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ReviewInternational journal of dermatology · 2026

The Dermatologic Burden of Flooding: A Systematic Review of Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Management in a Warming World.

Jenny Belén Altamirano-Jara, Jaime David Acosta-España, Lysien I Zambrano, Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales

Allergy & ImmunologyReview

Flood-related humidity and wind are associated with higher odds of atopic dermatitis flares.

The Dermatologic Burden of Flooding: A Systematic Review of Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Management in a Warming World.

Jenny Belén Altamirano-Jara et al. · International journal of dermatology · 2026

Background

Anthropogenic climate change has intensified the frequency of catastrophic flooding, contributing to a complex array of public health challenges.

Purpose

This systematic review characterizes the pathophysiology of flood-associated dermatoses into three clinical categories: water-contact injuries, displacement-related conditions, and environmental aeroallergen-induced exacerbations.

Methods

We conducted a systematic, mechanistic synthesis of 12 epidemiological studies (including retrospective cohorts, time-series, and case-crossover designs) from the USA, Brazil, France, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and South Korea.

n = over 71 million patient encounters

Results

humidity and wind from floods mean higher odds of eczema flare-ups

n = over 71 million patient encounters

More results

Although acute trauma dominates the initial response, the post-disaster dermatological burden remains an under-reported driver of morbidity.

Spanning over 71 million patient encounters, the data were rigorously appraised using JBI Critical Appraisal tools.

More results

First, in high-resource settings, data indicate no significant increase in Staphylococcus aureus infections, although mucosal risks (e.g., leptospirosis, Aeromonas) and chemical irritant dermatitis are observed.

Third, shelter overcrowding drives a delayed surge of communicable infestations (e.g., scabies, pediculosis) approximately 1 week post-disaster.

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Conclusion

Preparedness requires moving from non-specific antibiotic prophylaxis to a stratified response involving targeted mucosal monitoring, ectoparasite control in shelters, and anti-inflammatory therapy for atopic populations.

Post

The Dermatologic Burden of Flooding: A Systematic Review of Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Management in a Warming World.

Flood-related humidity and wind are associated with higher odds of atopic dermatitis flares.

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