Climate Change and Emerging Dermatologic Diseases in the Americas: A Review of Shifting Exposures and Vulnerable Populations
Abstract:
Climate change is altering disease dynamics across the Americas, including a rising burden of skin diseases. As the body’s outermost barrier, the skin is highly vulnerable to climate-related exposures such as ultraviolet radiation, expansion of disease-carrying vectors, wildfires, pollution, and population displacement. This review examines the dermatologic consequences of climate change through a synthesis of forty peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025. Studies were identified using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on cli mate-related skin conditions across North, Central, and South America. Results highlight the geographic spread of vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and cutaneous leishmaniasis, rising ultraviolet-related skin cancers, and worsening of inflammatory skin conditions due to air pollution and wildfire smoke. Children, outdoor workers, and displaced populations face heightened risks, compounded by limited access to dermatologic care. The findings underscore the need for climate-informed clinical practice, improved surveillance systems, and public health in terventions designed to address environmental and social vulnerability in dermatologic care. Plain Language Summary As the planet warms, our skin, our body’s first line of defense, is increasingly affected by environmental changes. This review explores how climate change is influencing skin health across the Americas. Warmer temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns have expanded the range of disease-carrying insects, increasing the spread of infections like Lyme disease and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Higher levels of ultraviolet radiation are contributing to more cases of sun-related skin cancer. Wildfire smoke and air pollution are worsening conditions like eczema and other inflammatory skin diseases. Children, outdoor workers, and people who have been displaced by climate disasters are especially vulnerable to these risks. Many of these groups also face challenges accessing dermatologic care. This review calls on dermatologists and public health leaders to prepare for the growing impact of climate change on skin health by improving access to care, enhancing education and training, and advocating for communities most at risk.
