Programme 01150 / 150 ADMITTED
MBBS
Undergraduate · Competency-based curriculum
Seats permitted150
Case-based teaching of common skin disease, dermatological examination, diagnostic dermoscopy, and exposure to the Minor OT.
Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology
Comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin, hair, nail and sexually transmitted disorders. From acne and eczema to autoimmune disease and cosmetic dermatosurgery — delivered with dermoscopy, smart-board teaching, and advanced laser procedures.
Comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin, hair, nail and sexually transmitted disorders. From acne and eczema to autoimmune disease and cosmetic dermatosurgery — delivered with dermoscopy, smart-board teaching, and advanced laser procedures.
8 faculty & residents
200 MBBS seats / yr
5 MD postgraduate seats
Department
Skin first, patient always.
A clinical programme that pairs dermatosurgical capability with academic depth and community reach.
The Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology provides the full spectrum of skin health — from common complaints such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and pigmentary disorders to complex autoimmune skin disease, leprosy and sexually transmitted infections. The clinical service integrates evidence-based pharmacology with dermoscopy-assisted diagnosis and procedural interventions including phototherapy, laser and minor surgery.
Specialty clinics for psoriasis, pigmentary disorders, STDs and leprosy operate through the week. The department runs screening camps and awareness drives across Puducherry, and uses smart-board enabled demonstration rooms for hands-on UG and PG teaching.
Whole-body, hand-foot, and targeted phototherapy paired with Q-switched Nd:YAG and Fractional CO2 lasers — offered at subsidised cost, keeping advanced dermatology accessible.
Clinical services blend evidence-based pharmacology with dermoscopy-assisted diagnosis and procedures including phototherapy, laser and minor surgery, with specialty clinics for psoriasis, pigmentary disorders, STDs and leprosy across the week.
Research Focus
Microneedling · PRP · Psoriasis CVD
Outreach
Leprosy Day · CUTICON Puducherry
MBBS + MD. One teaching floor.
Academic Programmes
Programme 025 / 5 ADMITTED
MD DVL
Postgraduate · 3-year specialty
Seats permitted5
Advanced training in dermatosurgery, aesthetic dermatology, phototherapy and laser services — paired with research methodology and dissertation work.
Head of Department
Clinic leadership with a teaching hand.
Dr. Sheela Kuruvila — Professor & HOD — is widely published across dermatology and pigmentary disorders, and chairs the department's academic calendar.
Dr. Sheela Kuruvila
Professor & Head · MBBS, MD (DVL)
Principal author on multiple publications in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Pigment International, and Clinical Dermatology Review. Organising chairperson for CUTICON Puducherry 2025 and the department's CMEs on Psoriasis Beyond Skin and Cutaneous Manifestations of HIV/AIDS.
Faculty
Eight dermatologists on call.
7 qualified professionals committed to clinical excellence.
D
Dr. Damayandhi K
Professor
MBBS, MD (DVL)
J
Dr. Jude Ernest Dileep
Associate Professor
MBBS, MD, DNB
S
Dr. Sushmitha D
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD (DVL)
G
Dr. Gayathri J
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD (DVL)
D
Dr. Divya M
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD (DVL)
S
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Menon T
Senior Resident
MBBS, MD (DVL)
P
Dr. Pavithren T
Senior Resident
MBBS, MD (DVL)
Thrust Areas
Three areas of focus.
Enhancing Communication
Patient-centered interaction and effective history-taking developed through case presentations, role-plays and structured feedback.
Affordable Cosmetic Procedures
Subsidised chemical peels, acne scar management and evidence-based aesthetic dermatology — keeping essential services accessible.
Advanced Procedural Services
Phototherapy, Q-switched Nd:YAG and Fractional CO2 lasers, and minor dermatosurgery in a dedicated clinic.
Research
Eleven active dissertations & faculty studies.
Microneedling, PRP, psoriasis metabolic markers, scabies RCTs and adolescent skincare KAP.
Research Snapshot
11 projects since 2023
06 ongoing 05 completed
| # | Project | PI | Funding | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Tranexamic Acid Microneedling vs Intradermal Injection | PI: Dr. Srijha · PG | Self | RCT | Completed |
| 02 | Intralesional Novel Triple Medicine Combination — Efficacy & Side Effects | PI: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Menon T · PG | Self | Intervention | Completed |
| 03 | Microneedling with PRP vs Alone in Facial Acne Scars | PI: Dr. Mogalipuvvu Udayasri · PG | Self | PRP | Completed |
| 04 | Topical Ivermectin 1% vs Topical Permethrin 5% in Scabies | PI: Dr. Mahima Pandit · PG | Self | RCT | Completed |
| 05 | Vibration Anesthesia vs Ice-pack for Pain Reduction | PI: Dr. Sushmita S · PG | Self | Pain | Completed |
| 06 | Adult Acne & its Association with Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance | PI: Dr. Shweta Singh · PG | Self | Metabolic | Ongoing |
| 07 | Epicardial Fat Thickness & Carotid IMT in Psoriasis — Integrative Assessment | PI: Dr. Soundharrya Meenakshi · PG | Self | Cardiovascular | Ongoing |
| 08 | Clinico-trichoscopic Study of Non-scarring Alopecia & Serum Ferritin | PI: Dr. Naresh Kumar · PG | Self | Trichology | Ongoing |
| 09 | Surrogate Cutaneous Markers & Insulin Resistance in Overweight Adolescents | PI: Dr. Nandhinee · PG | Self | Adolescent | Ongoing |
| 10 | Melatonin as Add-on Therapy in Chronic Urticaria — Efficacy & Safety | PI: Dr. Sushmitha D · Faculty | Self | RCT | Ongoing |
| 11 | KAP Study on Skincare & Social Media in Adolescent Body Image | PI: Dr. Sushmitha D · Faculty | Self | KAP | Ongoing |
Publications
Selected recent papers.
Multiple trichoepitheliomas co-existing with a giant solitary trichoepithelioma: A rarity
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2023;89(3):460–461 · 0019-5154
Rangaraj M, Kuruvila S, Nithiyaa P
Drug-induced hyperpigmentation due to imatinib
Pigment International. 2023;10:188–190 · ISSN;2349-5782
Murali S, Salahudeen M, Singh Y, Kuruvila S
Association between serum zinc levels and multiple cutaneous warts: A cross-sectional study
Turkish Journal of Dermatology. 2023;17:144–151 · 1307-7635
Mani D, Dileep JE, Kaliyaperumal D, Kuruvila S, Govardhan J, Sadasivam I, et al.
Lupus Miliaris Disseminatus Faciei – Lest we Forget: A Report of Two Cases
Clinical Dermatology Review. 2023;7(4):398–400. DOI: 10.4103/cdr.cdr_52_22 · 2542-551X
Singh Y, Rajamohanan RR, Mohanraj A, Kuruvila S
Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in patients with vitiligo: A cross-sectional study
Pigment International. 2023;10(3):165–171 · 2349-5782
Rao VR, Rajamohanan RR, Salahudeen M, Kuruvila S
Type 1 Neurofibromatosis Sans Neurofibroma: A Case Report Emphasizing the Role of Ocular Examination
Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology. 2024;25(3):234–236 · 2614-6762
Singh Y, Kuruvila S
Aplasia cutis congenita of scalp
South Asian Journal of Health Sciences. 2024;1:51–52. DOI: 10.25259/SAJHS_19_2023 · 2348-4055
Selvam O, Singh Y, Kuruvila S
SDRIFE induced by Tofacitinib
Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2024;69(3):272–274 · 0019-5154
Gnanasuriyan R, Murali S, Rajamohanan RR, Kuruvila S
Platelet indices – Are they really biomarkers in psoriasis? A cross sectional study
Clinical Dermatology Review. 2024;8:326–331 · 2542-551X
Singh Y, Rajamohanan RR, Ramdas A, Kuruvila S
Correlation of Trichoscopic Findings with Severity in Androgenetic Alopecia
Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2024;69(5):422 · 0019-5154
Murali S, Rajamohanan RR, Kuruvila S
Efficacy and safety of intralesional triple combination versus intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of keloids: A randomised controlled trial
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. DOI: 10.25259/IJDVL_1263_2024 · 0019-5154
Menon TSK, Dileep JE, Kuruvila S, Kaliyaperumal D, Sadasivam IP, Dharanisankar S, et al.
Caucasian Skin Under Tropical Sun: A Case Series of Nonmelanoma Skin Tumors
Pigment International. 2025. DOI: 10.4103/pigmentinternational_17_25 · 2349-5782
Murali S, Rajamohanan RR, Kuruvila S
Resolution of Pseudoainhum with Acitretin in Lamellar Ichthyosis
NJDVL. 2025;23(2):62–63. DOI: 10.3126/njdvl.v23i2.78571 · 2091-0231
Srisukhirthi S, Nithiyaa P, Kuruvila S
Sea urchin granuloma: A case of marine-related injury
JAAD Case Reports. 2025;65:164–167 · 2352-5126
Sankar DS, Kuruvila S, Ashok K
Androgenetic Alopecia in Men: An Update On Genetics
Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2024;69(3):282 · 0019-5154
Sadasivam Ilakkia Priya, Sambandam Ravikumar, Kaliyaperumal Damayandhi, Dileep Jude Ernest
Comparison of efficacy of 40% mandelic acid with 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized study
Turkish Journal of Dermatology. 2023;17:44–51 · 1307-7635
Takharya R, Dileep JE, Oudeacoumar P, Kaliyaperumal D, Sadasivam IP, Dsouza LJ
Topical Timolol Drops in the Management of Pyogenic Granuloma of Lip
Journal of the Indian Medical Association. 2023;121(10):57–58
Rajkiran T, Divya M, Dileep JE, Damayandhi K
Pigmentary mosaicism: A report of five cases from a tertiary care hospital in South India
Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. 2024;34(3):761–764 · 1560-9014
Takharya R, Dileep JE, Kaliyaperumal D, Mani D, Jayabalan G, Menon SK
Association between PITX2 polymorphism and Androgenetic alopecia in the Indian population
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. DOI: 10.25259/IJDVL1147-2024 · 0019-5154
Murugan M, Sadasivam IP, Manoharan A, Jayakumar S, Vetriselvan Y, Samuel MS, et al.
In vitro detection of suspected drug in maculopapular drug reaction to antibiotics using secreted cytokines from drug-specific activated T cells
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2023;48(6):636–641. DOI: 10.1093/ced/llad053 · 2542-551X
Dharanisankar S, Chandrashekar L, Selvarajan S, Rajappa M, Ramassamy S
Pincer Nails – A Rare Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2025. DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_358_24 · 0019-5154
Agrawal A, Dharanisankar S, Ramassamy S
Skin of the future? - Decoding electronic skin and a comprehensive review of the latest developments
CosmoDerma. 2025;5:113. DOI: 10.25259/CSDM_123_2025 · 2769-5084
Dharani Sankar S
The enduring legacy of the father son duo – A tribute to the Civatte family and their contributions to dermatology
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. DOI: 10.25259/IJDVL_334_2025 · 0378-6323
Dharani Sankar S
Association between serum zinc levels and multiple cutaneous warts: A cross-sectional study
Turkish Journal of Dermatology. 2023;17:144–151 · 1307-7635
Mani D, Dileep JE, Kaliyaperumal D, Kuruvila S, Govardhan J, Sadasivam I, et al.
Efficacy and safety of intralesional triple combination versus intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of keloids: A randomised controlled trial.
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. doi: 10.25259/IJDVL_1263_2024 · 0378-6323
Menon TSK, Dileep JE, Kuruvila S, Kaliyaperumal D, Sadasivam IP, Dharanisankar S, et al.
Efficacy of Tranexamic acid Microneedling versus Intradermal Injection of Tranexamic Acid in the Treatment of Melasma – A Randomised Controlled Trial
Indian Journal of Dermatology .January 10, 2026. · 0019-5154
Srijha, M.Kaliyaperumal, Damayandhi,Dileep, Jude Ernest; Kuruvila, Sheela
Specialty Clinics
Four focused weekly clinics.
Psoriasis Clinic
Monthly
Pigmentary Disorders
Bi-weekly
STD Clinic
Weekly
Leprosy Clinic
As scheduled
Infrastructure
Laser clinic, minor OT, smart teaching.
Minor Operation Theatre
Dermatosurgery
Electrocautery, cryotherapy, chemical peels, dermatosurgical procedures, skin biopsy management.
Laser Clinic
Nd:YAG + CO2
Q-switched Nd:YAG and Fractional CO2 lasers, whole-body / hand-foot / targeted phototherapy units.
Demo Room — Smart Board
AV teaching
Interactive teaching with smart-board and AV facilities for UG and PG clinical teaching.
Departmental Library
Atlas + texts
Reference texts from basic dermatology to advanced cosmetic procedures — for UG, PG and faculty.
Inpatient Ward
Supervised care
Comprehensive supervised treatment for admitted dermatological patients — including complex cases.
OPD & Procedure Rooms
Dermoscopy
Dermoscopy-assisted diagnosis, procedure rooms for chemical peels, cautery, cryotherapy and counselling.
Philosophy
DVL · AVMCH
“Evidence-based dermatology combined with advanced procedural expertise and compassionate, accessible patient care.
Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, AVMCH & Hospital
Patient Care
Skin, hair, nails, and the confidence to show them.
OPD services with structured clinical assessment. Procedural and laser services for acne scars, tattoos, pigmentation and unwanted hair. Specialized clinics, IPD care and screening camps.
OPD Services
Structured clinical assessment and evidence-based dermatology.
Procedural
Chemical peels, cautery, radiofrequency, cryotherapy, mole and nail surgery.
Laser
Acne scars, tattoo removal, hair removal, benign tumor lasers.
Specialised Care
Acne complications, pigmentation, patch testing for contact dermatitis.
Diagnostics
Dermoscopy-assisted diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation.
Inpatient
IPD ward with supervised care for complex dermatology.
Camps
Periodic screening and awareness camps across the district.
Academic Integration
Bedside teaching, seminars, case presentations, journal clubs.
Awards & Recognition
Paper prizes and presentation medals.
Best Oral Presentation Award Paper
Dr. Sushmitha D
SARCD XIII · Mangalore · 04.05.2025
First Prize, Paper Presentation
Dr. Divya M
TAMSCON 2025 · Cuddalore · 28.06.2025
Third Prize, Poster Presentation
Dr. Divya M
TAMSCON 2025 · Cuddalore · 28.06.2025
Gold Medal — Cuticon Quiz
Dr. Gayathri J
Cuticon 2022
First Prize — Poster Presentation
Dr. Divya M
Indian Medical Association Conference · 2021
Events & CMEs
From HIV guest lectures to CUTICON.
09
DEC 2023
Guest Lecture — Cutaneous Manifestations of HIV/AIDS
2 sessions · Faculty felicitation
Dr. Kuruvila, Dr. Damayandhi, Dr. Dileep
25
OCT 2024
CME & Poster Competition — Psoriasis Beyond Skin and Ages
150 participants
Dr. Kuruvila, Dr. Damayandhi
26
OCT 2025
CUTICON Puducherry 2025 — Annual Conference
100 participants · 2 credit points
Dr. Kuruvila, Dr. Damayandhi, Dr. Dileep
30
JAN 2026
World Leprosy Day Awareness Programme
150 participants
Full department
Get in Touch
Clinical referrals, laser bookings & academic visits.
The department welcomes referrals for complex dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser services and research collaborations. Contact the HOD directly for academic visits.
HOD:Dr. Sheela Kuruvila
E-mail:sheela.kuruvila@avmc.edu.in
Address:AVMCH & Hospital, Kirumampakkam, Puducherry — 607 402