Does Climate Change Make Skin Diseases Worse?

Does Climate Change Make Skin Diseases Worse?

We often hear about climate change in terms of rising sea levels, melting glaciers, or hotter summers. But one area that’s rarely talked about is how it affects our skin. As a dermatologist, I can tell you – yes, climate change is not just about the planet, it’s also about your personal health and skin.

⸻

🌡️ 1. Heat Waves = More Rashes & Infections

• Prolonged heat means more sweating, which leads to fungal infections, prickly heat, and acne flare-ups.

• Outdoor workers, kids playing outside, and people without access to cooling face this the most.

⸻

☀️ 2. Stronger Sun, Higher UV Exposure

• Climate change has thinned ozone protection in many areas.

• Result? More sunburn, tanning, pigmentation, and higher risk of skin cancers (especially in fair-skinned people).

• Even in India, I see faster aging and stubborn pigmentation due to stronger UV rays.

⸻

💨 3. Pollution Worsens Skin Sensitivity

• With rising industries, dust, and vehicle emissions, the air quality is worsening.

• Polluted air triggers eczema, psoriasis flare-ups, and early wrinkles.

• Tiny dust particles block pores and make acne worse.

⸻

🌧️ 4. Changing Rainfall & Flooding

• Excessive rains and water-logging create fungal skin infections, especially on feet and body folds.

• Damp houses after floods increase mold exposure, which can irritate skin and worsen allergies.

⸻

❄️ 5. Dry Winters, Allergies & Sensitive Skin

• Many regions are experiencing harsher winters with lower humidity.

• This leads to cracked skin, flare-ups of eczema, and even painful fissures.

• Patients with sensitive skin complain more during these dry spells.

⸻

🦟 6. Vector-Borne Skin Diseases on Rise

• Climate change means more mosquitoes, flies, and ticks survive in new regions.

• Skin infections like dengue rash, chikungunya-related pigmentation, and tick-borne conditions are spreading wider.

⸻

👩‍⚕️ Doctor’s Note

Climate change is not a distant issue—it’s already showing up on our skin. While we can’t change the weather around us overnight, we can protect ourselves:

✅ Daily sunscreen (even on cloudy days)

✅ Protective clothing in heat/dust

✅ Regular moisturizers in dry weather

✅ Quick treatment for fungal infections (don’t ignore rashes)

✅ Air purifiers or simple home plants to improve indoor air

⸻

🌍 Our planet and our skin are connected. The better we take care of the environment, the fewer problems our skin will face.

⸻