Extreme climatic events pose a significant threat to global dermatological health

Extreme climatic events pose a significant threat to global dermatological health

The skin is a large, complex organ and serves as the body's primary interface with the environment. It plays a key role in sensory, thermoregulatory, barrier and immunological functions. As floods, wildfires and extreme heat events increase in frequency and severity, they pose a significant threat to global dermatological health as many skin diseases are climate sensitive. Researchers draw on a comprehensive review of published research to highlight the key dermatological manifestations triggered or exacerbated by these climatic events, while also highlighting the disproportionate impact on marginalized and vulnerable populations. Their results appear in the Journal of Climate Change and Health, published by Elsevier

We aimed to provide dermatologists and other practitioners with a comprehensive overview of extreme weather-related skin diseases as a basis for patient education, implementation of early treatment interventions, and improved disease outcomes. We were amazed at how diverse the impact of extreme weather events on skin diseases is and how climate change is exacerbating inequality.”

Eva Rawlings Parker, MD, Lead author,Department of Dermatology and Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA

In their review, Dr. Parker and her colleagues published nearly 200 articles documenting the myriad effects of extreme weather events on the skin. Marcalee Alexander, MD, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Climate Change and Health, noted, "This information is particularly timely given traumatic events such as Hurricane Ian, which led to increased infections due to flooding and standing water." .”

Floods, one of the most common natural disasters, are associated with traumatic wounds and bacterial and fungal skin infections. Contact dermatitis is another common consequence of flooding, as floodwaters are often contaminated with pesticides, sewage, fertilizers and chemicals. Exposure to wildfire smoke can trigger atopic dermatitis (eczema) and trigger or worsen acne in adults without prior diagnosis.

Because skin plays a critical role in regulating body temperature, the effects of prolonged heatwaves can be severe. Failure to cool sufficiently in high heat can lead to heat stroke and death, for example. Many chronic inflammatory dermatoses are also made worse by heat. Infectious diseases can be seasonal, with heat and humidity increasing the risk of common skin infections caused by bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. Less obvious: Extreme heat events influence behavior. When temperatures are high, people may spend more time outdoors, increasing their exposure to air pollution, UV radiation and insects.

Dr. Parker and her colleagues observed that extreme weather events disproportionately impact marginalized and vulnerable populations and widen existing health disparities. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with mental illnesses, racial/ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and migrants are particularly vulnerable to climate-related impacts.

Black, Hispanic, and lower-income populations are more likely to live in areas at higher risk of flooding. These populations also have a higher incidence of skin diseases and poorer access to medical care. Extreme heat poses a major occupational risk for blue-collar and migrant workers. Extreme weather events contribute to mass migration. Skin diseases are among the most commonly reported health problems among migrants. Of particular concern is the spread of communicable and infectious diseases, as well as vector-borne viruses. People experiencing homelessness are more likely to suffer from highly morbid, climate-sensitive skin diseases.

"This year has been marked by historic and deadly heat waves in North America, Europe and Asia; devastating floods in the United States, Pakistan and Australia; drought and famine in Somalia and Madagascar; and wildfires in the western United States, Russia, Argentina and across Europe. Extreme weather events are devastating the planet, disrupting critical infrastructure and impacting health significantly and exacerbate health inequalities,” said Dr. Parker. “Doctors, policymakers, environmentalists and researchers around the world should be aware of the current and future disruptions that climate change and extreme weather events pose to human health.”

Dr. Parker and co-authors note that further population-based, clinical, and occupational health research is needed to better define risk for adverse health outcomes, identify vulnerable populations, focus on equitable and equitable strategies for resilience and adaptation, and assess the influence of social factors on the association between exposure and health outcomes.

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Reference:

Parker, E.R., et al. (2022) The dermatological manifestations of extreme weather events: A comprehensive review of skin diseases and susceptibility. The Journal of Climate Change and Health. doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2022.100162.

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