{
  "id": 9647261,
  "title": "Haze doesn’t just hurt your lungs: Experts warn of hidden damage to skin, scalp and eyes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/haze-doesnt-just-hurt-your-lungs-experts-warn-of-hidden-damage-to-9647261",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-24T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/25/newsmalaysia20260922haze-doesnt-just-hurt-your-lungs-experts-warn-of-hidden-damage-to-skin-scalp-and-eyes236146/236146"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — While haze warnings predominantly target respiratory health, medical professionals warn of its unseen effects on skin, scalp, and eyes. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, poses a major threat beyond surface-level dirt. These microscopic particles of 2.5 micrometres in diameter can infiltrate the body, causing significant harm. Dermatologist Dr Nik Aimee Azizah Faheem explains, \"Haze isn't just dust; it's made of tiny PM2.5 particles that can penetrate our skin, lungs, and eyes.\" When these particles enter the pores, they disrupt the skin's natural barrier, resulting in sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. This can exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The damage doesn't stop there. Dermologist Dr Kwan Zhenli reveals that exposure to haze alters the skin microbiome, impairing the skin's protective barrier. Haze combines with UV radiation to amplify oxidative skin damage, which dermatologists warn is often underestimated. Many people mistakenly believe \"cloudy\" weather means less UV exposure, leading to a lack of sun protection. Dermatologist Dr Low Dyoi-E echoes this concern, stating that prolonged exposure can accelerate premature skin aging, dullness, uneven pigmentation, and weaken the skin barrier, increasing the risk of dryness and inflammatory conditions. The scalp is also vulnerable to haze pollutants. These particles can block hair follicles, causing inflammation, scalp congestion, and conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis. Dermatologist Dr Kwan adds that particulate matter can lead to hair loss, including alopecia areata. For the eyes, haze can cause immediate irritation, including dryness, redness, itchiness, and conjunctivitis. Long-term exposure may lead to persistent dry eyes, cataracts, and glaucoma. Children are particularly at risk due to their active lifestyles and developing systems. Dermatologists advise staying indoors, using air purifiers, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants. Essential skincare routines include using moisturisers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide, and antioxidants like vitamin C and E. Regardless of haze conditions, daily sunscreen application is crucial, and washing the face and scalp after outdoor exposure is recommended.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — While public health warnings during haze episodes typically focus on respiratory health, m...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Haze doesn’t just hurt your lungs: Experts warn of hidden damage to skin, scalp and eyes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/haze-doesnt-just-hurt-your-lungs-experts-warn-of-hidden-damage-to",
        "published": "2026-09-24T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}