AI and Digital Tools in Dermatology: Addressing Access and Misinformation

Digital dermatology is transforming access to skin care by addressing long-standing inequities related to geography, income, and skin type. As many as 70% of individuals with skin conditions do not receive professional care, creating an opportunity for digital tools – ranging from teledermatology and AI to large language models – to bridge gaps in diagnosis, education, and patient empowerment. However, these innovations could worsen existing disparities if not designed intentionally, due to algorithmic bias, unequal digital access, and a lack of culturally responsive models. This paper examines digital dermatology’s potential to promote equitable care by focusing on three critical areas: broadening access via digital platforms, ensuring AI fairness through comprehensive datasets, and combating dermatological misinformation using expert-led, AI-powered communication strategies, including a conceptual chatbot that synthesizes and prioritizes dermatologic science for practical use. Drawing on global case studies and insights from the WHO’s AI skin health app and the Skin and Digital Summit, we underscore both the transformative potential and ethical complexities of deploying digital solutions. We advocate for a Radical Dermatology framework that integrates technological advances with community-centered care, equitable data practices, and collaborative design. This vision calls for dermatologists to take the lead, combining scientific rigor with digital innovation to cultivate a more inclusive, intelligent, and trustworthy skin health ecosystem.