Critical skin conditions mapping the frequency and management of dermatological emergencies insights from northern Moroccan physicians

Abstract Dermatological emergencies represent a significant proportion of consultations in emergency and primary care settings. However, data regarding their management, available resources, and physicians’ training needs remain limited in Morocco. This study aimed to describe the frequency and types of dermatological emergencies encountered by physicians in northern Morocco, to assess current management practices, and to evaluate resource availability and training needs. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2025 among physicians practicing in northern Morocco. Data were collected using a structured, pilot-tested, self-administered online questionnaire disseminated through professional medical networks. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. A total of 783 physicians completed the survey. Erysipelas was the most frequently reported dermatological emergency (77.6%), followed by purpura, drug-induced cutaneous reactions, bullous dermatoses, and urticaria. Most physicians (59.8%) reported consulting an on-call dermatologist for management, while 24.7% managed cases independently. Only 46% of respondents rated the quality of dermatological emergency care as satisfactory, and 38.5% reported adequate availability of essential supplies. Limited access to educational resources was reported by 64.4% of physicians, whereas 92.7% expressed interest in further training. This descriptive study highlights the predominance of infectious and inflammatory skin conditions among dermatological emergencies in northern Morocco, as well as important gaps in resources and training. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational programs and system-level interventions to support physicians involved in emergency dermatological care.