Dermatologists Raise Red Flag Over Quackery in Skin and Hair Treatment

Hyderabad: Dermatologists are sounding the alarm over the growing presence of unqualified individuals offering treatments for skin, hair, and aesthetic issues. These practices — often carried out under the misleading banner of “cosmetology” — are not only illegal but potentially harmful, with doctors warning of delayed diagnoses, resistant infections, and permanent skin damage.

The concern spans a wide range of issues: acne, pigmentation, hair loss, fungal infections, and even advanced procedures like fillers and laser treatments — all being handled by individuals without medical degrees or formal dermatology training. Practitioners from alternative systems of medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, or those without any health science background are advertising these services, primarily through social media.

“Even acne could be skin tuberculosis, and hair fall may indicate thyroid or autoimmune issues,” said Dr Rajetha Damisetty, a dermatologist. She added that people are walking into parlours and clinics run by individuals who’ve never studied human pathology, and that’s deeply dangerous.

Dr Damisetty also flagged the rampant misuse of steroid creams by such practitioners, particularly in treating fungal infections. “What seems like a quick-fix cream for a rash may actually be fuelling a larger epidemic. Resistant tinea infections are now being seen across India because steroids are handed out without medical oversight,” she explained.

Under the National Medical Commission Act, 2023, skin, hair, and nail care fall solely under the purview of certified dermatologists, venereologists, and leprologists. However, misleading designations such as “clinical cosmetologist” or “medical cosmetologist” — which are not recognised by any regulatory authority — continue to misguide patients.

Dr Revathi Mella, senior dermatologist, said that many patients came in after experiencing complications from such treatments. “We see patients with burnt skin from unauthorised chemical peels, fungal infections worsened by steroid abuse, and pigmentation aggravated by unscientific therapies,” the doctor said. “Most of them say they were drawn in by social media marketing — beautiful packaging, false promises, and zero medical accountability.”

Even within licensed health professions, boundary violations are increasing. While Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (MDS in OMFS) are given limited clearance under specific dental council guidelines, other dental professionals are not legally permitted to offer aesthetic medical procedures — a rule currently being challenged in court. Yet, many continue to do so, flouting both ethics and regulation.

Dr Damisetty, who recently faced online trolling over her criticism of such practices, reiterated that her concern lies with public safety. “This isn’t about professional turf. It’s about patient rights — the right to safe, qualified, and evidence-based treatment,” she said.

She also clarified that her widely circulated remark about dentists was taken out of context and was never intended as a slight against the profession as a whole.

Dermatologists are calling for public awareness campaigns to help people identify real medical qualifications and avoid falling prey to quacks. “The danger isn’t always visible right away. But when infections return, scarring sets in, or diagnoses are missed, it’s the patient who pays the real price,” Dr Mella said.

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Dermatologists are sounding the alarm over unqualified individuals offering treatments for acne, pigmentation, hair loss, fungal infections, and advanced procedures like fillers and laser treatments.

Acne could be skin tuberculosis, and hair fall may indicate thyroid or autoimmune issues, dermatologists say.

Dermatologists flag rampant misuse of steroid creams by such practitioners, particularly in treating fungal infections.

Many patients turn to dermatologists after experiencing complications from treatments from unqualified persons.

This includes burnt skin from unauthorised chemical peels, fungal infections worsened by steroid abuse, and pigmentation aggravated by unscientific therapies.

Under the National Medical Commission Act, 2023, skin, hair, and nail care fall solely under the purview of certified dermatologists, venereologists, and leprologists.

Misleading designations such as “clinical cosmetologist” or “medical cosmetologist” which are not recognised by any regulatory authority.