October 30, 2010
School of Medicine, Kochi
Dr. A. D. Dharmaratnam of the Amrita School of Medicine was recently honored with the title of Foundation Fellow of Asian Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (FAADV). This fellowship is the highest honor any dermatologist in Asia can receive.
Dr. Dharmaratnam is one of only four dermatologists in India to have received this title.
The title and fellowship was ceremoniously conferred upon the doctor at the recent Regional Conference of Dermatology in Malaysia. “This conference was a unique educational and fellowship dais for us, dermatologists,” remarked Dr. Dharmaratnam.
An invited speaker at the conference, Dr. Dharmaratnam spoke on Post Inflammatary Hyperpigmentation (PIH).
“Excessive skin pigmentation is a result of abnormal production and deposition of melanin by melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of the skin,” he outlined.
Elaborating further on this frequently encountered problem in Asian countries, the experienced doctor stated that PIH may well be the sequel to various cutaneous disorders or therapeutic interventions.
“The causes of PIH vary,” he emphasized. “It can result from infections, allergic reactions, injuries, reactions to medications, phototoxic eruptions, trauma or inflammatory diseases.”
“The mode of treatment used will depend on the type of pigmentation and patient risk tolerance.”
Dr. Dharmaratnam explained how despite their lighter skin color, certain people from countries such as Japan, Taiwan and China are susceptible to developing PIH.
“At Amrita, we see many cases like skin allergies, psoriasis, vitiligo, pigmentary disorders, etc.,” he added.
Having served as the All India Vice-President for the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venerologists, and Leprologists, Dr. Dharmaratnam currently serves as Head of the Department of Dermatology at Amrita.
The Amrita fraternity congratulates him on his new fellowship and title and wishes him the very best.
