Climate change is a defining global challenge that profoundly affects various aspects of human health, including the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) with dermatological manifestations. Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and environmental disruption have shifted the geographic distribution, seasonality, and incidence of diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. These changes have significant implications for dermatology because many vector-borne infections present primarily or secondarily with skin symptoms. This article examines the impact of climate change on key vector-borne skin diseases such as leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, and viral exanthems, and discusses public health strategies necessary to mitigate emerging risks worldwide.

Climate Change and Vector Ecology

Global warming and climate variability influence vector populations by altering temperature regimes, humidity, and precipitation patterns—factors critical for vector survival, reproduction, and feeding behaviors (Thomson et al., 2018; Zavaleta-Monestel et al., 2025). Warmer temperatures expand the habitable range of vectors into previously cooler or higher altitude regions, prolong breeding seasons, and shorten pathogen incubation periods within vectors (Ryan et al., 2023). For instance, ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease are now found in higher latitudes and elevations, increasing the exposed human population (Contagion Live, 2025).

Changing rainfall patterns create new breeding grounds through increased standing water or flooding, enabling mosquito proliferation. Conversely, droughts in some areas may push vectors and reservoirs into new locations, complicating prediction models (Palmer et al., 2023). Land-use changes such as deforestation, urbanization, and desertification combined with climatic shifts also expand habitats for sandflies, the vector of leishmaniasis (Jones & Welburn, 2021; Daoudi et al., 2022).

Key Vector-Borne Skin Diseases Affected by Climate Change

1. Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by sandflies, is climate-sensitive due to the vector’s narrow ecological requirements. Rising temperatures and environmental disruptions have expanded sandfly ranges, increasing cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean (Daoudi et al., 2022; Jones & Welburn, 2021). Climate-induced desertification and human migration further facilitate disease spread. The cutaneous form presents with chronic ulcers and disfiguring skin lesions, severely impacting quality of life in affected populations (TouchDerma, 2025).

2. Lyme Disease

Caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by Ixodes ticks, Lyme disease exhibits a growing geographic footprint in temperate regions of North America and Europe (Zavaleta-Monestel et al., 2025). Climate warming extends the tick season, increases tick survival, and elevates infection prevalence among vectors (Contagion Live, 2025). Early skin manifestations include erythema migrans, a hallmark expanding rash signaling early infection. If untreated, the disease can progress with systemic and chronic symptoms affecting skin, joints, and the nervous system (WHO, 2024).

3. Viral Exanthems Transmitted by Mosquitoes

Mosquito-borne viral diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile fever can cause characteristic skin rashes and systemic symptoms. Climate change accelerates vector population growth and facilitates outbreaks in novel regions, challenging public health systems (George et al., 2024; Jwanse1sis et al., 2021). For example, dengue incidence has surged in urban areas in Africa and Asia correlating with temperature rise and increased precipitation (Palmer et al., 2023). These viral exanthems often present with morbilliform or petechial rashes that require differential diagnosis from other causes of skin eruptions.

Public Health Responses and Adaptation Strategies

As climate-induced shifts heighten risks, public health systems must adopt multifaceted, climate-adaptive strategies:

  • Enhanced Surveillance and Early Warning Systems

Integrating meteorological data with epidemiological surveillance permits prediction of outbreaks and rapid response deployment (Indhumathi & Kumar, 2021). Early warning systems combining climate models, vector monitoring, and health data improve preparedness for vector-borne outbreaks with cutaneous presentations (Ryan et al., 2023).

  • Vector Control Innovations

Environmental management to reduce vector breeding habitats such as eliminating standing water and improving sanitation remains fundamental (Velleman et al., 2023). Novel vector control techniques include genetically modified mosquitoes and eco-friendly insecticides aimed at sustainable population reduction (Tyagi et al., 2021).

  • Community Engagement and Education

Empowering communities with vector avoidance knowledge including use of insecticide-treated nets, protective clothing, and repellents reduces exposure risks. Public education campaigns tailored to local contexts enhance compliance and effectiveness (George et al., 2024).

  • Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure

Improved diagnostic capacity for skin manifestations of VBDs and access to treatment are critical, especially in newly affected regions. Training healthcare workers in recognizing early cutaneous signs ensures prompt diagnosis and reduces complications (WHO, 2024).

Climate change is reshaping the epidemiology of vector-borne skin diseases by expanding vector habitats, increasing transmission seasons, and introducing infections into new areas worldwide. Diseases such as leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, and mosquito-borne viral exanthems are poised to grow in burden with significant dermatological implications. Addressing this emerging public health challenge requires integrated surveillance, innovative vector control, community participation, and strengthened healthcare systems tailored to the realities of climate variability. Dermatologists and public health professionals must collaborate proactively to anticipate changes and protect vulnerable populations from the skin-related impacts of this global crisis.

References

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