DERMATOLOGY

Vitiligo

Vitiligo or leukoderma is a benign skin disease that causes depigmentation. Apart from the obvious cosmetic challenge it poses, the fact that it is still widely confused with leprosy makes it the commonest presenting complaint in our dermatological OPD.

Dermatitis

These are a group of skin disorders with protean manifestations. All ages of people present all year round with a spectrum of allergic dermatites. Topical steroids remain the mainstay of treatment.

Acne

Most adolescents in varying degrees of severity suffer from this common skin condition. This is also a common side effect of chronic steroid therapy for leprosy conversion reactions.

Fungal infection

Fungal infection/tinea can affect any area of the body including the scalp and the nails. Seasonal flares are common. They respond well to weekly oral antifungals.

Pemphigus

It is a skin disease characterised by severe bullous eruptions and systemic compromise ranging from mild to life-threatening. The disease course is long with exacerbations and remissions.

Psoriasis

It is an autoimmune skin disease presenting with skin lesions in varying morphological forms and severity. Winter exacerbations are characteristic.

Skin TB and other skin diseases

Skin TB required biopsy confirmation before Anti TB treatment can be started.
A variety of other skin conditions particularly the mimickers of Hansen’s present to the OPD and need to be subject to a thorough clinical examination and skin smears.