Climate change and atopic dermatitis

Abstract

The prevalence of atopic diseases seems to be increasing worldwide. Climate change induced by global warming has been reported to increase allergic respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR), and appears to aggravate atopic dermatitis (AD). Increasing air pollution and pollen associated with climate change, acting individually or synergistically, may have harmful effects on the prevalence and symptoms of AD, because they can easily penetrate the damaged epithelium of AD and sensitize patients. However, the direct scientific evidence supporting the linear correlation between climate change and increase of AD is quite limited compared to that available for respiratory allergic diseases. Large-scale population studies are necessary to observe the effects of climate change on AD in a more detailed and objective way. In terms of allergic march, climate change may aggravate and increase AD and lead to more increases in asthma and AR in the long run © Korean Medical Association.