Improving access to dermatological care for Syrian refugees and underserved communities in Lebanon

Due to the economic and political instability and the influx of refugees, Lebanon has experienced an increased burden of skin diseases among vulnerable populations.

To assess the demographic characteristics and skin disease profile, with a view to improving dermatological care for Syrian refugees and underserved Lebanese communities in the Bekaa Valley.

We conducted a dermatological needs assessment and interventions as part of a skin and sexually transmitted infections knowledge, attitude and practice project among Syrian refugees and vulnerable populations in Bekaa Valley and northern Lebanon. We collected and analysed demographic and dermatologic data during a medical mission in May 2023.

Of the 417 patients, 65% were Syrians and 68% were female. The most common diagnoses were inflammatory dermatoses (28.4%), skin infections (21.3%) and disorders of the skin and appendages (37.3%). During the follow-up activities, 40% of additional 204 individuals consulted had infectious skin conditions.

We found a high burden of skin infections among the study participants, most probably due to the high burden of displacement. Urgent interventions are needed to increase dermatological care among the population, including fostering a peaceful and enabling environment for the provision of sustainable health care solutions.