Dermatology
How our largest organ is being affected by the climate crisis
How Is Climate Change Affecting Skin Health?
Our skin is the first physical barrier against the external environment which makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change. In fact, dermatology will likely see some of the most significant changes from climate change
With the rises in temperature and humidity, moisture can dissipate through the skin and cause dehydration but also people will tend to sweat more, leading to an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal micro-organisms to flourish causing skin infections.
Extreme weather conditions such as flooding, droughts and heatwaves can cause mass displacement of people and increase the risk of communicable skin disease. Shifting global temperatures can also broaden the geographical areas of disease vectors of such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.
Warmer seas and polluted waterways pose an increased risk of waterborne skin infections and skin irritation. Air pollution can cause oxidative damage to the skin causing premature ageing and skin cancers but also exacerbate chronic skin conditions such as eczema for example.
Hotter climates also encourage people to spend more time outdoors with less clothing for longer periods of time which leads to elevated exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation which is a well-known risk factor for skin cancers.
How is Dermatology Affecting Climate Change?
Like other departments, dermatology also contributes to the climate crisis. Patient journeys for appointments, investigative tests, printed British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) patients’ information leaflets and medical treatments all produce a carbon footprint.
The use of single-use autoinjector pens for medication such as methotrexate, for example, contribute to the increase accumulation of plastics in our landfills. Single use of surgical instruments, drapes and PPE and unnecessary packaging in dermatological surgical practices all impact the environment.
Sunscreen is important to prevent sun damage and reduce risks of skin cancer, but some sunscreens have a negative impact on the environment. They contain active ingredients such as UV filters that get washed away at sea or down our drains and accumulate in our oceans leading to the weakening of coral reef, increase sea temperatures and further exacerbate global warming. Sunscreen is important in reducing your risk of skin cancer and should be used in addition to covering yourself up.
Similarly, residual topical medication such as steroids, acne medication, antimicrobials and other substances can have an adverse effect on the environment as they are washed away in an unmetabolized state and at full strength.
Keeping Safe in the Sun
As we experience hotter weather in the UK, we need to ensure we are all familiar with how to keep ourselves safe in the sun. Cancer Research UK has comprehensive information on this.
Discussion Ideas with Patients and Colleagues
Patients:
"Would you be happy with a digital patient information leaflet to save paper?"
"Would you be happy with a telephone appointment for the next follow-up and if there are any major changes or concerns we can change it to an in-person appointment?"
Colleagues
"Can we streamline our services to reduce the number of journeys patients need to make?"
"How can we reduce the amount of waste in our surgeries? Could we explore using reusable surgical instruments?"
Highest Impact Actions for Dermatology Departments
Embed climate change and healthcare sustainability in educational and governance sessions
Raise awareness to the public about the effects of climate change on skin health
Switch to re-usable surgical instruments and explore recycling schemes with medical suppliers
Encourage the use of "tele-dermatology" where possible
Maximise the use of virtual patient information leaflets
For More Information
Join the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare's Dermatology Sustainability network, endorsed by the British Association of Dermatologists