The Need for African Dermatology Guidelines—Steps Towards Equitable Care
April 2026
in “
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
”
TLDR Africa needs its own dermatology guidelines to address unique skin challenges and improve care.
The article highlights the urgent need for dermatology guidelines tailored to the African context, as existing guidelines from high-income countries fail to address the unique challenges faced in Africa. These challenges include diverse skin tones, cultural practices, and a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable skin diseases. The lack of regionally relevant guidelines exacerbates disparities in care, necessitating the development of evidence-informed, resource-sensitive, and culturally aligned dermatologic guidance. The article calls for regional collaboration, research investment, and leadership from African dermatologists to create guidelines that address common conditions, unique clinical presentations, and promote safe skin and hair care practices. This effort aims to bridge the care gap and ensure equitable dermatological care across the continent.