Climate change is increasingly recognized as one of the most significant global health challenges of the 21st century. While its effects on respiratory, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases are widely discussed, its impact on chronic skin conditions has received far less public attention. Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is one condition where patients are increasingly noticing the influence of environmental and climate-related factors on their symptoms.
A 2026 cross-sectional survey study published in JMIR Dermatology provides valuable insight into how patients with atopic dermatitis perceive and experience the effects of climate change on their condition. The findings reveal not only widespread patient concern, but also a notable gap between patient experiences and clinical conversations in dermatology settings.
This article explores the study’s findings, what they mean for patients living with eczema, and why integrating climate health into dermatologic care is becoming increasingly important.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry skin, itching, redness, and recurrent flares. It affects both children and adults and often persists for decades. The disease is influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental exposures.
Environmental triggers have long been recognized in eczema management. Common triggers include heat, sweating, low humidity, irritants, allergens, and air pollution. Climate change intensifies many of these factors by increasing average temperatures, worsening air quality, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events such as heat waves and wildfires.
As these environmental stressors become more common, patients with atopic dermatitis may experience more frequent or severe flares, increased medication use, and disruptions to daily life.
The study titled Patient Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts on Atopic Dermatitis was conducted at the University of California, San Francisco. Researchers surveyed adult patients with atopic dermatitis to better understand how they perceive climate and environmental changes affecting their skin disease.
The survey was developed using established climate health literature and health communication frameworks such as the Health Belief Model. It was reviewed by dermatologists and piloted with patients to ensure clarity and relevance.
One of the most striking findings of the study is that over 80 percent of participants reported that climate or environmental factors have impacted their experience with atopic dermatitis.
The most commonly reported triggers were:
These findings align with existing scientific evidence showing that heat and pollution can disrupt the skin barrier, increase inflammation, and worsen itching and dryness.
Patients reported that climate-related factors affected their eczema in multiple ways, including:
More than 80 percent of respondents indicated that they used medication more often during climate-related flares, highlighting the real-world burden of environmental change on disease management.
Despite strong patient interest in understanding how climate and environmental factors affect eczema, fewer than 40 percent of participants reported that their dermatologist had discussed these issues with them.
This disconnect is critical. Nearly 87 percent of respondents said they wanted to learn more about how climate change impacts their condition. However, climate-related counseling is not yet a routine part of dermatology visits.
Previous research suggests that many dermatologists recognize climate change as a health issue but feel uncertain about how to address it in clinical practice. Time constraints, lack of educational tools, and concerns about discussing climate change in medical settings may all contribute.
The study’s findings suggest that patients are open to and even eager for these conversations. Addressing environmental triggers does not require lengthy discussions. Even brief, targeted guidance can validate patient concerns and empower self-management.
When asked what strategies would be most helpful for managing climate-related eczema changes, patients prioritized:
Support groups and telehealth visits were viewed as moderately helpful, but educational resources ranked highest. This emphasizes the importance of clear, accessible patient education materials.
The study highlights an opportunity for dermatologists to enhance patient-centered care by incorporating environmental health into routine eczema management. Practical steps may include:
These interventions can often be implemented within existing visit structures and do not require specialized climate expertise.
The American Academy of Dermatology has emphasized its commitment to educating patients about how climate change affects skin health. Studies like this one provide the patient perspective needed to translate that commitment into everyday practice.
While the findings are informative, several limitations should be considered:
Future research should include more diverse populations, multiple geographic regions, and other chronic skin conditions to further understand the scope of climate-related dermatologic impacts.
Understanding patient perceptions is a critical component of effective healthcare. Even when causality is not definitively established, patient experiences influence behavior, treatment adherence, and quality of life.
This study demonstrates that many individuals with atopic dermatitis already view climate change as a meaningful factor in their disease. Ignoring these perceptions risks missing opportunities for education, reassurance, and shared decision-making.
The Patient Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts on Atopic Dermatitis study reveals a clear message. Patients with eczema are experiencing and recognizing the effects of climate and environmental changes on their skin, yet these concerns are not consistently addressed in clinical care.
By integrating environmental health discussions into dermatology visits, clinicians can better align care with patient experiences, improve disease management, and strengthen trust. As climate change continues to shape health outcomes worldwide, dermatology has an important role to play at the intersection of clinical care, public health, and patient advocacy.
Mattson G, Coates S, Twigg AR. Patient Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts on Atopic Dermatitis: Cross-Sectional Survey Study. JMIR Dermatology. 2026;9:e80679. doi:10.2196/80679
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance regarding atopic dermatitis or any other health condition.
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