Haze can irritate skin and eyes, not just lungs, experts warn

While public attention has largely focused on the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of haze, medical experts say exposure can also affect the skin and eyes. — Pexels.com pic

By Ben Tan

First Published: Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 7:00 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Haze pushed air quality to hazardous levels in parts of the country this year, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) peaking at 519 in six areas of Sarawak on September 1.

Readings above 300 are classified as hazardous, while those recorded across parts of Peninsular Malaysia in October, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, mostly ranged from 101 to 210, within the unhealthy category.

While haze is commonly associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems, medical experts say it can also affect the skin and eyes.

How haze affects skin and eyes

Medical specialist Dr Norafiza Mohd Yasin said PM2.5 particles, which measure 2.5 microns in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, as well as disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

“When PM2.5 particles infiltrate the pores, they disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

“This leads to increased sensitivity, dryness, and irritation, often triggering flare-ups of underlying conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne,” she said when contacted by Malay Mail.

Dr Bala Murali Sundram, a public health medicine specialist at Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Medicine, said pollutants deposited on exposed skin can contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation and damage to the skin barrier.

“This may cause itching, dryness and redness or aggravate existing conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis,” he explained.

Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat consultant internal medicine specialist, gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr Mohamed Amin Kader said fine particles in haze can cause dry eyes, redness and a stinging sensation.

“This ultimately can cause eye infection such as conjunctivitis if left untreated,” he said when contacted by Malay Mail.

Dr Bala, who is also a senior medical lecturer in the department’s Occupational and Environmental Health unit, said airborne pollutants can disturb the tear film and irritate the surface of the eyes, causing redness, burning, stinging, watery eyes and dryness.

“Individuals with dry-eye disease, allergies or contact lens use may experience greater discomfort,” he said.

How to reduce exposure

Dr Norafiza advised people to reduce unnecessary outdoor activities, particularly when the API reaches unhealthy levels.

“Staying indoors and keeping indoor air clean are important preventive measures.

“When outdoor exposure is unavoidable, a properly fitted N95 respirator can help reduce the inhalation of fine particles, although it does not protect against gaseous pollutants,” she said, adding that respirator suitability should be considered carefully for children, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.

She advised the public to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, particularly in cases of eye pain, blurred vision, breathing difficulty or worsening asthma symptoms.

“Ultimately, prevention is key. Monitoring air quality, reducing unnecessary outdoor exposure and taking appropriate precautions are essential to protecting vulnerable groups during haze episodes,” she said.

Dr Bala advised the public to minimise unnecessary outdoor exposure, particularly when the API exceeds 100, and to avoid rubbing irritated eyes.

Contact lens users exposed to irritating dust or particles should remove their lenses before rinsing their eyes with clean water or sterile saline, he said.

Dr Bala also advised against using harsh soaps, vigorous scrubbing and excessive washing, which may worsen skin irritation.

He recommended keeping windows closed during heavy haze and using suitable air filtration at home where available to maintain cleaner indoor air.