The Department of Dermatology & STD at JIPMER Karaikal was established on 26.02.2020 with the joining of Dr. Manobalan K. as Assistant Professor. The department was taken over by Dr. Geethanjali S., Assistant Professor, on 11.01.2024. Dedicated outpatient and inpatient services are currently conducted in collaboration with GH, Karaikal, with plans to start services at our own institute later. The department aims to develop and improve diagnostic and management strategies for both common and rare dermatological conditions. Core areas of focus include papulosquamous diseases (psoriasis, lichen planus, etc.), pigmentary diseases (vitiligo, melasma, etc.), bullous disorders (pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, etc.), chronic urticaria, genodermatoses, pediatric dermatology, leprosy, and sexually transmitted diseases. The department currently performs minor surgical procedures such as skin biopsies, chemical cautery, and intralesional treatments, with a vision to develop and implement procedural dermatology services in routine patient care. OPD services aim to address most dermatological issues (as listed above), benefiting not only the people of Karaikal but also those from neighboring districts like Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Thanjavur. Expertise and patient care, along with a few other aspects, will be sought from the respective departments at JIPMER, Puducherry.

The department conducts both clinical and theory classes for MBBS students. Currently, one senior resident is present in the department on a two-week rotation basis. The department also organizes a regular monthly clinicopathological meeting in cooperation with the Department of Pathology.

Department Administration:

The Dermatology office is located on the 4th floor of the academic building. Dr. Geethanjali S is currently in charge of the office. Clinical services are provided in the dermatology OPD, which is located on the first floor of the OPD building at GGH Karaikal. Inpatients are admitted to the male and female medical wards under dermatology.

Research:

The department aims to initiate research focusing on common dermatological conditions, with an emphasis on venereology.

OPD: timings from 8 AM to 1 PM

Emergency Services – 24×7, available on consultation

Other services:

These services are available on OPD basis with prior appointment from 11 AM to 1 PM on all days.

• Skin and mucosal biopsy
• Intralesional therapy
• Immunotherapy for warts
• Chemical cautery
• Nail biopsy and nail surgery
• Excision of benign tumors
• Mole removal
• Acne scar management
• Dermoscopy

Inpatient services:

On emergency basis and for STD patients in male and female medical wards