Global Dermatology Access Study Found Major Disparities
A survey of 158 countries revealed most areas lack the number of dermatologists required for adequate care.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Beauty
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Published August 26, 2026, in JAMA Dermatology, a new study found that only 17% of surveyed nations currently meet global standards for dermatologic access. The data highlights a severe workforce shortage that leaves millions without local skin care.
Why it matters
The findings underscore a significant gap in skin health equity, as uneven distribution of specialists complicates early diagnosis and treatment for populations worldwide. Understanding these regional barriers is the first step toward expanding training and care models.
This global survey of dermatology leaders across 158 countries found a mean density of 2.66 dermatologists per 100,000 people. While high-income countries report an average density of 5.05 per 100,000, low-income regions average only 0.37, leaving many areas significantly below the adequacy threshold.
The players
JAMA Dermatology
A peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research on the clinical practice, biology, and epidemiology of skin diseases.
The details
The study utilized task shifting, an approach where specialists train a broader, non-specialist workforce to perform essential dermatologic evaluations and treatments. This model seeks to address the reality that nearly 80% of the world's dermatologists are concentrated in urban areas. By formalizing these training pathways, researchers aim to bridge the gap in regions that currently lack any board-certified specialists.
Timeline
Researchers conducted the global survey between August 2024 and October 2025.
The study findings were published online in JAMA Dermatology on August 26, 2026.
Health Landscape
This study updates the historical baseline for global skin care access established by the JAMA Dermatology research program on global workforce distribution. It highlights the continued reliance on urban-centric models and the ongoing need for task-shifting to improve patient outcomes.
If you live in an area with limited access to specialists, it is worth discussing alternative care options, such as teledermatology, with your primary care provider. Understanding the signs of skin changes that require urgent attention remains critical when specialized, in-person care is scarce.
The takeaway
The study confirms that geographic location is a primary determinant of access to dermatological health services. Readers should proactively monitor their own skin for changes and consult a primary care clinician to facilitate early intervention when specialist access is limited.
What happens next
Researchers intend to conduct a next phase of research to map patient-level access to dermatologic care globally.
Further reading
For more on the current state of skin health and access to professional guidance, visit Beauty.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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