Early diagnosis, awareness key to tackling rising skin diseases: Medical Education Minister

With skin disorders emerging as a growing public health concern, there is a pressing need for early diagnosis and greater public awareness about evidence-based dermatological care, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil said on Wednesday.

Speaking after inaugurating DERMACON Bengaluru 2026, the 54th national conference of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), the Minister said skin health was often underestimated despite its direct impact on the quality of life. “Timely medical intervention and scientifically validated treatment are crucial to preventing complications and long-term morbidity,” he said.

The Minister underlined the importance of taking dermatological care beyond hospitals and academic institutions. He commended IADVL for its outreach initiatives that seek to bridge the gap between advances in dermatology and community-level skin care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Public education, he said, was essential to counter misinformation and unscientific practices related to skin treatment.

Bhagavan B.C., Vice-Chancellor of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), stressed the role of continuous medical education, ethical practice and research in responding to emerging challenges in skin, hair and nail disorders. He described DERMACON as a vital academic platform that encourages innovation and scientific rigour.

Presiding over the function, IADVL president Rajeev Sharma said the association remained committed to patient-centric dermatology and public service. He referred to several national initiatives, including free skin health camps, anti-quackery awareness programmes and leprosy eradication efforts, aimed at ensuring safe and accessible skin care.

Organising chairperson S. Sacchidanand said the conference, themed “Empowering Skin Science: Implications, Ingenuity and Inclusivity”, reflects the association’s commitment to innovation, research and social responsibility.

Hosted by IADVL Karnataka and the Bangalore Dermatological Society, the conference is expected to benefit dermatologists and, indirectly, patients through improved clinical practices and enhanced public awareness on skin health.