Skin diseases are among the most common health problems worldwide and are associated with a considerable burden. The burden of skin disease is a multidimensional concept that encompasses psychological, social and financial consequences of the skin disease on the patients, their families and on society. Chronic and incurable skin diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema, are associated with significant morbidity in the form of physical discomfort and impairment of patients' quality of life; whereas malignant diseases, such as malignant melanoma, carry substantial mortality. With the availability of a wide range of health status and quality-of-life measures, the effects of most skin diseases on patients' lives can be measured efficiently. The aim of this review is to present some of the published data in order to highlight the magnitude of the burden associated with some common skin diseases and also to suggest ways to quantify this burden of skin disease.