As many as 85 percent of homes in the country have a hard water supply, which affects the health and quality of the skin severely. Additionally, air pollution and smoke in a place can not only cause dryness of the skin, but it can also be directly related to chronic conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema. Accordingly, here is a list of cities that individuals with skin diseases must avoid.

Worst cities to live in with atopic dermatitis and eczema

1. Tulsa, Oklahoma
The top on the list of worst cities to live in with atopic dermatitis and eczema is Tulsa, Oklahoma. As per the data by the National Cancer Institute, deaths caused due to skin cancer are found to be the highest in Tulsa, which is 4.1 deaths in every 100,000 people. During summer, the sun rays can be extremely strong till around 5 PM. This exposes the skin to several severe conditions, including skin cancer and atopic dermatitis.

2. Fort Worth, Texas
In the city of Fort Worth, Texas, tanning beds can be found in every nook and corner. Since the tanning industry has created its niche in the city, it has exposed people; and especially women, to the radiation from the beds. In fact, the tanning culture was such that a law had to be passed back in 2009 to stop minors aged under 16 from using tanning beds. Additionally, the summer sun can be intense, and the season is seemingly endless. Plus, the number of dermatologists per capita in Fort Worth is also significantly low. All of this makes the location one of the worst cities to live in with atopic dermatitis and eczema or any other skin condition.

3. Charlotte, North Carolina
Another city that can worsen your skin condition is Charlotte in North Carolina. It has high pollution levels and can have 26.2 days in the year with high ozone levels. Moreover, Charlotte was ranked the tenth worst city with ozone pollution in the country by the American Lung Association in 2010. The city’s geographic location can also have a part in this, as it is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains. Thus, on the hottest day of the year, the flow of air in the city is found missing. Besides its location, the coal plants and growing population can have a major role to play in the pollution levels.

4. San Diego, California
San Diego has the highest number of cases of melanoma in the country, which is 29.1 cases in every 100,000 people. The city is near the beach and has extremely warm days, increasing one’s exposure to the sun and leaching their skin of any moisture. Besides, the city enjoys humid weather throughout the year. The coastal climate does not lend itself to the skin’s health, as it is prone to sweating and clogging up, leading to acne and atopic dermatitis. Prolonged skin damage due to the sun can also lead to the skin becoming red and start peeling.