The skin conditions expert group of the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study estimated the global burden of skin conditions worldwide. Health loss due to 15 skin diseases between 1990 and 2010 for 187 countries was quantified. All skin conditions combined were the fourth leading cause of non-fatal disease burden at the global level. The burden of skin conditions was high in both high- and low-income countries, indicating that prevention of skin diseases should be prioritized.