Skin and subcutaneous disease burden, 1990-2021: a GBD review

This study comprehensively quantifies the global burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases from 1990 to 2021 and projects trends to 2035. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, we analyzed incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 15 skin conditions across 204 countries, stratified by sex, age, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Between 1990 and 2021, global incident cases rose by 65% to 4.69 billion, age-standardized incidence (EAPC = 0.23), mortality (EAPC = 0.23), and DALYs (EAPC = 0.05) all increased. Fungal skin infections were the most prevalent, whereas atopic dermatitis generated the highest DALYs. Decubitus ulcers caused the greatest mortality among elderly individuals. Females experienced higher incidence and DALYs; males had higher mortality. Low-middle SDI regions recorded the highest mortality, while high SDI regions bore the greatest DALY burden. Bayesian models predict continued rises through 2035. Escalating global skin disease burdens necessitate targeted prevention and resource allocation, particularly for high-risk populations and regions.