AIIMS Jammu emerges as vital centre for dermatological care

Jammu, May 5: The Department of Dermatology, AIIMS Jammu has emerged as a vital centre for dermatological care in the region within the first year of commencement of patient care services.

Since the inauguration of its OPD services, the department, as per an AIIMS Jammu spokesperson, has witnessed a steady and significant patient load, catering to around 110-120 patients daily, reflecting both the growing trust in the institution and the need for specialized dermatological services in the area.

Under the leadership of Executive Director and CEO, Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta and with the expert professional guidance and patient-centric approach of Dr Payal Chauhan and her team, within a month, patients will be able to receive platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies for various indications.

The department is already equipped to perform vitiligo surgeries and nail surgeries.

In the coming 4ñ6 months, the department is poised to introduce a suite of cutting-edge laser technologies that will further expand its therapeutic capabilities and offer solutions for a range of dermatological, cosmetic, and pigmentary conditions.

With these additions, AIIMS Jammuís Dermatology Department is set to become a comprehensive laser and phototherapy centre, offering world-class treatments under one roof.

Referring to efficient, patient-centric OPD services, the spokesperson has maintained that despite the heavy footfall, the department remains committed to delivering timely and quality care.

ìWith minimal waiting times, patients receive prompt consultations, diagnostic and therapeutic support. Routine dermatological evaluations are complemented by in-house dermoscopy, ultraviolet enhanced video dermoscopy and skin biopsies, which are directed at increasing diagnostic accuracy for a wide spectrum of conditions,î the spokesperson has stated.

In addition to clinical dermatology, the department has successfully launched several therapeutic services. Chemical peels are being routinely performed for various indications such as pigmentary disorders (including melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), acne, and for overall skin rejuvenation. These treatments are tailored to patient skin types and needs, ensuring safety and efficacy.

Cryosurgery is being routinely performed for various dermatological conditions such as cutaneous and mucosal warts, seborrheic keratoses and other benign, pre-malignant and malignant skin lesions as per the guidelines. This is a quick, effective and minimally invasive treatment involving application of liquid nitrogen to target lesions, leading to their controlled destruction with minimal downtime.

ìIts inclusion further enhances the departmentís ability to manage a wide spectrum of common dermatological concerns efficiently. The department is equipped with cryogun for targeted therapy thereby averting damage to surrounding tissue,î the spokesperson said.

One of the most significant recent milestones for the Department of Dermatology at AIIMS Jammu is the establishment of a dedicated whole body UVB+UVA phototherapy unit, a facility that currently sets the department apart from all other dermatology centres in the Jammu region.

ìThis advanced setup, unavailable in any other government or private hospital in the area, provides patients with access to targeted, evidence-based light-based therapy for a wide range of dermatological conditions,î the spokesperson said.

The unit is equipped with a whole-body phototherapy chamber, allowing uniform exposure to therapeutic light wavelengths for generalized skin conditions; hand-and-foot phototherapy machines, which are essential for localized conditions affecting palms and soles-areas often resistant to conventional therapies.

Phototherapy, particularly narrowband UVB and UVA with psoralen (PUVA), is a well-established, non-invasive treatment modality that offers a high efficacy-to-safety ratio when administered under expert supervision.

ìAt AIIMS Jammu, patients now benefit from this treatment for a spectrum of chronic and often distressing skin disorders, including psoriasis - both plaque-type and palmoplantar variants; vitiligo - especially stable and non-segmental types; atopic dermatitis - in cases unresponsive to topical therapies; lichen planus ñ particularly generalized or hypertrophic types; chronic hand and foot eczema; mycosis fungoides and other cutaneous lymphomas (early stages) and pruritus and photodermatoses like polymorphic light eruption and chronic actinic dermatitis,î it has been stated.

Additionally, phototherapy serves as a steroid-sparing option, reducing the need for prolonged use of systemic immunosuppressants and improving the quality of life for patients with chronic skin diseases.

With this facility, AIIMS Jammu, as per spokesperson, has not only enhanced treatment outcomes but also reduced the burden of patients who earlier had to travel outside the region for access to such advanced therapies.

The department has been routinely conducting patch testing, a vital diagnostic tool for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis secondary to various causes including dyes, cosmetics or fragrances and footwear. This has significantly aided the department in offering precise management strategies for patients with chronic and relapsing eczematous conditions, the spokesperson has pointed out.

With the recent availability of a phototherapy unit, the department now plans to initiate photo patch testing, an advanced modality particularly useful in suspected cases of photoallergic contact dermatitis.

ìThis test involves the application of allergens followed by controlled UV exposure to assess the role of sunlight in triggering skin reactions. Notably, this will be the first facility in the Jammu region to offer photo patch testing, marking a significant advancement in the comprehensive diagnosis of contact and photoallergic dermatoses,î the spokesperson said.