The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and Australian dermatologists have embarked on a landmark initiative to address the global burden of skin disease. The newly established Lancet Commission on Skin Health aims to place dermatology prominently on the global health agenda, with the ILDS playing a pivotal role in its development.
Australian dermatologists, Professor Victoria Mar and Associate Professor Adriene Lee, both prominent figures in the Australasian College of Dermatologists, are actively involved in the Commission. This initiative marks the first occasion that the influential medical journal, The Lancet, has dedicated one of its prestigious Commissions entirely to skin health. This reflects a growing recognition of skin disease as a significant public health issue affecting billions worldwide.
The Significance of the Lancet Commission
The ILDS, representing over 175,000 dermatologists across 110 countries, views this move as a turning point for dermatology. Global health leaders are increasingly acknowledging the scale and impact of skin conditions. ILDS President, Professor Henry W. Lim, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating,
“With the establishment of The Lancet Commission on Skin Health, dermatology takes its rightful place on the global health stage, supported by one of the world’s most influential scientific voices.”
Associate Professor Stephen Shumack, an Australian dermatologist and ILDS board member, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the necessity for skin health to become a core component of public health policy worldwide, given its impact on a significant proportion of the global population.
Global Disparities and Challenges
The Commission will be co-chaired by Professor Xiang Chen of Xiangya Hospital in China, Dr. Esther Freeman of Harvard Medical School, and Professor Sinead Langan of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It includes experts from every region, including Professors Mar and Lee, to address the global burden of skin disease and develop evidence-based recommendations for governments, the World Health Organization, and major health funders.
Skin diseases affect an estimated 4.7-4.9 billion people globally, accounting for a significant proportion of years lived with disability. However, fewer than half of those affected have access to adequate dermatological care. The Commission will analyze the factors contributing to this burden and propose practical strategies to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Key issues to be explored include the epidemiological shift from infectious to chronic inflammatory and malignant skin diseases in rapidly industrializing countries, disparities in access to dermatological care, and workforce capacity worldwide. The integration of neglected tropical diseases presenting through the skin into primary health care systems will also be examined.
Innovations and Future Directions
The Commission will investigate emerging opportunities to enhance early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers, including the use of artificial intelligence and digital dermatology tools. Central South University in Changsha, China, the primary academic host for the Commission, convened its inaugural meeting in November 2025, bringing together commissioners from countries such as Australia, Brazil, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, the UK, and the United States.
Lancet Commissions are renowned for their influence in global health, assembling international experts to produce comprehensive analyses and policy recommendations that can shape WHO strategies and national health priorities. The new Commission builds on momentum generated earlier this year when WHO member states adopted a World Health Assembly resolution formally recognizing skin diseases as a global public health priority for the first time.
Expert Perspectives and Global Implications
Dr. Freeman emphasized the unprecedented opportunity this collaboration provides to highlight the importance of skin health in overall wellbeing. She stated,
“We’re deeply grateful to The Lancet for the opportunity to underscore that skin health is integral to overall health. Gathering voices from across the globe provides an unparalleled opportunity to unite our perspectives and work collectively on the most pressing skin health challenges of our time.”
Professor Chen noted that China’s experience of rapid industrialization and changing disease patterns could offer insights for other nations undergoing similar transitions. He remarked,
“In understanding China’s unique ‘transition landscape,’ we will gain insights with broader implications to help us provide scalable, reproducible pathways to improve skin health globally.”
Professor Langan concluded that the Commission would underline the importance of dermatology within global health policy, stating,
“This initiative will highlight the global importance of skin health and disease.”
As the Lancet Commission on Skin Health progresses, it seeks to ensure dermatology is recognized alongside other communicable and non-communicable diseases in health policy and funding decisions, ultimately improving outcomes for billions affected by skin conditions worldwide.
