperature range (DTR) is a pivotal indicator for monitoring climate change, however, the effects of DTR on AD remains unknown in regions with a temperate continental climate. ObjectiveThis study aims to explore effects of DTR on AD in Lanzhou, China. MethodA Poisson generalized linear regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was used to analyze data. ResultsThe effect of DTR on AD outpatient visits is nonlinear and presents J-shaped. For every 1 °C increase in DTR, the risk of AD outpatient visits increased by 2.6% (95% CI: 0.2%, 5.2%) at lag 21 when DTR was 17 °C. Harmful effect of extremely high DTR is significant, it is observed on lag 9 days and lasted for 12 days. The maximum effect of extremely high DTR emerged on lag 0–21 days and the relative risk was 1.470 (95% CI: 1.119, 1.932). Females and children aged 0–14 years were vulnerable to extremely high DTR. ConclusionThe present study suggests that high DTR is a risk factor for AD outpatient visits and provides a theoretical basis and practical guidelines for the prevention of AD.