# Global dermatological care access inequities

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-dermatological-care-access-inequities
> Updated: 2026-09-19T12:00:48.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

A global study published in JAMA Dermatology, conducted by the Global Access to Skin Health Observatory, highlights severe inequities in dermatological care across 158 countries. The research indicates that only one in six countries has sufficient dermatologists to meet population needs, with a global average of 2.66 specialists per 100,000 inhabitants against a recommended 5.63.

Significant disparities exist based on economic status and geography. Wealthy nations are nearly nine times more likely to have adequate staffing than low-income nations, and 79% of dermatologists practice in urban areas, leaving rural populations underserved. Despite skin diseases affecting over 2 billion people, 74% of surveyed countries do not list skin health as a national government priority.

Specific data for Spain shows that 60% of its dermatologists work in urban areas and 20% operate within the private healthcare sector.

## Claims

- A global study published in JAMA Dermatology examined dermatological access across 158 countries. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Globally, 79% of dermatologists practice in urban areas, leaving rural populations underserved. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Only one in six countries worldwide has a sufficient number of dermatologists to meet population needs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The global average is 2.66 dermatologists per 100,000 inhabitants, below the recommended 5.63. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 74% of countries report that skin health is not a national government priority. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In Spain, 60% of dermatologists practice in urban areas. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In Spain, 20% of dermatologists work in the private health sector. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- More than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from some type of skin disease. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Global dermatology access shows severe urban-rural inequalities

A global study reveals severe dermatological care inequalities, with 79% of specialists in urban areas and only one in six countries meeting recommended staffing levels.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-dermatology-access-shows-severe-urban-rural-inequalities

### 2026-09-16: Global study reveals critical inequities in dermatological care access

A global study reveals critical shortages in dermatological care, with only one in six countries meeting necessary staffing levels and 74% of nations failing to prioritize skin health.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-study-reveals-critical-inequalities-in-dermatological-care-access

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Cite as: Global dermatological care access inequities. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-dermatological-care-access-inequities