Dermatology

The Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology is known for its academic excellence, maximum number of OPD patients among various specialties, and providing the latest in the field of contact dermatitis, dermatosurgery, and cosmetic dermatology. It has become the torchbearer among the dermatology units in the region.

The department was started by Dr. V.K. Sood when he joined DMC&H in 1969. He retired in 1998 after building up a teaching department of high standards. After Dr. Sood's retirement, the department was headed by Dr. Y.C. Minocha, followed by Dr. Alka Dogra, and then by Dr. Sunil Kumar Gupta.

Currently, Dr. Sukhjot Kaur is heading the department, with a keen interest in clinical and diagnostic dermatology. Dr. Jaspriya Sandhu is an Associate Professor in the department, and Dr. Navneet Kaur is working as an Assistant Professor. The department has a harmonious environment that ensures the smooth functioning and efficiency of all members of the non-teaching staff.

Postgraduates from the department are doing very well both in India and abroad, and the department is proud of its alumni.

Sub-Specialities

Dermatology has evolved in a very big way with many aspects to be practiced. Various clinical areas include:

• General Dermatology
• Venereology including AIDS
• Leprosy
• Dermatosurgery/Lase
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Photodermatology
• Paediatric Dermatology
• Dermatopathology

Departmental Achievements

Publications from the department are often seen in top national and international journals, including the International Journal of Leprosy, IJDVL, IJD, and IJPD among many others.

The department was awarded ‘Excellence in Clinical Teaching’ in 2001 based on UG students’ feedback.

A very successful Cuticon was organized by the Department in 2008 & 2016.

Every year, our faculty is chosen as speakers at various national and state IADVL conferences. Our residents present posters and papers at various national and state conferences as well.

Dr. Sunil Gupta was awarded the Best Teacher Award (North Zone) by IADVL at Dermacon 2022. Dr. Sukhjot Kaur is the current President of IADVL Punjab, Chandigarh & HP, and Dr. Jaspriya Sandhu is the current Hon. Secretary of IADVL Punjab, Chandigarh & HP.

Specialty Clinics

• Allergy Testing Clinic (Intra-dermal testing) for urticaria, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis.
• Standard Patch Testing Clinic for contact dermatitis.
• Leprosy Clinic - This is run every Friday in the department. The multidrug therapy provided by the Government is being distributed to patients under the 'National Leprosy Eradication Programme'.
• STD Clinic with HIV Counselling.
• Pigmentary Clinic for leucoderma, hypermelanotic disorders.
• Dermatosurgery and Cosmetology Clinic - In this specialized clinic, aesthetic dermatology procedures are carried out, such as chemical peeling, surfication, radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, vitiligo surgery, nail surgery, and chemical cautery.
• A Special Skin Lab for KOH, tissue smear, gram stain, Giemsa stain, and Slit & Smear is part of the OPD Complex.
• Laser Clinic: CO2 laser for post-acne scars/warts & moles, diode laser for hair reduction, and Nd:YAG pico-laser for pigment/tattoo removal services are available in the OPD.

Public Health Education

• The dermatology department is always part of all medical camps organized by DMC&H, with the largest number of patients seen among the specialties.
• The department has been providing integrated services with community medicine in the Rural Health Centre Pohir & Urban Health Centre, Shimlapuri.

Strengths

• Whole Body PUVA/NBUVB Unit – This modality is present in very few centres in North India. It is useful in the treatment of vitiligo, psoriasis, etc.
• Pulse Therapy - In our wards, pulse therapy is routinely given for serious vesico-bullous disorders like pemphigus, collagen disorders like SLE, systemic sclerosis, immunological disorders like vitiligo, lichen planus, etc. This pulse therapy is specially recognized by the 'National Pulse Therapy Foundation of India'.
• Biological Therapy: Rituximab is an emerging therapy in pemphigus, and we are one of the leading centres where Rituximab is slowly being preferred as the first-line therapy in eligible patients of dermatology. Biologic therapy is also used for psoriasis, chronic urticaria, and hidradenitis suppurativa.
• Biolight Therapy for psoriasis & chronic urticaria and the latest treatment for H.S., pemphigus, and urticaria.
• Teaching Methods - Modern teaching methods are used for postgraduates & undergraduates, which include audio-visual aids, a projection microscope for histopathology, and a well-equipped departmental library for PG students.

Future Plans

We hope to expand our dermatosurgery/laser clinic/aesthetic dermatology and add a dermato-pathology wing.