Short Wave producer Hannah Chinn has adult-onset eczema. They’re not the only one. Up to ten percent of people in the United States have it, according to the National Eczema Association — and its prevalence is increasing. Despite its ubiquity, a lot about this skin condition remains a mystery.
So today, Hannah’s getting answers. They sat down with Raj Fadadu, a dermatologist at UC San Diego, to ask: What is eczema? What triggers it in the first place? And might climate change make it worse sometimes?
If you liked this episode, check out our episode on the science of itchiness. Also, follow us! That way you never miss another Short Wave episode.
Interested in hearing more about climate change and human health? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we’d love to hear your feedback!
(Image credit: Brittany Hosea-Small)
The post Feeling itchy? Air pollution might be making it worse first appeared on EnviroLink Network.