The International Society of Dermatopathology (ISDP) was founded in 1979 by Helmut Kerl, MD; Gérald E. Piérard, MD; Jorge Sánchez, MD; and the late A. Bernard Ackerman, MD, who also served as the ISDP's first president.  The International Society of Dermatopathology, Inc, was incorporated in 1994, and classified as 501(c) (03) not-for-profit.

The aims and objectives of the ISDP are to increase knowledge of the structure and function of the skin and of diseases of the skin by microscopy. The Society intends to promote friendship and scientific exchanges among its members of different countries; to sponsor international and regional meetings; and to sponsor educational events.