Infectious Dermatological Conditions Among Refugee and Immigrant Populations: A Systematic Review

Refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons face significant barriers to healthcare access, particularly dermatologic services. Infectious skin diseases are especially prevalent in these populations due to multiple intersecting risk factors. This systematic review aimed to identify common infectious dermatologic conditions among these populations, their associated risk factors, and implications for clinical and public health management. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases through September 2024, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were eligible if they reported on infectious skin diseases in refugee and migrant populations. Two independent reviewers screened articles, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Across 63 studies including 5210 individuals, 3647 (70.0%) were diagnosed with infectious skin conditions. Among the 2772 cases specifying disease type, the most common were fungal infections (1084; 39.1%), leprosy (719; 25.9%), and leishmaniasis (397; 14.3%). Other diagnoses included viral skin infections (171; 6.2%), scabies (165; 6.0%), parasitic infections (126; 4.5%), bacterial infections (106; 3.8%), and tuberculid eruptions (4; 0.1%). The study populations represented migrants from 73 countries who relocated to 23 different host nations. Key risk factors included migration from endemic regions, overcrowded living conditions, and poor hygiene. These findings underscore the disproportionate burden of infectious skin disease in displaced populations and the need for targeted screening, culturally appropriate education, and improved access to dermatologic care. Addressing modifiable risk factors is essential to improving outcomes in these vulnerable groups.