Dermatology Venerology & Leprosy is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair (functions & structures) and its diseases. It is a specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. Since its establishment the department of dermatology has been keeping up-to-date of the developments in the field of research and therapeutics, making it one of the most sought-after departments in BMCH. The department has a comprehensive training programme for post-graduation in dermatology Masters degree (MD). The clinical services offered by the department include management of patients with dermatological problems, sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy. Dermatological and cosmetic surgeries including laser therapies are also performed. In addition to the extensive collection of dermatological books in the Central Library, the department has the latest international and national dermatological text books and a good collection of audio-visual teaching aids.

BMCH has very good facilities for proper and scientific investigation and treatment of patients with vitiligo and psoriasis. In this regard, the Department has the most modern phototherapy unit. The common day-to-day surgical procedures carried out in the department include skin biopsies for diagnosis of skin diseases, Electrodessication, Radiofrequency in the treatment of common and benign skin tumours like common warts and keloids. The various procedures offered are chemical peels for pigmentary disorders of the face like melasma, diffuse melanoderma and acne, Follicular hair extraction for androgenetic alopecia, botulinum toxin injections for wrinkles, soft tissue augmentation with fillers. Microdermabrasion and collagen microinduction by derma rolling for acne and chicken pox scars and platelet rich plasma treatment for hair loss. Laser therapy for diverse cutaneous conditions like hirsuitism, hypertrichosis, acne scar resurfacing etc, are performed in the department.

Contact dermatitis is frequently encountered in day-to-day practice for which patch testing is done. The department has a standard screening series of 20 allergens obtained from Sweden which are used for patch testing.

Other procedures performed in the department include-

• Cryosurgery- for warts, benign tumors, keloids etc

• Electrosurgery- electrocautery, epilation, removal of warts, DPN, skin tags

• Snip excision of skin tags

• Trichogram test- in hair disorders

• Punch skin graft for vitiligo

• Split skin graft for vitiligo, leg ulcers

• Blister skin graft for vitiligo

• Follicular hair extraction

• Dermabrasion – for acne scars

• Collagen micro induction by dermarolling for acne and varicella scars

• Phototherapy – PUVA, NB- UVB

• Electrophoresis for Hyperhydrosis

• Laser hair reduction

• Tattoo removal by picosecond laser

• Lasers for acne scars and varicella scars.

Clinicals and theory classes for undergraduates seminars, short talks, journal club, case presentation, theory classes, group discussions and guest lectures for postgraduates regularly held.