Extreme weather patterns are not just a challenge for Australians; they now bring with them a hidden and alarming health risk. Recent findings have revealed that such climatic extremes are contributing to a surge in severe health issues, particularly skin-related ailments and allergic reactions.
Take Karen Smith*, a 54-year-old resident of Mackay in Far North Queensland, for instance. She has experienced the dramatic effects of wild weather firsthand. Following the devastation of two tropical cyclones in her area, Smith developed a debilitating skin condition that she had never encountered before.
"My face was red, inflamed, hot, itchy, and incredibly painful. I felt so embarrassed that I didn’t want to go out or see anyone," she shared, capturing the emotional toll this condition took on her.
Initially, a local doctor prescribed a topical steroid cream that provided some relief. However, the improvement was only temporary; as soon as she ceased using the cream, her symptoms returned even more severely.
“This time it was much worse, and the cream didn’t help at all,” she explained. Seeking further assistance, she consulted another physician who conducted tests, yet the cause remained elusive. At one point, a doctor suggested menopause might be the culprit, but Smith instinctively felt that the issue was more complicated than that.
“I had never had such a reaction before; my skin has always been a combination type, although my cheeks tended to get a bit dry.” After persistent consultations, she was finally diagnosed with eczema, categorized as an "allergic disease."
Allergic skin conditions manifest when the immune system overreacts to certain substances, leading to painful flare-ups. Alarmingly, recent research indicates a significant increase in the prevalence of these allergic diseases. Currently, about one in three Australians—approximately 30%—are affected by such conditions, a stark rise from 20% in 2007, as reported by the Eczema Association of Australasia. Eczema stands out as one of the most common allergic diseases.
According to Professor Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist based in Sydney, the surge in skin conditions can be attributed to environmental factors, population growth, and a rise in extreme weather events. "Most patients cannot identify what triggers their eczema," he noted. “The inability to manage symptoms like itching, pain, sleep disruption, and increased infection risk can adversely affect family dynamics, work life, and overall quality of life.”
Sebaratnam, who also deals with eczema himself, pointed out a concerning gap in medical education. Despite being one of the top reasons people seek medical advice, dermatology is often overlooked in the training of Australian medical students. This oversight has resulted in fewer specialists in this important field.
"Many individuals turn to unreliable sources such as social media or platforms like ChatGPT for advice about their skin issues, which can lead to misinformation," he cautioned. “You wouldn’t consult your neighbor or a reality TV star for heart or liver advice, so why would you treat skin problems the same way? It’s crucial to consult a qualified GP or dermatologist.”
Ultimately, Smith discovered a natural cream from an Australian brand called MooGoo that effectively alleviated her symptoms, allowing her to discontinue the use of topical steroids. According to the Eczema Association of Australasia, maintaining a consistent skincare regimen is vital for managing eczema flare-ups. Other essential strategies include recognizing triggers and adopting lifestyle adjustments such as reducing stress levels, ensuring adequate sleep, and following a balanced diet.
*Surname changed for privacy.
