Skin in the Crossfire: Dermatological Consequences of the War in Ukraine A Narrative Review
1
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Armed conflict profoundly affects population health, yet the dermatological consequences of war remain under explored within public health research. Since the escalation of the war in Ukraine, civilians have experienced widespread displacement, healthcare disruption, environmental exposure, and psychological trauma, all of which directly and indirectly impact skin health. To date, no comprehensive review has synthesised the dermatological effects of the Ukraine war from a clinical perspective.
METHODS:
A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources, covering publications from 2014 to 2025. Included sources examined dermatological conditions among civilians residing in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees. Data were synthesised into thematic categories including direct war related skin injuries, infectious and infestation related dermatoses, exacerbation of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, and psychodermatological conditions associated with trauma and displacement.
RESULTS:
The literature reveals a broad spectrum of conflict associated skin disorders. Direct effects include burns from explosions and incendiary devices, cold related injuries such as frostbite, and secondary wound infections due to delayed care. Indirect effects are substantial, with increased prevalence of scabies, lice infestations, bacterial and fungal skin infections in overcrowded shelters and refugee settings. Chronic inflammatory dermatoses including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and chronic pruritus frequently worsened due to psychological stress and interrupted access to treatment. Psychodermatological conditions such as trichotillomania, skin picking, and stress induced disease flares were also reported. Disrupted healthcare systems led to delayed diagnosis of serious conditions including advanced skin cancers.
CONCLUSIONS:
The war in Ukraine has produced a significant but under recognised burden of dermatological disease among civilians. Skin health represents a neglected dimension of conflict related morbidity. Integrating dermatological care into humanitarian and public health responses is essential to reduce suffering, prevent complications, and strengthen health system resilience during armed conflict.
Armed conflict profoundly affects population health, yet the dermatological consequences of war remain under explored within public health research. Since the escalation of the war in Ukraine, civilians have experienced widespread displacement, healthcare disruption, environmental exposure, and psychological trauma, all of which directly and indirectly impact skin health. To date, no comprehensive review has synthesised the dermatological effects of the Ukraine war from a clinical perspective.
METHODS:
A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources, covering publications from 2014 to 2025. Included sources examined dermatological conditions among civilians residing in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees. Data were synthesised into thematic categories including direct war related skin injuries, infectious and infestation related dermatoses, exacerbation of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, and psychodermatological conditions associated with trauma and displacement.
RESULTS:
The literature reveals a broad spectrum of conflict associated skin disorders. Direct effects include burns from explosions and incendiary devices, cold related injuries such as frostbite, and secondary wound infections due to delayed care. Indirect effects are substantial, with increased prevalence of scabies, lice infestations, bacterial and fungal skin infections in overcrowded shelters and refugee settings. Chronic inflammatory dermatoses including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and chronic pruritus frequently worsened due to psychological stress and interrupted access to treatment. Psychodermatological conditions such as trichotillomania, skin picking, and stress induced disease flares were also reported. Disrupted healthcare systems led to delayed diagnosis of serious conditions including advanced skin cancers.
CONCLUSIONS:
The war in Ukraine has produced a significant but under recognised burden of dermatological disease among civilians. Skin health represents a neglected dimension of conflict related morbidity. Integrating dermatological care into humanitarian and public health responses is essential to reduce suffering, prevent complications, and strengthen health system resilience during armed conflict.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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