Increasing Access to Dermatology Care for Underserved Populations: A Literature Review of Existing Care Models

Access to dermatologic care is a significant challenge in underserved populations, where factors such as economic hardships, geographic isolation, and provider shortages create substantial barriers to timely treatment.As a result of these obstacles, skin conditions are largely exacerbated, often leading to more severe health outcomes and a greater impact on the overall well-being of affected individuals.In an effort to combat these challenges, several unique care models have been implemented.This review synthesizes existing literature on three established models: free clinics, teledermatology, and street dermatology.By analyzing the findings from published case studies, this review evaluates the effectiveness, accessibility, and impact of these models in reducing dermatologic disparities.Additionally, it explores their limitations and potential strategies for optimizing their implementation.Ultimately, this review aims to inform future efforts in expanding access to dermatologic care in underserved communities.