High altitude dermatology

Abstract

Approximately, 140 million people worldwide live permanently at high altitudes (HAs) and approximately another 40 million people travel to HA area (HAA) every year for reasons of occupation, sports or recreation. In India, whole of Ladakh region, part of Northwest Kashmir, Northern part of Sikkim and Tenga valley of Arunachal are considered inhabited areas of HAA. The low quantity of oxygen, high exposure of ultraviolet (UV) light, very low humidity, extreme subzero temperature in winter, high wind velocity, make this region difficult for lowlanders as well as for tourists. Acute mountain sickness, HA pulmonary edema, HA cerebral edema, and thromboembolic conditions are known to occur in HA. However, enough knowledge has not been shared on dermatoses peculiar to this region. Xerosis, UV-related skin disorders (tanning, photomelanosis, acute and chronic sunburn, polymorphic light eruption, chronic actinic dermatitis, actinic cheilitis, etc.), cold injuries (frostbite, chilblains, acrocyanosis, erythrocyanosis, etc.) nail changes (koilonychias), airborne contact dermatitis, insect bite reaction, and skin carcinoma (basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and also rarely malignant melanoma) are the dermatoses seen in HAAs. Early diagnosis and knowledge of HA dermatoses may prevent serious consequences of disease and improve the quality of life for the visitors as well as for native of the place.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Ameliorated Iron Accumulation and Apoptosis and Promoted Neuronal Regeneration and Memory/Cognitive Functions in the Hippocampus Induced by Exposure to a Chronic High-Altitude Hypoxia Environment

“…Human activities in areas of high altitude (more than 3000 m) have recently increased significantly [1]. Among the 140 million people worldwide living permanently at high altitudes [2,3] and others for tourism or defending boundaries, 5-10% are at risk of developing chronic mountain sickness which is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis and severe hypoxemia [4,5]. The brain, as one of the most oxygen-consuming organs, is sensitive to hypoxia [6].…”

The Association of Residential Altitude on the Molecular Profile and Survival of Melanoma: Results of an Interreg Study

“…Actually, miR-150-5p, miR-155-5p , and miR-211-5p expression decreases as altitude increases; conversely, miR-204-5p and TYRP1 were significantly higher in patients living at altitudes of or above 750 m a.s.l. A possible explanation for our finding might be related to an increased UVR and hypoxic environment at higher altitudes [ 20 ]. Concerning the TYRP1 gene, it is well-known that the transcription factor Usf-1 activates the tyrosinase promoter by UV exposure [ 21 ].…”

Acrocyanosis – A Symptom with Many Facettes

“…Sojourn in high altitude can cause some systemic diseases. From a dermatological point of view, acrocyanosis is a possible consequence due to the combination of lowered oxygen pressure, wind and cold temperatures [ 4 ].…”