Separately, global warming is expected to affect the start, duration, and intensity of the pollen season, and secondarily the rate of asthma exacerbations due to air pollution, respiratory infections, and/or cold air inhalation, with probable increases in eczema and other atopy-related conditions as well.
Vector-borne diseases
In the past year, the largest Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has resulted in importation of the virus to other countries and secondary local transmission. Autochthonous transmission of Chikungunya virus has occurred in nonendemic areas, including Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Zika virus has re-emerged in the Pacific with local transmission from imported cases. Climate change, deforestation, and changes in precipitation have been linked to variations in the geographical distribution of vectors of some infectious diseases (leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, and now Zika virus) by changing their spread. A warm and humid environment from global warming can also encourage the colonization of the skin by bacteria and fungi.
Finally, there is a wider, ecological dimension to consider. UV radiation impairs the molecular chemistry of photosynthesis both on land (terrestrial plants) and at sea (phytoplankton). This could affect world food production, at least marginally, and thus contribute to nutritional and health problems in food-insecure populations.
Another reason of many, but from a dermatologist’s point of view, to be mindful of taking care of the planet and our environment.
References
1. World Health Organization (WHO).
2. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2002 May;1(5):324-6.
3. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Feb;148(1):135-46.
4. Int J Dermatol. 2012 Jun;51(6):656-61.
5. Int J Dermatol. 2015 Dec;54(12):1343-51.
6. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2015 Apr;28(2):139-50.
Dr. Wesley and Dr. Talakoub are co-contributors to this column. Dr. Talakoub is in private practice in McLean, Va. Dr. Wesley practices dermatology in Beverly Hills, Calif. This month’s column is by Dr. Wesley. Write to them at dermnews@frontlinemedcom.com.