Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin condition that usually affects the face, neck, arms and legs, but usually spares the groin region. It usually starts in early infancy, but also affects some adults.

Extreme weather events due to climate change, including floods and wildfires are implicated in cutaneous injuries, skin infections and acute worsening of inflammatory skin disorders.

Climate change related factors affect the skin’s capacity to maintain homeostasis.

It has a higher prevalence and severity in Black and mixed-race populations, probably owing to a combination of environmental and intrinsic factors. Black skin has been shown to have increased transepidermal water loss and lower levels of ceramides, which are important components of the lipid barrier.

AD is associated with and may predispose one to higher risk for other atopic disorders, including asthma, hay fever and food allergies.