Climate change linked to increased skin disease in 42% of surveyed countries

An international study involving 136 countries has revealed that climate change is significantly impacting the prevalence and severity of skin diseases worldwide. Presented at the 2026 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, the research was conducted through the SkinObservatory, a collaboration between the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty.

Findings indicate that 42.6% of the surveyed countries reported changes in skin disease patterns linked to climate factors. The impact is disproportionately felt in lower-income nations: 55.6% of low-income countries and 52.5% of lower-middle-income countries reported such changes, compared to 28.3% in high-income countries. Geographically, the Western Pacific region reported the highest frequency of changes at 64.7%, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia at 60% each.

Environmental drivers such as increased heat, ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and extreme weather events contribute to these trends. Heatwaves can weaken the skin's protective barrier, leading to increased irritation and exacerbating conditions like dermatitis atopic, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. Additionally, fluctuations in humidity can promote fungal and bacterial growth or cause extreme dryness, leading to infections and lesions.