Journal of Dermatology

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly influencing dermatology worldwide. India’s unique mix of dense urban tertiary centres and vast rural populations presents both opportunities and challenges for AI deployment particularly mobile/low-cost tools that could extend diagnostic reach. The objective of this review was to assess the scope, quality, and clinical readiness of AI applications in dermatology in India, with emphasis on rural applicability. Methods: We followed PRISMA guidance for systematic reviews. Databases searched included PubMed/PMC, Embase, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and selected Indian journals and conference proceedings up to June 2026 (search terms: “artificial intelligence”, “dermatology”, “India”, “mobile app”, “deep learning”, “dermoscopy”). Inclusion: original studies of AI applied to dermatologic diagnosis, triage, or monitoring with Indian datasets or Indian clinical deployment; exclusion: non-dermatologic AI, editorial/opinion pieces without primary data. We extracted study design, dataset size, setting (urban vs rural), algorithm type, target conditions, performance metrics (sensitivity/specificity/accuracy), validation method, and implementation features. Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2 domains. Results (summary): The Indian literature includes a handful of robust, largesample validation studies of mHealth apps and CNN models with mixed results; a landmark multi-site smartphone app study validated on ~5,000 patients demonstrated promising diagnostic breadth in clinical settings but variable performance across Fitzpatrick types and disease categories. Several pilot implementations and acceptability studies highlight strong clinician interest but raise concerns regarding skin-tone bias, dataset representativeness, and regulatory

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in dermatology, influencing diagnostic decision-making, broadening the reach of tele dermatology services, and reshaping patient education and clinician patient communication. Recent progress in deep learning has enabled image-analysis systems to demonstrate performance comparable to trained dermatologists for specific diagnostic tasks in controlled experimental settings. In parallel, large language models and conversational AI platforms are increasingly being explored for clinical triage, patient information delivery, and administrative functions. Despite these advances, translation into routine clinical practice remains constrained by several unresolved challenges. Real-world diagnostic performance is often inconsistent, prospective validation studies are limited, and many systems lack transparency or interpretability in their decision-making processes. Moreover, biases related to the underrepresentation of diverse skin tones and demographic populations within training datasets continue to raise concerns regarding equity and generalizability. Additional issues include patient safety, data protection, regulatory governance, and the potential for overreliance on automated tools in clinically critical scenarios. This review consolidates existing evidence on the applications of AI in dermatology, with particular attention to diagnostic accuracy, integration within teledermatology frameworks, and the growing role of AI-assisted patient education technologies. Special emphasis is placed on skin color–related bias, ethical and equitable implementation, and emerging regulatory and medico-legal challenges. The review also proposes practical recommendations and identifies key research priorities to support the responsible, effective, and inclusive adoption of AI in everyday dermatologic practice.

Scald burns are a common cause of morbidity, particularly in children and the elderly. Traditional management often involves regular dressing changes and topical antimicrobials, which can be painful and distressing. Biocellulose dressings have emerged as promising alternatives for partial-thickness burn wounds owing to their high moisture retention, biocompatibility, and ability to reduce pain while promoting rapid re-epithelialization. We report a case of a young male with partial-thickness scald burns successfully managed using biocellulose dressing. The dressing provided an optimal wound-healing environment, minimized the need for frequent dressing changes, and resulted in satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes

Chitosan is a biodegradable, positively charged natural polymer with properties well suited for wound healing, including biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, high fluid absorption, tissue adhesiveness, and anti-inflammatory effects. It readily forms polyelectrolyte complexes with negatively charged polymers through electrostatic interactions, enabling the development of diverse formulations such as films, hydrogels, membranes, and dressings. The mechanical strength and degradation behaviour of these materials depend on chitosan’s molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, and the nature of the cross-linking polymer. Growing use of chitosan-based wound care products is expected to significantly expand the global market; however, challenges remain in translating laboratory findings into routine clinical applications

Thermal burns present many challenges in wound healing and management due to extensive tissue damage and a high risk of infection, which can delay recovery. Such wounds often exhibit deficiencies in essential chemokines and growth factors, necessitating external supplementation to support healing. This article explores the potential role of topical cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in managing thermal burn wounds. Materials and Methods: This case report describes the treatment of a 46-year-old male with a thermal burn on the face, neck and right upper limbextending from the hand to mid arm level. The wound exhibited signs of delayed healing despite standard care. Topical cholecalciferol was applied during routine dressing changes, and the wound’s progress was monitored over two weeks. Results: The wound demonstrated significant improvement, with visible evidence of healing and appearance of granylation tissue and epithelisation. Conclusion: Topical cholecalciferol shows promise as an adjunct therapy for enhancing wound healing in thermal burns. However, further studies involving larger patient populations are needed to validate its clinical effectiveness.