The disproportionately higher burden of climate change on cellulitis risk factors for marginalized populations: A literature review

Summary: Abstract Body: Climate change has been linked to worsening of various skin diseases, including cellulitis. However, it is important to consider the disproportionate burden that marginalized populations may face in these climate-related impacts. A comprehensive review was completed through PubMed to identify relevant literature. Rising ambient temperatures have been linked to a seasonal pattern in cellulitis, with a strong association of disease incidence during the summer. Individuals of low-income and minority communities are at an elevated risk of being exposed to higher temperatures due to persistent housing inequities, in addition to being employed in outdoor occupations that are consistently exposed to high heat. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, are predicted to become more severe with climate change, secondary to rising sea levels and changes in rainfall patterns. Previous research has found that marginalized populations not only live in areas of higher vulnerability to natural disasters, but also face long-term social and financial consequences, which may further limit their ability to receive medical care. The contamination resulting from these extreme weather events also introduces an increased risk of infection, while the disruption of care delivery presents a barrier in receiving care and thereby increases the risk of cellulitis-related complications. Exposure to air pollution, specifically ozone from vehicle emissions and industrial factories, has been associated with an increased likelihood of cellulitis-related emergency room visits. The risk of greater ozone exposure has previously been linked to socioeconomic factors and thus may translate to an elevated risk of cellulitis for low-income communities. This review supports that various environmental factors associated with cellulitis may disproportionately impact marginalized communities. In order to address these disparities, we should prioritize how to target this elevated risk, especially as the effects of climate change may worsen. Eunheh Koh¹, Michelle Lin¹, Ahmad A. Rathor¹, Rodger D. MacArthur¹ 1. Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States. Minoritized Populations and Health Disparities Research