Skin health is finally getting the attention it deserves. Three events inter alia have propelled it to the global stage.

First, the 79th meeting of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2025, adopted a resolution to make skin diseases a global health priority.1 Second, it was recognised that several of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) first present with changes in the skin before other organs get affected.2 Third, a global assessment of the burden of skin diseases has put them among the top 10 causes of disability.3

The Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2021 estimated that about 4.69 billion new cases of skin and subcutaneous diseases are responsible for 41.9 million Disability Adjusted Life Years Lost (DALYs).4 Not all skin diseases lead to disfigurement, disability, and stigma, but many NTDs that have skin manifestations do.

In 2019, India accounted for 19% of the new cases detected of skin and subcutaneous diseases and 18% of the deaths recorded globally, the highest for any country.5 Among the NTDs presenting with skin lesions, the burden in India is the greatest, for example, leprosy: 59% of new cases (2024); lymphatic filariasis (LF): 40% (2021); kala-azar: 18% (2020); and scabies: 37% of the global burden.

Of all NTDs, India has already eradicated yaws in 2006. It has set a target to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027; eradicate LF by 2027 and is on the verge of eliminating kala azar as all the endemic blocks have reported less than one case per 10,000 population since 2023.

The WHA resolution addresses skin diseases globally, focusing on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care with specific targets. It calls for a country-level coordinated action across all skin diseases, through strengthening primary care systems; expanding access to affordable diagnostics and treatments; integrating skin health into disability, rehabilitation, and mental health policies; and supporting expansion of research, surveillance, and data collection to provide innovative diagnostic tools and new treatments.6

To help the affected countries achieve the global, regional, and country-level targets related to skin NTDs, the WHO has provided valuable resources. A road map is available, which defines global targets and milestones to prevent, control, eliminate, or eradicate 20 neglected tropical diseases, including those which have skin manifestations.7 Skin NTDs are often co-endemic in many countries, districts, and communities. They may have the same common manifestations and approaches to detection. Examination of the skin, therefore, serves as an opportunity to identify multiple conditions in a single intervention and to improve case detection. For example, post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis can be detected during leprosy case detection campaigns. The areas for integration can be extended to include rehabilitation, mental wellbeing, and reduction of stigmas and discrimination. The WHO has provided a strategic framework for the integrated control and management of nine skin-related NTDs.8 Integration of programs for skin NTDs is happening at the national level, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The countries are adapting this framework to plan and implement programmes aimed at achieving success. Very valuable lessons learnt in the process have been documented and best practices highlighted.9

Few skin NTDs can be confirmed with reliable point-of-care diagnostic tests, and therefore, a clinical examination remains the cornerstone of diagnosis.

1.

Dermatologists are the frontline experts in diagnosing and managing skin diseases, including NTDs. Their clinical acumen in diagnosing early signs, differentiating between various aetiologies, formulating appropriate treatment plans, and addressing disability and stigma management can be vital in designing holistic care strategies for these patients. A recent DermLep survey underscores the important role of dermatologists in the management of leprosy patients following their treatment completion. This care model has potential implications for other skin-related NTDs as well.10

2.

Given the shortage of dermatologists in rural and underserved regions, dermatologists play a crucial role in capacity building by guiding frontline healthcare workers such as nurses, general practitioners, and community health volunteers, enabling early detection and referral of skin NTDs. The WHO offers various training materials for front-line health workers to aid in the diagnosis and management of skin NTDs. These include a mobile application, a training guide, and online courses. The updated beta version of the mobile app, available for free, features an offline algorithm, multilingual support, and learning resources, focusing on 12 skin NTDs and 24 common skin conditions.11 This app is undergoing validation in several countries with encouraging results. A training guide provides a comprehensive overview of skin NTDs, their symptoms, and management. Additionally, online courses on specific skin NTDs like leprosy, Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), wound management, etc., are also available. Dermatologists can contribute to the development and dissemination of these training materials, assist tele-dermatology services, and the use of artificial intelligence for diagnosis in remote areas.

3.

Dermatologists can collaborate with government and non-government organisations and influence policy decisions pertaining to the design and implementation of various programs targeting NTDs.

4.

The Indian Association of Dermatologists Venereologists & Leprologists IADVL, through its Community Dermatology- Special Interest Group (SIG) is actively engaged in community outreach programs to promote skin health, self-examination, and early help-seeking behaviour. Awareness campaigns at public places, schools, and religious places have proved significant in not only busting myths and misconceptions about various locally prevalent NTDs and promoting treatment adherence but also addressing stigma and discrimination effectively.

On World Skin Health Day 2025, the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and the International Society of Dermatology (ISD) rightly emphasised that “No Health without Skin Health”. Dermatologists in India can play a multifaceted role in overcoming the burden of skin diseases and achieving national and global targets for skin NTDs. India can usher in a new era of skin health, where no individual suffers from preventable or manageable skin diseases, and the stigma of skin NTDs becomes a history.