Evelyn Chow - Dermatology

 


Global Healthcare Issues in Dermatology

Evelyn Chow 


With global atmospheric temperatures rising, skin health is becoming more vulnerable, especially in parts of the world with limited access to medical care. In hotter regions like Africa, South America, and South Asia, people are exposed to intense sun rays and excessive heat. Climate change brings high humidity, which can weaken the skin barrier, allowing bacteria to penetrate more easily and cause infections such as fungal rashes and sores. 

Nummular Eczema    Importance of Sunscreen


The increased heat also causes more sweating, trapping moisture on the skin. This creates an environment where skin conditions like heat rash, fungal infections, and acne thrive, especially in low-resource communities where clean water and hygiene products are scarce. Additionally, sun exposure is a major concern. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet radiation can result in sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. While people with darker skin have some natural protection due to melanin, it is still possible to get skin cancer. Unfortunately, in many of these regions, sunscreen is usually too expensive or not widely available. When skin cancer does occur, it is not easy to treat, especially given the shortage of dermatologists. According to Oxford Academic, many African countries have fewer than one dermatologist for every one million people. This lack of specialists means that many skin conditions go untreated or that people are not taught how to prevent them.

As climate change persists, increasing the number of trained dermatologists in underserved communities and teaching the importance of treating skin conditions would greatly improve early diagnosis. Improving skin health is crucial to lessen suffering and support fair access to healthcare worldwide.

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