JAMMU, OCT 10: The Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy at AIIMS Jammu is emerging as a leading center for advanced dermatological care in the region. Serving patients from Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, the department focuses on diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and leprosy.
The department, under the leadership of Associate Professor and Head Dr. Payal Chauhan, provides comprehensive outpatient and inpatient care, including phototherapy and minor OT services. Common skin conditions treated include eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, bacterial, viral, fungal infections, acne, and autoimmune disorders. Alongside patient care, the department is actively involved in teaching, training, community services, and participation in national health programs.
Services and Patient Care Since its inception, the department has handled approximately 3,800 patients in the outpatient department (OPD), with daily patient numbers ranging from 70 to over 100. Both appointment-based and walk-in patients receive holistic assessments and treatments. The numbers have consistently grown, reflecting the department’s increasing popularity.
Diagnostic and Technological Advancements AIIMS Jammu’s dermatology department is equipped with the latest diagnostic technologies, including dermoscopy, ultraviolet fluorescent dermoscopy, videodermoscopy for skin, trichoscopy for hair, and onychoscopy for nails. These advancements help visualize skin and deeper structures non-invasively, leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses.
Dr. Chauhan, who has trained at MAMC, PGI Chandigarh, and AIIMS, is a recognized expert in dermoscopy and dermatopathology. Her expertise enables comprehensive diagnostic services, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for diagnoses.
The department also offers microbiological studies, including Gram stain, Giemsa stain, and KOH staining, to detect bacterial, viral, fungal, and mycobacterial infections. State-of-the-art equipment such as trinocular microscopes, videodermoscopes, and handheld dermatoscopes enhances the accuracy of diagnostic procedures.
Procedural Dermatology AIIMS Jammu’s dermatology department performs 10-15 minor procedures daily in its well-equipped minor OT. Procedures include skin biopsies, electrocautery, intralesional injections, microneedling for acne scars, and cryotherapy. The department also offers therapeutic UV-B phototherapy for vitiligo and psoriasis, providing essential care for patients with these chronic conditions.
Leadership and Future Goals The department’s success is attributed to the leadership of Executive Director and CEO Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta and Medical Superintendent Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Sunil Kant (Retd.). Under their guidance, the department continuously upgrades its services and equipment to offer the latest treatments. Plans are underway to introduce additional services, including patch and photopatch testing, chemical peeling, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and vitiligo surgery.
Research and Education In addition to clinical services, the department is actively involved in research. Faculty and residents conduct extensive studies aimed at better understanding skin diseases and improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The goal is to establish the department as a center of excellence in dermatology research and teaching.
