Global study reveals critical inequities in dermatological care access

A landmark global study published in JAMA Dermatology reveals severe inequities in access to dermatological care. Conducted by the Global Access to Skin Health Observatory—a collaboration between the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty—the research examined 158 countries, representing 97% of the world's population.

The findings indicate that only one in six countries possesses enough dermatologists to meet the health needs of its population. On average, there are only 2.66 dermatologists per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly lower than the estimated 5.63 required for adequate care. This shortage leaves over 80% of countries below the recommended threshold. Furthermore, wealthy nations are nearly nine times more likely to have adequate dermatological staffing compared to low-income nations.

Geographic disparities are also prominent, with 79% of dermatologists practicing in urban areas, leaving rural populations largely underserved. Despite skin diseases affecting more than 2 billion people and ranking among the top ten causes of disability globally, the study found that 74% of countries do not list skin health as a national government priority.