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Dear Patients, Read This Before Your Next Visit

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Is this a rant? Maybe yes. I have been practising dermatology for the last 5 years, and I am writing this article on this seemingly silly topic. I would be genuinely happy if even one patient reads this and comes better prepared to their next consultation. “Skin problem எவ்ளவோ நல்லாஹ் இருக்கு?” (How long have you been having skin problems?) This is one of the very first questions any dermatologist asks. It’s not just a casual opener - it’s a foundational question. The same applies to almost any medical problem. Knowing the chronicity (how long it has been there) immediately shapes the differential diagnosis and guides the entire consultation. Yet, surprisingly, most patients come unprepared for this basic question. Whether it’s due to anxiety, nervousness, or simply not thinking about it beforehand, the response is often vague: “கொஞ்சனால இருக்கு” (It has been there for a few days) “ரொம்ப நாலாஹ் இருக்கு” (It has been there for many days) Here’s the problem with these answers: What fee...
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Neem in Skincare: Tradition, Hype, and What the Evidence Actually Says

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As a dermatologist, I recently saw several patients with chickenpox who had applied neem leaf paste to their rashes. What started as an attempt to soothe itching ended with worsening lesions and secondary bacterial infections. Applying Neem leaf paste has its own problems. These weren’t isolated cases. Each time I gently asked why they chose neem, the answer was the same: “My mother/relatives did it.” I understood completely. If I didn’t have medical training, I might have done the same listening to their advice. Like turmeric, Neem (Azadirachta indica) has deep roots in Indian tradition. Every part of the tree-leaves, bark, seeds-is considered medicinal. I still remember seeing elders in my village using neem twigs as chewsticks in the 90s. When I had chickenpox as a teenager in the 2000s, my mother boiled neem leaves and used the water to reduce the itch. In medical school in the 2010s, I even tried neem facewash. Today, neem is everywhere: in toothpaste, hair oils, baby soaps, and p...
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Tools of The Itch

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  (Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist for diagnosis, treatment, or management of any skin condition or medical concern. Reliance on any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk. Read this article Ad FREE on Patreon ) We’ve all been there - that sudden, maddening itch that hits out of nowhere and absolutely demands attention right then. When your fingernails just aren’t doing the job (or you’re trying to reach that impossible spot), every Indian household turns into a goldmine of creative scratching solutions. From the kitchen to the study table, here’s my fun countdown of the ultimate “tools of the itch” we all secretly rely on. 10. The Comb (Kankhi) A regular plastic comb is pure gold. Those closely spaced teeth work like a multi-pronged rake, spreading just the right pressure across your scalp....
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Dry Skin (Xerosis cutis) - Explained

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(Disclaimer: For safe and effective use of moisturisers, it’s best to consult your dermatologist or treating doctor for personalised guidance. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to ensure proper healing and care. Public forums cannot replace expert medical evaluation for such sensitive issues. Read this article Ad FREE on Patreon ) When I polled my Instagram community about what they wanted to learn next, one topic popped up: Dry Skin (Medical term: Xerosis cutis). It’s a massive subject, but today I want to zoom in on the "why" behind that tight, itchy sensation and why your current moisturiser might be failing you. The Science of the "Airtight Seal" Think of healthy skin as an airtight seal. Its job is to keep the good stuff in (moisture) and the bad stuff out (irritants). Two main players make this happen: Filaggrin: Think of this as your skin’s natural "water magnet." It draws moisture in and acts as the scaffolding that keeps your...
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Patterns of the FMGE Examiner: Analysis of Skin Questions [July 2025]

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Disclaimer: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) logo used in this article is for representational and educational purposes only to provide context for NEET PG aspirants. All rights, trademarks, and intellectual property related to the logo belong solely to the National Board of Examinations. The author of this blog is an independent medical professional and is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NBEMS. I have given enough intro in the last article , so let's focus on what you came for. An analysis of the 13 Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy (DVL) questions from the FMGE JULY 2025 (Henceforth mentioned as FMGE 2025) session provides critical insights into current examination trends. Although I was not a foreign medical graduate, during my PG aspirant days, I had found that solving FMGE questions alongside DNB and NEET-PG sets is an effective strategy for identifying high-yield topics. Historically, because the National Board...
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