L’Oréal, ILDS partner for global dermatologic accessibility study

Key takeaways:

• A global survey of 194 countries aims to identify dermatology deserts.
• The two-phase study will evaluate global dermatologist distribution and barriers to care.

A global study of dermatology accessibility has been launched in 194 countries through a collaboration between the L’Oréal Groupe’s Skin Alliance Forum and the International League of Dermatological Societies.

The Global Access to Skin Health Observatory aims to assess what barriers exist for patients in need of dermatologic care.

With more than 2 billion people with skin diseases around the world, the partnership survey will identify medical deserts by assessing the global distribution of dermatologists and access to dermatologic care across the globe, according to a L’Oréal press release.

“Skin diseases affect more than one in three individuals worldwide, posing a significant but often overlooked health challenge. Furthermore, recent studies on its impact showed 88% of people with skin disease said it negatively impacted their personal life, while 27% reported depression and around 29% claimed anxiety,” Myriam Cohen-Welgryn, president of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, said in the release.

“With billions of people suffering physically and psychologically, the knowledge gained from the Global Skin Health Access Observatory can help improve access to life-changing skin health services by directing resources where they are most urgently needed,” Cohen-Welgryn continued.

In the first of a two-phase study, all 194 WHO-recognized member states will be included, with an in-depth evaluation of dermatological care in 30 countries making up the study’s second phase.

Results are expected in 2025.