Drug induced dermatology disorder which affect 60 per cent of the skin is becoming serious and potentially life threatening requiring immediate hospitalisation. Currently five per cent of the total 20 per cent of dermatology disorders affecting India's population is due to drug induced conditions.

Practically all drugs could induce skin reactions. Some reactions are mild, others could be life threatening causing blisters on the membranes and peeling of the epidermis. Drug eruptions can also occur as part of a spectrum of multi-organ involvement. Dermatologists in India are now closely evaluating all drug-associated rashes and call for an massive awareness drive. The early detection of drug induced dermatitis could save patients, stated Dr S Sacchidanand professor and head of the department of dermatology Bangalore Medical College and Victoria Hospital.

The increasing prevalence of this condition is attributed to the multi drug regime administered in patients, which causes serious reactions on the skin. With the growing consumption of life style disorder drugs for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases if taken along with certain formulations causes serious interactions and affects the skin. Even drugs like antibiotics, barbiturates, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs could be the culprits. The only way to address the issue is to ensure that patients do not consume drugs over-the-counter but opt for prescriptions based medication, pointed out Dr Sacchidanand.

Although dermatology disorders like Psoriasis and vitiligo are morbid but are not life threatening, drug induced dermatitis difficult to diagnose and is a challenge for dermatologists.

The prevalence of Psoriasis and vitiligo (white patches) in India is two per cent each of the total 20 per cent derma diseases. Both these disorders can be controlled to a considerable extent with drugs and for vitiligo and in the latter derma surgery is also recommended.

Skin infections are the most common derma diseases caused by bacteria, virus and fungus and can be controlled with drugs and hygienic habits. Other skin problems are due to pollution (Vehicular and industrial )and climatic conditions. Hot and cold weather conditions are known to have detrimental affect on the skin leading to rashes, pigmentation and dry skin.

In order to control the mortality through derma diseases, the government has introduced dermatology departments not only at the government hospitals in the cities but also in the talukas. This has allowed patients to access the facility at an early stage; making dermatologists are much sought after for simple rashes.

With newer derma specializations like cosmetology and skin surgeries gaining importance among people, there is an increasing demand for more dermatologists.

Right now there are 6,000 dermatologists in the country, which indicates a serious shortfall. However, there is a growing inclination among doctors to specialize in dermatology, which is looked upon as a profession of choice because it is lucrative, and not calling for frequent emergencies, stated Dr. Sacchidanand.

Indian dermatologists can be compared to those in the west with regards to diagnosis, therapies and surgical expertise. However there is a need for dedicated derma training centres in the country, added Dr Sacchidanand.