Climate Change Hazards Could Negatively Impact Eczema, Study Reveals

For a long time, researchers have been looking into how climate change effects could affect health. A recent study has revealed that climate change may also impact eczema.

Climate Change Hazards Affect Eczema

As part of the study, the researchers specifically focused on 10 hazards associated with greenhouse gas emissions. They examined how this could affect atopic dermatitis. This was detailed further in the "Impact of climate change on atopic dermatitis: A review by the International Eczema Council" study.

The listed hazards included global warming, wildfires, floods, heat waves, droughts, and sea level rises.

Dr. Katrina Abuabara, an associate dermatology professor from the School of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, explains that, for a long time, it has been known that eczema is sensitive to environmental factors. However, there has not been an established consensus regarding how the growing prevalence of climatic hazards because of climate change could affect the condition.

Dr. Abuabara explains that for several patients with eczema, the unpredictability of flares could be quite challenging. Understanding how the disease is affected by climatic factors could result in better strategies for addressing triggers.

For the study, the researchers examined data from 18 other studies that offer evidence regarding eczema aggravation due to one of the 10 hazards. The researchers generally said that there is proof that connects most climatic hazards to atopic dermatitis aggravation.

Some had direct effects, such as wildfire particulate matter. There were also others that yielded indirect impacts, such as food insecurity due to drought, poverty, and subsequent migration.

The researchers also made maps that reveal the past, present, and future estimated burden of atopic dermatitis relative to hazards in the climate. Such maps were made by plotting cumulative exposure to hazards in 2017 and 2005, as well as 2053 predictions.

Dr. Abuabara explains that the 2017 and 2005 maps reveal an overlap in geographical areas with higher climatic hazard exposure and a high prevalence of atopic dermatitis. The 2053 projections were used to illustrate areas that are likely to be affected in the future.

Dr. Jordan Talia, an assistant professor from Mount Sinai Dermatology and the director of Skin of Color Center and the director of Complex Medical Dermatology, explains that, after reviewing the study, he thought that the study was intriguing and that it serves as a helpful summary of current literature that examines how climatic factors could affect eczema. Dr. Talia explains that a better understanding of this could aid patients and doctors in taking steps to mitigate the effects of climatic factors on atopic dermatitis.

Eczema Explained

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that leads to dryness, itchiness, and inflammation of the skin. It is prevalent among young children but can occur at all ages.

The condition is chronic and may flare up at times. While it could be irritating, eczema is not contagious. Those who have the condition are at risk of having asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.

Symptoms of eczema could surface anywhere in the body. These symptoms include itchiness, cracked or dry skin, a rash on swollen skin, thickened skin, oozing, crusting, small and raised bumps, raw and sensitive skin, and a darkening of the skin surrounding the eyes.

Regular moisturization and practicing skin care habits could help in relieving itchiness and preventing flares. Treatment for the condition could also include the use of creams and ointments.