Health · Healthcare & Policy · 5 hrs ago
Study highlights gaps in access to skin care across India
A global study of skin care access across 158 countries found that India has about 0.5 to 1 dermatologist per lakh people.
The study’s benchmark is 5.63 per lakh, but its researchers say this is a reference point, not a universal staffing target.
In India, dermatologists are concentrated in cities, while many rural communities have limited access even to doctors.
Delayed or inappropriate treatment can mean late diagnosis and problems such as misuse of steroid medicines.
The effects can be especially serious for conditions such as leprosy.
Researchers say more specialists are needed, but also propose training primary-care staff, providing essential medicines and setting up clear referral routes.
Other ideas include rural clinics, teledermatology and stronger links between medical colleges and nearby communities.
A global study highlights major gaps in access to dermatological care in India, including a shortage of specialists and an urban-rural divide.
India has an estimated 0.5 to 1 dermatologist per lakh people, well below the study’s reference benchmark of 5.63 per lakh.
The study reports that 79% of dermatologists worldwide practise in urban areas, while national averages can hide local shortages.
Delayed or unsuitable care can lead to late diagnosis, wrong treatment and steroid abuse, according to an Indian co-author.
Researchers call for stronger primary-care training, clear referral pathways and services that bring expertise closer to rural communities.
- Who
- The Global Access to Skin Health Observatory study, led by Esther Freeman with the International League of Dermatological Societies and L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty.
- What
- The study highlights gaps in access to dermatological care in India.
- When
- The article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- India, with data from a global study covering 158 countries.
- Why
- Access varies by location, and specialists are concentrated in urban areas, leaving many rural communities with limited care.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dermatologist density gives us an important starting point, but it does not tell us whether a patient can actually receive care.
delay in diagnosis, wrong treatment, steroid abuse
We need more dermatologists, but we cannot train our way out of this problem with specialists alone
Teledermatology can be implemented
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Study coverage
- 158 countries, representing 97% of the world’s population
- India dermatologist density
- Around 0.5 to 1 per lakh people
- Study reference benchmark
- 5.63 dermatologists per lakh people
- Urban practice
- 79% of dermatologists globally practise in urban areas
- Study publication
- JAMA Dermatology
Sources
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