Impact of climate change on the prevalence of dermatological diseases

Abstract

Climate change is becoming one of the biggest global challenges of the 21st century, directly impacting human health, including the prevalence and severity of dermatological diseases. Factors such as increased ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures and air pollution play a crucial role in the incidence of skin conditions such as skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, infections and other inflammatory skin diseases. This study aims to review the current literature on the effects of climate change on the prevalence of dermatological diseases, discussing implications for clinical practice and public health policy. An integrative literature review was carried out using the PubMed, Scopus and Scielo databases. Articles published in the last five years, in English and Portuguese, which directly addressed the relationship between climate change and skin diseases were included. The inclusion criteria included studies with quantitative and qualitative data on climate impacts on dermatological health, excluding articles with no specific focus on dermatology. The data collected was analyzed descriptively and comparatively, considering environmental factors such as pollution, UV radiation and temperature variations. The review revealed a significant increase in the prevalence of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, in areas with higher exposure to ultraviolet radiation. In addition, chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, were found to be more frequent and severe in regions with high levels of air pollution. There was also an increase in the incidence of skin infections, associated with changes in rainfall patterns and increased humidity. The data indicates that vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are the most affected by environmental changes. Climate change has a significant and growing impact on dermatological diseases, exacerbating the incidence and severity of various skin conditions. The implementation of public health policies aimed at preventing and adapting to these impacts, including sun protection, pollution control and infectious disease surveillance, is essential. Dermatologists play a key role in raising awareness and in the clinical management of these patients in the face of environmental changes.