On Sunday, June 13, 2025, Delhi participated in a nationwide initiative to promote skin health and possibly set a world record. As part of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists’ (IADVL) campaign titled “No Health Without Skin Health,” 28 free skin check-up camps were held across the national capital.
But beyond the numbers and the record attempt, the day addressed a deeper issue like making dermatological care accessible, especially for children and families who had never consulted a skin specialist.
From Acne to Awareness: Families Seek Real Help
At Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya in Pushp Vihar, families started arriving as early as 10 AM. Children stood in queues, accompanied by parents looking for answers. For many, this was the first time they interacted with a trained dermatologist — not after long waits or heavy consultation fees, but freely and without fear.
Manish Kumar, 36, brought his teenage daughter who had long battled acne. "She used to avoid social events and felt underconfident. We kept trying homemade fixes, but nothing worked. Today, the doctor explained how her diet was a factor too. We feel hopeful now," he shared.
Sona Mukherjee, 38, had been suffering from unexplained skin rashes. “I came just to accompany my daughter, but decided to get myself checked too. It felt good to be heard by an expert. The prescription and tests suggested are a relief,” she said.
Dermatologists Bust Myths Around Fairness Creams and Steroid Use
The campaign didn’t stop at consultation. It tackled one of the biggest problems in modern skincare: misinformation. Dr. Deepika Pandhi, president of IADVL, stressed how deeply rooted these misconceptions are. “Many young people believe that fairness creams or steroid-based ointments are safe for cosmetic use. But these are powerful medical products and must be prescribed, not picked off the shelf.”
She warned of serious side effects from misusing steroid creams, including skin thinning, delayed wound healing, fungal infections, and acne. “We’re seeing an increase in conditions like ringworm, made worse by inappropriate use of steroid combinations,” she added.
Healthy Skin Is About Habits
Doctors at the camps emphasized that real skin care isn’t expensive or cosmetic — it’s routine. Clean habits, balanced diets, hydration, and physical activity were promoted as essential. More than beauty, the focus was on confidence, health, and well-being, especially among teenagers facing peer pressure and social anxiety linked to appearance.
The message was clear: healthy skin is a health priority, not a luxury.
A Win for Public Health
Whether or not the initiative secures a place in the world record books, the true impact is already evident. Thousands of people across India, including Delhi, received timely medical advice and perhaps more importantly - clarity.
They walked in with doubts and left with understanding.
IADVL’s campaign has highlighted a crucial but often ignored part of public health. In a society obsessed with fairness and filters, this initiative steers the conversation back to science, empathy, and education.
What Happens Next
The Indian Association of Dermatologists awaits official confirmation of the record for hosting the largest number of free skin health awareness events in one day. But in the minds of those who attended such as parents, students, and teachers — the milestone is already set.
Awareness has begun.
Questions are being asked.
And for many, the journey to skin health has finally found a real beginning.
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