With the spurt of skin diseases among children, the Indian Institute of Child Health is planning to introduce training courses on paediatric dermatology to churn out more experts in the discipline.

“Global warming, ecological changes and rising pollution have led to 20 to 25 per cent increase in the number of paediatric dermatology cases, but we lack exclusive training programmes on paediatric dermatology” said Sandipan Dhar, associate professor, Indian Institute of Child Health.

In another development, the Indian Society for Paediatric Dermatology — a body of nearly 400 dermatologists — has approached the Ministry for Health and Family Welfare asking it to introduce a diploma course on paediatric dermatology.

“In our first round of talks with Health Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, he assured us to look into our demand,” said Dhar.

Doctors say that nearly 50 per cent skin problems occur in childre — a fact that is corroborated by the latest researches worldwide.

The society plans to hold surveys in city schools to know more about skin problems among students.

With experts believing that 99 per cent children with skin diseases are discriminated against, the society also plans to create awareness among teachers.

According to experts, cases of non-allergic skin diseases like eczema and skin allergies like atopic dermatitis have surfaced recently. Incidences of viral infections like chicken pox and measles are other growing concerns among doctors.

Cases of vitiligo, a skin disease, are also on the rise and experts attribute pollution and bad food habits for the cause of the disease.

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