Skin infections are a frequent cause of hospitalizations in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), with clinical presentations ranging from mild to potentially fatal. Regional inequalities, demographic profiles and socioeconomic conditions influence the distribution and outcomes of these hospitalizations. In Brazil, given the large geographic size and regional disparities, it is essential to analyze these hospitalizations over time, focusing on age distribution, healthcare burden and economic impact, in order to support effective, regionally tailored public policies.

To evaluate the profile of hospitalizations for skin infections in Brazil between 2014 and 2024, focusing on regional disparities, affected age groups, mortality and hospital costs.

Retrospective cross-sectional study using SIH/SUS (DATASUS) data including all hospitalizations for skin infections between 2014 and 2024. Variables analyzed were: number of hospitalizations, deaths, mortality rate, mean length of stay and mean cost per hospitalization, stratified by region (North, Northeast, Southeast, South and Center-West) and age group (0–14; 15–59; ≥60 years).

A total of 1,012,358 hospitalizations were recorded in Brazil during the study period. The Southeast concentrated the largest volume (38.3%) and the highest expenditure (R$ 247.3 million), followed by the Northeast (29.7%), North (13.7%), South (11.4%) and Center-West (6.8%). The 15–59 age group was the most affected in all regions (47.2% to 55.1%). The highest mortality rates occurred among older adults: 5.10% in the Southeast, 4.51% in the South and 4.06% in the Northeast. Children had mortality below 0.1%. Mean length of stay was higher in older adults (6.7 to 7.8 days), as was mean cost per hospitalization, ranging from R$ 565.80 (North) to R$ 825.40 (Southeast).

Skin infections generate a substantial hospital burden in SUS, predominantly among adults, with mortality increasing with age. The regional disparities observed in hospitalization volume, mortality and costs reflect inequalities in access, infrastructure and quality of care. The greatest impact was seen in the Southeast, Northeast and South, demanding integrated actions to strengthen primary care, optimize early detection and promote interventions targeted at the most vulnerable populations. Efficient management of these conditions can reduce prolonged hospitalizations, improve clinical outcomes and minimize hospital expenditures.