How Environmental Triggers Impact Skin Disease, With Hannah Rodriguez, MPAS, PA-C

At the 2026 Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) Summer Dermatology Conference, Hannah Rodriguez, MPAS, PA-C, highlighted the growing importance of understanding how environmental factors and climate change influence skin health and dermatologic disease.¹

Rodriguez spoke with HCPLive in an on-site interview, noting while the topic has not traditionally received significant attention at dermatology meetings, its relevance to patient care continues to expand as evidence accumulates linking environmental exposures to a range of skin conditions.

“I personally have always cared about the environment and our impact on the environment as humans,” Rodriguez noted. “As I started to realize what great impact the environment has on our skin patients, I felt really drawn to adopt this as a passion project.”

Rodriguez noted that her interest in the subject stems from both a personal commitment to environmental issues and mentorship from leaders in the field, including Misha Rosenbach, MD, at the University of Pennsylvania. She emphasized that clinicians must recognize that patients’ skin is constantly interacting with the environment, making it essential to understand how environmental changes can affect disease development, severity, and management.

According to Rodriguez, pollutants can impact the skin through multiple pathways. Airborne pollutants may directly contact the skin, contributing to barrier disruption and inflammatory responses, while pollutants that are inhaled or ingested can enter the bloodstream and subsequently affect the skin through systemic pathways. These exposures can alter immune function, disrupt the skin microbiome, impair barrier integrity, and increase inflammation.

She discussed how environmental factors can influence a variety of inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. While the connection between environmental exposures and atopic dermatitis is relatively well established, Rodriguez suggested that many clinicians may be less aware of similar effects in other common dermatologic conditions. She also highlighted emerging evidence that rising temperatures can alter the skin microbiome and increase sebum production, potentially creating conditions that worsen acne severity.

Rodriguez encouraged clinicians to incorporate environmental considerations into patient counseling. One practical strategy is educating patients about the Air Quality Index (AQI), which can help them anticipate disease flares and adjust treatment plans proactively during periods of poor air quality. She also recommended the use of HEPA-filter air purifiers, particularly in bedrooms where individuals spend significant amounts of time.

Looking ahead, Rodriguez stressed that climate change may contribute to increased skin cancer risk through both greater cumulative sun exposure and intensifying ultraviolet radiation. As a result, she emphasized the continued importance of patient education regarding sunscreen use, sun-protective clothing, shade-seeking behaviors, and avoidance of peak sun exposure.

Disclosures: Rodriguez had no relevant disclosures of note.

References

1. Rodriguez H. Environmental/Geographic Influences in Dermatology Track: Under Pressure: Climate Change and the Future of Skin Health. Presented at SDPA Summer 2026. Jun 10-14, 2026.