Climate change has caused the eruption of skin and respiratory diseases. The best remedy is to avoid allergens usually in the outdoors and severe exposure to UV rays.
A variety of skin diseases appear to be worsened by climate change. This includes inflammatory disorders such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) and pemphigus, an autoimmune blistering disorder.
Pediatric dermatologist Dr. Markus Boos said climate change—a result of elevated carbon dioxide levels—lead to environmental changes that affect everyone.
The 20 warmest years on record globally all occurred in the last 22 years with the past 5 years being the warmest, he added.
Boos, who practices at Seattle Children’s Hospital, said although the effects of UV exposure, humidity and temperature on eczema are not clear, air pollution is known to cause eczema flares.
Anecdotally, I have seen in my own clinics that the warmer spring in Seattle, and presumably elevated pollen levels, causes an increased number of patients with eczema flares. We also know that emotional stress causes conditions such as eczema, vitiligo and psoriasis to flare. This would be expected in communities that have been affected by natural disasters.
PSAAI
The Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (PSAAI) also said that climate change has increased the incidence of skin and respiratory allergies, according to a story of Business World.
“There’s longer pollination as well as increasing humidity, leading to the proliferation of dust mites, molds, pollens, and fungi. This leads to an increasing incidence of skin and respiratory allergies,” said Dr. Addah S. de Peralta, an allergologist at De La Salle University Medical Center.
Dust mites, molds, pollens, and fungi are among the most common allergens, or substances that cause allergic reactions.
A March 2022 study published in Nature Communications found that atmospheric conditions affect the release of pollen, and the timing and magnitude will be altered by climate change. Simultaneous exposure to allergens and toxic air pollutants can also worsen allergic responses, warned the US National Climate Assessment.
“To decrease the effects of climate change, we need to practice solid waste management in our barangays [communities],” said Dr. Glaiza M. Madulara, an allergologist affiliated with Pacific Global Medical Center.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that makes one’s skin red and itchy. It tends to flare periodically and may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).
Patients with this condition have a 50 to 75 percent risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis, Dr. Madulara said. “Atopic dermatitis is usually the starting point for food allergies to develop later in life too.”
While there is no cure for it, individuals can control atopic dermatitis by the avoidance of skin triggers and good skin care.
“Shower with lukewarm water, use a gentle skin cleanser, and apply moisturizer after tapping dry your skin,” said Dr. Madulara. “Flareups can be treated with steroidal anti-inflammatory creams or ointments, per the supervision of each individual’s doctor.”
Avoiding triggers is also a good management strategy for allergic rhinitis, according to Dr. Jose Carlo Miguel M. Villanueva, an allergologist from Capitol Oral Rehabilitation Center Medical/Dental Clinic.
Allergic rhinitis
If you have a runny nose in the morning, sneeze when it’s dusty, and have itchy eyes especially at night, then you might have allergic rhinitis, he said. “[Another telltale sign] is mouth breathing because of a clogged nose, which can result in dry lips, a change in the shape of your jawline, and crooked teeth,” he added.
Symptoms worsen with weather changes, strong emotions, and air pollution. “One of the most important things to find out is which allergens give you your symptoms,” said Dr. Villanueva. “One way to do it is through a skin allergy test.”
A patient’s skin is exposed to suspected allergens in a skin prick test. The skin area is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction. Those with a family history of atopy — or the genetic tendency to develop allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema — are more predisposed to having allergies (a 20 to 40 percent risk among children with one atopic parent, and a 40 to 60 percent risk among children with parents who are both atopic).
“As we go through the new normal and start to finally get our old lives again, let’s not forget that there are people who struggle with diseases in everyday life,” Dr. de Peralta said.
The overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the Philippines based on the National Nutrition and Health Survey of 2008 is 20 percent.
Common causes of allergies
Common causes include dust mites, mold, pet dander and pollen from trees and plants. Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, nasal congestion and irritation of the nose, throat, mouth and eyes. Allergic rhinitis is not the same as infectious rhinitis, otherwise known as the common cold.
It clears up on its own after a few days for many people. In others, especially those with allergies, rhinitis can be a chronic problem. Chronic means it is almost always present or recurs often. Rhinitis can last for weeks to months with allergen exposure.
Left untreated, allergic rhinitis often becomes chronic and may lead to complications including: Chronic nasal inflammation and obstruction, which can lead to more serious complications in the airways. Acute or chronic sinusitis. Otitis media, or ear infection
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are sneezing, itchy nose, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red and watery eyes, a cough, the roof of mouth being itchy.
4 skin allergies caused by climate change
1. Skin asthma affects 10 to 20 percent of people. Symptoms in infants include dry and scaly skin, itchy rash on the scalp or cheeks, and rash that oozes clear fluid. In children and adults, symptoms include scaly patches or rash on the neck or face and in the creases of elbows and/or knees, extremely dry skin, and light or dark skin spots.
Although there is no cure yet for atopic dermatitis, finding the right skincare routine and products is key in reducing discomfort. According to dermatologists, the best preventive measure is to keep the skin hydrated by applying an effective moisturizer soon after every bath. This way, you can improve the function of your skin barrier and fight against known allergens and irritants. It is also important to avoid the common irritants, stressful environments, and long baths to keep flare-ups to a minimum.
2. Urticaria—Studies show urticaria affects 20 percent of people at some point in their lives. It occurs when the body releases chemicals like histamine as a reaction against an irritant or allergen—causing inflammation to form into itchy and swollen hives, patches, wheals, welts, or plaques. O
Often, urticaria appears in batches on the face, arms, legs, hands, and feet. It is important to note that sweat, alcoholic drinks, and scratching may further aggravate the itching. Also, avoid common triggers including fish, chocolate, tomato, and processed meat. To further reduce inflammation, you can wear loose clothing, use mild soap, and shower with cold water.
3. Eczema- aside ide from itchy and scaly rashes and blisters, eczema can cause intense itching, red or brownish patches, and small bumps that ooze fluid. Some known irritants that can intensify symptoms include strong detergents, rough clothing, extreme temperatures, sweat, stress, pet dander, and food allergies.
Aside from prescription medication, creams, and ointments, you can explore alternative remedies like acupuncture, aromatherapy, yoga, and meditation.
4. Hay Fever—this condition is the result of the body’s reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, dander, fungi, mold, and cigarette smoke.
To reduce symptoms, you should avoid outdoor activities on high pollen days. Try not to hang laundry outside and wear protective masks when needed. For proper diagnosis and management, it is best to visit a trusted physician.
Tags: #skinandrespiratoryallergies, #climatechange, #symptoms, #prevention, #health