Abstract
ABSTRACT: The concept of dermatology nursing is relatively new to this part of the world. Skin health has traditionally been a bastion of the dermatologists with negligible input from nurses. Given the vast population of the area, poverty, inadequate health facilities in rural areas, and hot and humid climate, morbidity due to skin disease is significant. However, delivery of skin healthcare has been a low priority with policy makers, and this has led to an enormous burden of skin disease.
But things are beginning to change. The International Skincare Nursing Group, through its lead in India, ironically a dermatologist, has been successful in sensitizing the medical fraternity to the enormous difference that the involvement of trained nurses can make. The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists has taken a lead by setting up the Special Interest Group on Dermatology Nursing, a task force that will oversee dissipation of knowledge and skills in skin care through its activities.
Inroads have also been made into the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries, mainly in Nepal, through organizing teaching/training workshops for nurses there.