Arctic & Antarctic dermatology: a narrative review of cutaneous conditions of polar explorers and researchers

TL;DR

This paper reviews skin conditions affecting people in polar regions, highlighting risks like skin cancer and frostbite due to harsh environments and limited healthcare access.

Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review of dermatological challenges in polar regions, emphasizing the need for specialized protocols and telemedicine support.

Findings

Polar explorers face increased skin cancer risk due to high albedo and thin ozone layers.

Frostbite and induced dermatoses are common due to extreme cold in polar regions.

Dermatologists can help by creating protocols and using telemedicine for remote support.

Abstract

The intersection of historical, environmental, and modern research contexts creates a unique framework for understanding dermatological conditions in polar regions. The poles represent unique challenges to dermatological health ranging from difficulties in delivering healthcare in the extreme environmental characteristics of the poles. A narrative review of PubMed and Google Scholar between December of 2024 to January 2025 was performed analyzing sources relevant to dermatological environmental insults and healthcare delivery challenges at the Earth’s poles. Polar explorers are likely to be at anincreased risk of developing skin cancer because of the high albedo of snow and ice coupled with a thinner region of the ozone layer in the poles, increased risk of developing frostbite and could induced dermatoses, face barriers to obtaining dermatologic care, and face dermatological challenges with nutrient and vitamin deficiencies. As polar research grows, dermatologists can serve a crucial role by developing protocols for managing dermatologic complications, training healthcare personnel prior to polar missions, and providing remote mission support through telemedicine.

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