In a comprehensive analysis of all pertinent studies that examined the relationship between atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) and climate-related hazards stemming from greenhouse gas emissions, researchers identified both direct and indirect impacts on the condition. Direct effects, such as inflammation triggered by particulate matter from wildfires, and indirect effects, including stress from drought-induced food shortages, were noted.
The findings, published in the journal Allergy, included maps crafted by the researchers depicting the historical, current, and predicted future burdens of eczema related to climate-related hazards. The study highlighted a significant shortage of data, particularly from areas expected to face increased frequency of these events due to climate change.
Katrina Abuabara, MD, MA, MSCE, from the University of California, San Francisco, the study’s corresponding author, commented on the sensitivity of atopic dermatitis to climatic factors such as air pollution. She noted that until now, the impacts of more frequent climate-related hazards such as warming, heatwaves, drought, wildfires, and floods were less understood. “Our findings suggest that most climatic hazards negatively affect atopic dermatitis,” Abuabara stated. “Future research needs to incorporate data on how various climate factors cumulatively affect the incidence, prevalence, and long-term activity of atopic dermatitis in a broader range of environments to fill these gaps in research.”
More information: Sheng-Pei Wang et al, Impact of climate change on atopic dermatitis: A review by the International Eczema Council, Allergy. DOI: 10.1111/all.16007
Journal information: Allergy Provided by Wiley
