The newer drug delivery devices to treat skin disorders are indicating better patient compliance in medication management and resulting positive outcomes, said Dr Venkarataram Mysore, president, 12th Edition of World Congress of Cosmetic Dermatology.

The Congress which is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from May 4 to 6, 2017 is focusing on advances in treatment and importance of accessing a dermatologist to address any skin disorder.

The craze for cosmetic surgeries has put India among the top five countries in the world to perform surgical procedures like hair transplantation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, etc. The demand for non-surgical interventions like lasers, Botox, Hyaluronic acid treatment. The skin care industry has evolved with anti-aging treatments. Factors like global warming, anti-aging solutions, new product innovations, growing media influence are driving this market, he added.

There is a major challenge for dermatologists to handle conditions like the superficial fungal infection that is difficult to treat due to usage of OTC creams, steroid-based combinations, drug resistance, poor compliance from patients. Another is the female pattered hair loss which is definitely challenging. This along with non-hormonal, post-adolescent acne is also another issue.

The prevalence of skin disease in India is 10 to 12 per cent of the total population with eczema, psoriasis and superficial fungal infections being the major contributors. Due to pollution, ultraviolet light, and global warming, photosensitive skin disorders like tanning, pigment darkening, sunburn, skin cancers, and infectious diseases are increasing at a faster pace. A one percent reduction in ozone leads to a two to four percent increase in the incidence of tumors. Dr Mysore told Pharmabiz.

India accounts for around 11,000 dermatologists. Despite the shortfall, the concern is on the skewed distribution of the dermatologists. Metros account for 70 per cent of the dermatologists with a miniscule representation in the districts and taluks. Under these circumstances, we see dermatology specialization as a most sought after preference for medial graduates. Annually, over 400 graduates with dermatology specialty qualify out of colleges in India, he said.

The on-going clinical trials in India are for the genodermatosis, pigmentary disorders, psoriasis, drug reactions. Fungal infections, vitiligo, are also subjects of study,

In contrast to the western world, India is more prone to infections. Vitiligo too is a major social problem in our country. Indian skin is also subject to considerable pigmentation. Hence laser treatment is likely to cause more pigmentation on Indian skin, he said.

The big challenge for dermatologists in India today is the rampant misuse of steroid-based creams for fairness, which can be availed over-the-counter without a prescription. The use of such OTCs are resulting in a rise of fungal infections, said Dr. Mysore.