DEPARTMENT OF Dermatology and Venereology
| Dept. Head | : | Dr. Ajithkumar K. |
| OP Days & Time | : | All days (except Sunday) |
| Paediatric Dermatology Clinic | : | All Wednesdays |
| Multidisciplinary aesthetic referral clinic (MARC) | : | Third Wednesday ( Referred cases only) |
| Dermatosurgery and cosmetology clinic – All days except Sunday | : | All days except Sunday |
| Ward No | : | 5 |
About us
Department of Dermatology, Government Medical College, Kottayam started functioning as an independent department in 1972 with Dr. M.I.Joy as the first Head of Department. It is one of the pioneer Dermatology departments of Kerala and it was led by several doyens of Dermatology in the years ahead.
Department imparts competency based medical education to undergraduate MBBS students and post graduates (intake of 5 residents per year). Department provide comprehensive training in Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy, Dermatosurgery & Cosmetology.
Department also facilitate and promote research activities among post graduates and undergraduates.
It also ensure high quality evidence based care to patients suffering from various skin diseases.
PURPOSE:
The Department of Dermatology and Venereology Government Medical College, Kottayam aims to provide comprehensive and high quality patient care, academic excellence and research facilities in the field of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy thus aiming to be a centre of excellence .The department aims at giving the best and highest possible evidence based treatment to the patients and to deliver them with utmost care and compassion. The department is fully committed in imparting the highest quality of teaching and training to the undergraduates and postgraduates so that they get the best possible training in the field of Dermatology, venereology and leprosy and are well equipped to serve the society once they go out of the institution. The department also aims to promote research activities among the faculty and the residents so that the department stands at par with other national institutions. By aiming to deliver exceptional health care, medical education and research activities the department aims to serve the community and the nation at large.
SCOPE OF SERVICE
The department caters to the needs of a huge population in Central Kerala and serves as a major tertiary care referral centre for Dermatology, Venereology and leprosy. The outpatient wing functions on all days except Sunday and the department is equipped with a full fledged ward for care. The department provides highly specialised treatment and efficient follow up services for the various dermatologic diseases, sexually transmitted infections and leprosy.
The department offers various dermatosurgical and cosmetic procedures to the patients. It includes procedures like Skin biopsy, Dermoscopy, Electrosurgical procedures, Radiofrequency, Excision of benign skin tumors and moles, Vitiligo surgeries, Acne surgeries, Nail surgeries, chemical peels, Iontophoresis, PRP treatment, Phototherapy, Intralesional therapies, Cryosurgery, Laser hair reduction, Laser pigment removal, Excimer laser, Botulinum toxin injection treatment ,Microblading etc.
The department has a well equipped laboratory which helps in the diagnosis of various dermatologic diseases, sexually transmitted infection and leprosy. This department also collaborates in multi disciplinary research unit, and with institutions like PGI Chandigarh, KMC Manippal.
The department imparts competency based medical education to the undergraduates and conducts regular teaching programmes for the residents including seminars, journal clubs, case based clinical discussion. They are encouraged to participate in the various states, national and international conferences. The department also hosts continuing medical education programmes aiming to keep updated about the latest development in the field of Dermatology, Venereology and leprosy. The department hosts regular online guest lectures by eminent national faculties.
History of department in brief….
The department of dermatology was established by Dr MI Joy is 1972. In 1982 IMC gave permission for 3 post graduate seats in dermatology. Dr T P Thankappan, Dr Thomas Abraham & Dr Sreedevan were the first post graduates in department.
The following Professors were chairing the department in succession.
- 1972 -Dr MI Joy
- 1982- Dr Jacob Zacharia
- 1993- Dr P V Sadananda Naik
- 1997-Dr PP Mohandas
- 2002- Dr S Radhakrishnan
- 2003- Dr MJ Cyriac
- 2006- Dr MS Sadeep.
- 2017 -Dr Beena Narayanan
- 2020- Dr Sobhanakumari K
- 2021- Dr Seena P
In 2022 Dr Ajithkumar K took charge as HOD and Dr Celine MI as second unit chief.
Many eminent professors in dermatology Dr BKH Nair, Dr K Pavithran, Dr Ramachandran Nair, Dr Dharmarathnam, Dr Sivarajan, Dr Suja, Dr Jacob Thomas, Dr Beena Sunny, Dr George Kurien, Dr Devi, and Dr Lissy Skaria etc mentored and shaped our post graduates. Currently Dr Ajithkumar K is the head of the department and Dr Celine MI heads the second Unit.
Awards and Honours
Throughout the years our residents bagged many prestigious awards.
In 2010 DR Soumya Jagadeesan and Dr Veena won the national level quiz. Dr Anju K Balan was the winner of and Torrent young talent in 2013 and Dr Lekshmi won the Amala Gold medal exam. In 2023 Dr Amitta Rachel and Dr Jayalekshmi were the state runner up in IADVL quiz.
Dr Ajithkumar K was honoured with Sardarilal memorial oration by IADVL
Pondicherry in 2022 and Dr K Premalatha award for the best research project in 2024 .Dr Ajithkumar K also received the Best teacher award by IADVL in 2024.
Residents and faculties are actively involved in publications and research.
The department provides following services
- Out patient wing- All days (except Sunday)
- Dermatosurgery and cosmetology theatre—All days on appointment
- Transgender clinic in collaboration with plastic surgery, endocrinology and
- psychiatry department
- Phototherapy
- Treatment and counselling services for sexually transmitted infections
- (STIs) and leprosy
- Research lab
- Inpatient wing – Ward 5 – 60 beds
MISSION STATEMENT
The Department of Dermatology and Venerology at Government Medical College Kottayam is committed to:
Providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients with utmost professionalism and respect for their individual needs.
Delivering high-quality, evidence-based medical education and training to medical students, residents, and fellows, fostering their development into competent and compassionate Dermatologists and Venerologists. Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of Dermatology and Venerology.
Collaborating with other departments, healthcare institutions, and organizations to develop interdisciplinary approaches for the comprehensive management of Dermatological and Venerological disorders, ensuring optimal patient care.
Enhancing the knowledge and skills of our healthcare professionals through continuous professional development programs, workshops, and conferences, to keep abreast of the latest advancements in Dermatology and Venerology.
Maintaining a patient-centered approach, respecting diversity, promoting ethical practices, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for both patients and healthcare providers.
Contributing to public health initiatives by actively participating in research, policy development, and advocacy to address emerging challenges in the field of Dermatology and Venerology in the region and beyond.
Vision Statement:
To be a leading center of excellence in Dermatology and Venerology, dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare, advancing medical education, and conducting innovative research for the benefit of our patients, community, and the nation.
Services
- Skin biopsy
- Electrosurgery, Radiofrequency
- Chemical Peels
- Excision of benign tumours, mole
- Vitiligo surgeries
- Acne surgeries
- Nail surgeries
- Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP)
- Iontophoresis
- Intralesional therapies
- Cryosurgery
- Dermoscopy
- LASER – hair reduction, scar resurfacing, pigmentation therapy
- Botulinum toxin injection (Botox)
- Phototherapy
- Excimer
- Permanent make up
The current research Projects:
- Dr Ajithkumar K
- Micro rna in pemphigus
- Dr Reshma C
- Leprosy related morbidities in patients release from treatment
- Dr Afsana Faby Khan
- Remission of pemphigus in a tertiary care centre in Kerala
- Dr Soumya Limson
- Association of atopic dermatitis with domains of mental health in school aged children
- Dr Divya Thomas
- Utility of dermoscopy in distinguishing tinea corporis from nummular eczema, pityrisis rosea and plaque psoriasis
- Dr Anjusha N
- Ocular manifestations of atopic dermatitis in children
- Dr Dinnu K Gopal
- Trends in clinicoepidemiological pattern of syphilis in a tertiary care centre.
- Dr Hafsa
- Pattern of dermatoses in migrants attending dermatology OPD
- Dr Shahina
- Clinical profile of DRESS
- Dr Geethika
- Pattern of mucocutaneous manifestations in dengue fever.
- Dr Susrutha Sudhi
- Clinicoepidemiological and cytopathological study of anogenital warts in patients attending dermatology OPD in a tertiary care center.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The most important duty is to maintain a patient centered approach ensuring the best treatment in an ethical way.
To provide a compassionate care to the patients maintaining utmost professionalism and respect for the patient.
To provide a safe and supportive environment for the patients and the health care workers.
To provide a comprehensive management by having an interdisciplinary approach whenever needed.
To ensure that the residents trained in the department are competent enough to manage the complex problems in Dermatology, sexually transmitted infections and Leprosy.
FACULTY
| Sl. No. | NAME | DESIGNATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Dr. Ajithkumar K. MBBS, MD (Dermatology) TCMC Reg.:17506 | Professor & HOD |
| 2 |  Dr. M. I. Celine MBBS, MD (Dermatology) TCMC Reg.: 17015 | Professor & Unitchief |
| 3 |  Dr. Mary Vineetha MBBS, MD (Dermatology) TCMC Reg.: 32560 | Professor (CAP) |
| 4 |  Dr. Meriya Zacharia MBBS, MD (Dermatology) TCMC reg.: 21056 | Associate professor (CAP) |
| 5 |  Dr. Aswini R. MBBS, MD (Dermatology), DNB (Dermatology) TCMC Reg.: 41770 | Assistant Professor |
| 6 | Dr Amitta Rachel Santhosh | Senior resident |
| 7 | Dr Jayalakshmi S | Senior resident |
| 8 | Dr Sandra T D | Senior resident |
| 9 | Dr Sara Jijo | Senior resident |
| 10 | Dr Sabitha Sajeev | Junior Residents |
| 11 | Dr Gopika Suresh | Junior Residents |
| 12 | Dr Vipin V | Junior Residents |
| 13 | Dr Remesh Ramachandran | Junior Residents |
| 14 | Dr Neha Tojo | Junior Residents |
| 15 | Dr Geethika V V | Junior Residents |
| 16 | Dr Shahina A S | Junior Residents |
| 17 | Dr Susrutha | Junior Residents |
| 18 | Dr Dinnu Gopal | Junior Residents |
| 19 | Dr Hafsa | Junior Residents |
| 20 | Dr Divya Thomas | Junior Residents |
| 21 | Dr Reshma C | Junior Residents |
| 22 | Dr Soumya | Junior Residents |
| 23 | Dr Afsana Faby Khan | Junior Residents |
| 24 | Dr Anjusha | Junior Residents |
Other Staff
| No | Name | designation |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Staff in Ward | ||
| 1 | Anie K Markose | Head nurse |
| 2 | Ms Deepthy V S | Nursing Officers |
| 3 | Ms Mini C S | Nursing Officers |
| 4 | Ms Sumitha Chacko | Nursing Officers |
| 5 | Ms Leena Sebastian | Nursing Officers |
| 6 | Ms Maya M J | Nursing Officers |
| 7 | Ms Molly Chacko | Attenders |
| 8 | Ms Salila Baiju | Attenders |
| 9 | Ms Mary Shini | Attenders |
| Skin Lab Staff | ||
| 1 | Mrs. Beena K | Lab Technician |
| 2 | Mr. Ranjith Raj K | Lab Technician |
| Mr V N Aneesh | STI Counsellor | |
| Theater Staff | ||
| 1 | Ms Deepa | Staff Nurse |
| 2 | Ms Omana | Nursing Assistant |
| 3 | Ms Mini | Cleaning Staff |
| Ms Ajitha | OP Attender |
PUBLICATIONS IN LAST 5 YEARS
- Sasidharanpillai S, Govindan A, Ajithkumar K, et al. Interface dermatitis as an indicator of hepatic involvement in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). J Cutan Pathol. 2020;1–9.
- Sasidharanpillai S, Govindan A, Ajithkumar K, Saranya TM, Bindu V, Khader A. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms within one week of exposure to the drug. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83:E17–8.
- Histological evaluation of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10:542–6.
- Sankaran D, Sasidharanpillai S, Ajithkumar K, Govindan A, et al. Role of histopathology in predicting type 1 lepra reaction in borderline tuberculoid leprosy. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2020;4:586–9.
- Ajithkumar K, Amrutha PC, Vinitha UC, Rakesh TP, Andrews AM. Analysis of mortality and loss to follow-up during the rollout of the second-line antiretroviral therapy: An observational study from South India. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2019;1:19–23.
- Suresh A, Abdurahiman R, Sapna EA, Sasidharanpillai S, Ajithkumar K. Coexistence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) with HIV among STI clinic attendees: A retrospective study from Kerala. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2019;1(2):84–6.
- Algoodkar S, Rejani PP, Ajithkumar K, Shaji KS. Evaluation of center for epidemiological studies depression scale-10 (Malayalam Shorter Version) for depression among people living with HIV/AIDS. Indian J Soc Psychiatry. 2020;36(3):180–3.
- Ajithkumar K, Khader A, Govindan A, Dominic S, Abdurahiman R, Roopasree P. Atypical presentation of tuberculous arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint in a patient on dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2020;2(1):59–61.
- Ramachandran A, Safar L, Sasidharanpillai S, Ajithkumar K, George B, Devi K. Sensitivity and specificity of traditional testing methods to detect sensory impairment in the skin lesions of leprosy compared to Semmes–Weinstein monofilament. Lepr Rev. 2020;91(1):89–99.
- Theunuo R, Sasidharanpillai S, Ajithkumar K, George B, Salim RS. Nail changes in leprosy: Onychoscopy evaluation. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2020;11(6):970–4.
- Sreejith K, Sasidharanpillai S, Ajithkumar K, Mani RM, et al. Role of high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) in the assessment of peripheral nerves and diagnosis of leprosy: A comparative cross-sectional study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2021;87:742–5.
- Suresh A, Jose R, Sasidharanpillai S, Chathoth AT, Ajithkumar K. Linear trends over 20 years in sexually transmitted infections among patients attending a tertiary care centre in North Kerala, India. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. Forthcoming 2020.
- Saranya TM, Sasidharanpillai S, Ajithkumar K. Descriptive study on the clinical profile and demography of patients with chronic folliculitis of leg attending a tertiary referral center. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2020;2(2):104–9.
- Ajithkumar K. Androgenetic alopecia. Clin Dermatol Rev [serial online]. 2022 [cited 2022 Nov 4];6(2):61–2. Available from: https://www.cdriadvlkn.org/text.asp?2022/6/2/61/354751.
- Simi SM, Martin AM, Ajithkumar K, Asokan N. Facilitating the practice of dermatology in Kerala – Recommendations by an expert panel of Kerala State Branch of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2022;4:91–6.
- Rahima S, Santhosh P, Ajithkumar K, Asokan N. How to improve dermatology teaching and learning at the postgraduate level: Recommendations by a faculty panel of Kerala State Branch of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2022;4:97–103.
- Santhosh P, Ajithkumar K. Trifarotene – The latest retinoid. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2021;87:742–5.
- Sasidharanpillai S, Joseph AT, Ajithkumar K, Devi K. Autoimmune diseases, end organ dysfunction and adverse drug reaction following drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): A retrospective cohort study. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2021;12(5):722–5.
- Jithendran S, Ambooken B, Ajithkumar K, Asokan N. Keep in touch; improve the outcome of patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2021;66(3):324–5.
- Ajithkumar K, Santhosh P. Pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia. Clin Dermatol Rev. 2022;6(2):69–74.
- Simi J, Celine MI, Sandeep MS, Sobhanakumari K. A study of cytoclinical correlation in immune bullous, spongiotic and viral vesicular lesions. J Evid Based Med Healthc. 2020;7(1).
- Arun PV, Celine MI, Vineetha M. Autologous serum therapy in chronic idiopathic urticaria. J Evid Based Med Healthc. 2020;7(30):1453–8.
- Celine MI, Jaleel A, Palakakl S, Vasanthi B, Sobhanakumari K, Sandeep MS. A clinicopathological study of nerve involvement in leprosy in a tertiary care centre in South India. Lepr Rev. 2021;92:225–35.
- Jose N, Zacharia M, Jayalekshmi PL, Sobhanakumari K. Alagille syndrome: A rare cause for xanthomatosis. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2022;4:242–5.
- Jose S, Nitin A, Zacharia M, Palakkal S, Vineetha M, Jayalekshmi PL, et al. An unusual cutaneous manifestation of inflammatory breast carcinoma. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2020;2(2):1–3.
- Azez F, Sobhanakumari K, Zacharia M, Palakkal S, Shaj K. Becker’s nevus and lichen planus: A rare coexistence. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2022;4:250–3.
- Zacharia M, Palakkal S, Shaj K, Keziezie N. Clinical study of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) – with special focus on inciting drug and the indication for starting the drug. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2022;15(4):34–7.
- Keziezie N, Zacharia M, Ranganath A. A dermoscope study of nail involvement in chronic plaque psoriasis at a tertiary care center. Asian J Med Sci. 2022;13(3):101–6.
- Naz KKA, Vineetha M, Celine MI. Clinicomycological study of pityriasis versicolor. Asian J Med Sci. 2022;13(6):96–100.
- Sreevas OA, Vineetha M, Aswini R. Clinical profile and dermoscopic findings in alopecia areata. Asian J Med Sci. 2022;13(5).
- Vineetha M, Palakkal S, Jaya KV. Platelet-rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia: A prospective study. J Evol Med Dent Sci. 2020;9(22):1696–9.
- Vineetha M, Palakkal S. Comparison of serum malondialdehyde levels in vitiligo patients and Healthy controls. J Evol Med Dent Sci. 2020;9(6):343–6.
- Palakkal S, Anila K, Sobhanakumari K, Celine MI, Vineetha M. Viewing the resurgence of early syphilis in light of increasing male homosexuality and childhood sexual abuse. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2020;41(2):188–91.
- Vivek S, Vineetha M, Ajithkumar K, Asokan N. How to improve dermatology teaching and learning at the undergraduate level? Recommendations by a faculty panel of Kerala State Branch of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2022;4:104–9.
- Reeshma J, Mariyath OKR, Narayan KTP, Devi K, Ajithkumar K. Quality of life and perceived stress in chronic spontaneous urticaria: Counting the burden. Indian Dermatol Online J 2024;15:460-3.
- De D, Mehta H, Shah S, Ajithkumar K, Barua S, Chandrashekar L, et al. Consensus based Indian guidelines for the management of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceous. Indian Dermatol Online J 2025;16:3-24..
- Shah S, Mahajan R, Ajithkumar K, Dogra S. Letter to the editor regarding Association between asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis with leprosy: A case-control study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2024;90:687-8. doi: 10.25259/IJDVL_507_2024
- Shana B, Ambooken B, Balakrishnan S, Neelakandan A, Ajithkumar K. Varied presentations of primary cutaneous lymphoma: A case series from a tertiary care center in South India. Indian J Cancer 2024;61:172-9.
- Ganesh R, Ajithkumar K. Are we missing neurosyphilis? J Skin Sex Transm Dis 2024:6:3-4. doi: 10.25259/ JSSTD_7_2024
CMEs conducted by Dept in last 5 years
- Paediatric psoriasis
- Prof MJ Cyriac memorial CME
- PGCON 2025
- Basics of Artificial intelligence
Guest Lectures
- Dr. Sharma
- Dr. Rasmi Jindal
- Dr. Srikumar Gotru
- Dr. Nilay Kanti Das
- Dr. Janaky V R
- Dr. Somesh Gupta
- Dr. Madhu
- Dr. Divya Gupta
- Dr. Niti Khunger
- Dr. Jayadev Betkarur
- Dr. Parul Varma
- Dr. Geeti Khullar
- Dr. Yasmin Bhat
- Dr. Parvathi Santhosh
Achievements
| Dr Neelima Mohan | – | Third place Award paper Cuticon Annual state conference 2022 |
| Dr Sandra TD | – | First place Case report – Cuticon Annual state conference 2022 |
| Dr Geethanjali S | – | Best poster First place Cuticon Annual state conference 2022 |
| Dr Sandra TD | – | Best Poster First place Cuticon Annual state conference 2022 |
| Dr Amitta Rachel santhosh | – | second place e poster , Midcuticon , Wayanad 2023 |
| Dr Jayalekshmi S | – | Third place e poster , Midcuticon , Wayanad ,2023 |
| Dr Minu sunil, Dr Deepa John , Dr Farsana M | – | First place Essay writing competition |
Ongoing Research
- Dr Amitta Rachel Santhosh
- .Clinoco –epidemiological factors and mycological pattern associated with chronicity of glabrous tinea
- Dr Amoolya MT
- Change in pattern of bacterial flora in patients admitted with eroded skin
- Dr Farsana M
- Clinico – epidemiological study of abnormal vaginal discharge
- Dr Sandra TD
- Prevalence and pattern of sexually transmitted diseases in newly registered HIV positive patients
- Dr Anusha P
- Cutaneous manifestations in small vessel vasculitis and its correlation with systemic involvement
- Dr Jayalekshmi S
- Clinical profile of patients with childhood psoriasis
- Dr Mary Vineetha
- Value of dermoscopy in diagnosing cutaneous malignancies
- Dr Reshma C
- Leprosy related morbidities in patients release from treatment
- Dr afsana Faby Khan
- Remission of pemphigus in a tertiary care centre in Kerala
- Dr Soumya Limson
- Association of atopic dermatitiswith domains of mental health in school aged children
- Dr Divya Thomas
- Utility of dermoscopy in distinguishing tinea corporis from nummular eczema, pityrisis rosea and plaque psoriasis
- Dr Anjusha N
- Ocular manifestations of atopic dermatitis in children