LANDMARK GLOBAL STUDY REVEALS CRITICAL INEQUITIES IN ACCESS TO DERMATOLOGICAL CARE

First comprehensive global assessment by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty spans 158 countries and 97% of the world's population.

Summary: The Global Access to Skin Health Observatory Study, published in JAMA Dermatology, examines the distribution of dermatologists across 158 countries representing 97% of the world's population - a mean of 2.66 per 100,000 people against a benchmark of 5.63. Density ranges from just 0.37 per 100,000 people in low-income countries to 5.05 per 100,000 in high-income countries. 79% of dermatologists are concentrated in urban areas, leading to 'dermatological deserts' even in higher-income countries.

PARIS, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Only one in six countries worldwide has enough dermatologists to meet the healthcare needs of its population, with wealthier nations almost nine times more likely to have adequate dermatology workforce levels than lower-income countries.

Published in JAMA Dermatology, the Global Access to Skin Health Observatory Study examines the distribution of dermatologists alongside barriers to accessing dermatological care, training, and specialist services.