The Department of Dermatology, AIIMS Jammu, is rapidly emerging as a vital centre for dermatological care in the region.
The Department of Dermatology at AIIMS Jammu, is rapidly emerging as a vital center for dermatological care in the region within first year of commencement of patient care services. Since the inauguration of its OPD services, the department has witnessed a steady and significant patient load, catering to around 110-120 patients daily, reflecting both the growing trust in the institution and the need for specialized dermatological services in the area.
Efficient, Patient-Centric OPD Services: Despite the heavy footfall, the department is committed to delivering timely and quality care. With minimal waiting times, patients receive prompt consultations, diagnostic and therapeutic support. Routine dermatological evaluations are complemented by in-house dermoscopy, ultraviolet enhanced video dermoscopy and skin biopsies, which are directed at increasing diagnostic accuracy for a wide spectrum of conditions.
Expanding Therapeutic Services: In addition to clinical dermatology, the department has successfully launched several therapeutic services.
Chemical peels are being routinely performed for various indications such as pigmentary disorders (including melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), acne, and for overall skin rejuvenation. These treatments are tailored to patient skin types and needs, ensuring safety and efficacy.
Cryosurgery is being routinely performed for various dermatological conditions such as cutaneous and mucosal warts, seborrheic keratoses and other benign, pre-malignant and malignant skin lesions as per the guidelines. This is a quick, effective and minimally invasive treatment involves application of liquid nitrogen to target lesions, leading to their controlled destruction with minimal downtime. Its inclusion further enhances the department’s ability to manage a wide spectrum of common dermatological concerns efficiently. The department is equipped with cryogun for targeted therapy thereby averting damage to surrounding tissue.
State-of-the-Art Phototherapy Services: A First in the Jammu Region
One of the most significant recent milestones for the Department of Dermatology at AIIMS Jammu is the establishment of a dedicated whole body UVB+UVA phototherapy unit, a facility that currently sets the department apart from all other dermatology centers in the Jammu region. This advanced setup, unavailable in any other government or private hospital in the area, provides patients with access to targeted, evidence-based light-based therapy for a wide range of dermatological conditions.
The unit is equipped with:
• A whole-body phototherapy chamber, allowing uniform exposure to therapeutic light wavelengths for generalized skin conditions.
• Hand-and-foot phototherapy machines, which are essential for localized conditions affecting palms and soles-areas often resistant to conventional therapies.
Phototherapy, particularly narrowband UVB and UVA with psoralen (PUVA), is a well-established, non-invasive treatment modality that offers a high efficacy-to-safety ratio when administered under expert supervision. At AIIMS Jammu, patients now benefit from this treatment for a spectrum of chronic and often distressing skin disorders, including:
• Psoriasis – both plaque-type and palmoplantar variants
• Vitiligo – especially stable and non-segmental types
• Atopic dermatitis – in cases unresponsive to topical therapies
• Lichen planus – particularly generalized or hypertrophic types
• Chronic hand and foot eczema
• Mycosis fungoides and other cutaneous lymphomas (early stages)
• Pruritus and photodermatoses like polymorphic light eruption and chronic actinic dermatitis
Additionally, phototherapy serves as a steroid-sparing option, reducing the need for prolonged use of systemic immunosuppressants and improving the quality of life for patients with chronic skin diseases.
With this facility, AIIMS Jammu is not only enhancing treatment outcomes but also reducing the burden of patients who earlier had to travel outside the region for access to such advanced therapies.
This development marks a pivotal step in transforming AIIMS Jammu into a regional referral center for dermatology, offering high-end treatment options that were previously unavailable in the entire Jammu region.
Patch Testing and Photo patch Testing: The department has been routinely conducting patch testing, a vital diagnostic tool for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis secondary to various causes including dyes, cosmetics/fragrances, and footwear. This has significantly aided department in offering precise management strategies for patients with chronic and relapsing eczematous conditions. With the recent availability of a phototherapy unit, the department now plans to initiate photo patch testing, an advanced modality particularly useful in suspected cases of photoallergic contact dermatitis. This test involves the application of allergens followed by controlled UV exposure to assess the role of sunlight in triggering skin reactions. Notably, this will be the first facility in the Jammu region to offer photo patch testing, marking a significant advancement in the comprehensive diagnosis of contact and photoallergic dermatoses.
Upcoming Facilities: Expanding the Therapeutic Horizon
Under the able leadership of our worthy Executive Director & CEO, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, and with the expert professional guidance and patient-centric approach of Dr. Payal Chauhan and her team, the Department of Dermatology at AIIMS Jammu is on the fast track to becoming a comprehensive center for advanced dermatologic care.
Within a month, patients will be able to receive platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies for various indications. The department is already equipped to perform vitiligo surgeries and nail surgeries.
In the coming 4–6 months, the department is poised to introduce a suite of cutting-edge laser technologies that will further expand its therapeutic capabilities and offer solutions for a range of dermatological, cosmetic, and pigmentary conditions.
With these additions, AIIMS Jammu’s Dermatology Department is set to become a comprehensive laser and phototherapy center, offering world-class treatments under one roof. These advancements reaffirm the institute’s commitment to bringing the latest in dermatological technology to the region, ensuring that patients no longer need to travel far for specialized care.
