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The diverse climate of the US is suffering more than most in recent years, bringing widespread damage and loss of life.
We have seen a few issues but the UK has so far been spared climate change induced, major fires. Not so in parts of the US and amidst the carnage this caused, medical staff have studied side effects.
They particularly looked at a fire which raged for 17 days and made a widespread difference to air pollution. The researchers gathered data to show how much influence this had on skin conditions and the need for treatment.
A Clear Outcome
The fire covered 240 square miles, with air pollution over a greater area. That visits to dermatologists increased was evident anecdotally and the data backed up the views of practitioners raising this.
Attendance for atopic dermatitis increased by 50% during the fire and remained high for several weeks afterwards. Visits from paediatric patients with itch issues increased by 80% and again, this carried on for weeks.
Dermatitis and psoriasis consultations saw the most significant increases. The former tended to bring more visits during the fire, whilst psoriasis patients were more likely to seek care weeks after the fire started.
This in itself deserves further study, as the pollution appear to have varying effects on different conditions. There are also broader issues to consider.
Planning For Support
Prescriptions covering immune related skin disorders and other systemic medication increased by 50%, at a time when conditions made supply an issue. Thought needs to be given to stocks held in vulnerable regions.
We can now say that the spike in dermatological conditions brought on by fire pollution will not cease when the fire does. Specific medical support should be factored into disaster planning in all countries.
A point the researchers noted was how many of the patients seeking dermatological care had no related previous diagnosis. The situation was not just about planning care for people expected to suffer.
They also saw how much web searches on skin conditions increased during the time of this and other fires. The increased number of patients attending may not reflect the whole problem, with others unable to.
Protecting The Future
The fire in question ultimately gave way to a rainstorm but we will see others. There will be more adults and children in need of dermatological care.
Further research is needed to help dermatologists plan and understand short, or longer term outcomes from sudden air pollution. Government agencies need to appreciate the additional requirements.
When fires are raging, with people in peril and brave souls trying to save them, a skin condition seems down the list. The problem could however trigger longer term issues and in the short term, affect residents and responders.
Neither will major fires necessarily remain absent from the UK. Being ready to provide dermatology treatment will be part of the solution needed.