I have been working as a dermatologist for nearly 25 years, initially in India and then for the past 15 years in the United Kingdom. Having worked in different parts of the world, I got the opportunity to deal with problems affecting different skin types, acne being one of the most common. Acne used to be a teenage skin condition, but not anymore. Over the years I have seen a steady increase in acne affecting post teenage years too. Acne affects one’s confidence, it could be something you don’t want to talk about in case family and friends might not take it seriously. On the other hand, I have had parents who are worried for their silently suffering children. Most of the times it is difficult to know for the public what is the right time to go to the doctor or seek professional help. Too much money and time is wasted buying over the counter products and makeup. Having dealt with many patients with acne over the years, I am pleased to say that I have developed the expertise to provide individualised care and treatment for acne patients. Darker skin tones develop more obvious pigmentation and scarring and that needs support and care to deal with.
After graduating from Trivandrum Medical College, Kerala, India in 1996, I did my postgraduation (MD and Diplomate of the National Board)) in Dermatology from the same medical College. Following that I pursued a training programme in cosmetology for 2 years where I was trained to use Lasers and chemical peels. I worked as senior lecturer in Dermatology at Calicut medical College.
I came to the UK in 2005 and worked as a speciality doctor till 2017. I cleared my MRCP exam and speciality certificate exam and got the specialist registration. I am currently the joint clinical lead and consultant dermatologist at East Kent Hospitals NHS foundation Trust. My other responsibilities include being an educational supervisor, audit lead, patch test and phototherapy lead for the Trust. My sub specialist interest include acne, psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory dermatoses.
