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Quadri Yahya
With the Nigerian population estimated to be over 200 million, there are only about 100 dermatologists to attend to their health needs.
Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. They can identify and treat over 3000 skin conditions which include eczema, psoriasis skin cancer among many others.
Dr Olaide Oke, a consultant dermatologist made this shocking revelation at the world skin health day lecture themed “Healthy Skin for all Nigerians” on Wednesday, 1st of June, 2022 at the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta.
Oke who spoke on the sidelines of the event noted that despite the growing number of dermatologists in recent years, they are still not enough to attend to health needs.
“I can say for sure that we’ve grown over the years. There was a time when we were less than 20. I think we are a lot more now but definitely not enough to attend to the skin care needs of all Nigerians.
“I cannot say the exact total now. I think we are just about 100 and that is low to the population of Nigerians. We are definitely understaffed.”
She added that there are only two dermatologists in Ogun State – one at FMC (herself) and the other at OAUTH, Sagamu.’
Earlier in his presentation, the guest lecturer, Dr. Sorinola while speaking on the scourge of lightening cream lamented in the increasing rate of lightening cream use, said the Federal government should discourage local production and importation.
“Aproaches to curbing scourge of skin lightening will include the government discouraging importation of bleaching agent, discourage local production and hositals to do more on health education.”
Also contributing to the discuss on the theme, Oke suggested ‘having a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, appropriate sleep, taking enough rehydration, preventing injuries and use of harmful agents on the skin’ as ways of caring for the skin.
She added that local products shea butter, coconut oil and even some plant derivatives are good for the skin.
“It does not necessarily have to be imported for them to be appropriate. What is important is that whatever lotion or cream or gel we are using, it must not be lightening the skin. And some of the precautions are checking the product label and looking out for the agents that are in it. And as much as possible, avoid creams that contain hydroquinone, steroid, mercury, etc. So, natural products are encouraged.”
On her part, another health consultant at FMC, Dr. Makinjuola Abiola berated the public’s ignorance on skin care consultancy.
“It is more expensive to see local cream sellers for prescription than to see a dermatologist, It is not expensive to come to dermatologist and get a skin issue solved once and for all.
“Few people come for consultation. The advocacy is to make people aware about their skin. And in recent time, we have been seeing a lot of people coming to consult a specialist.”
She mentioned the most common skin diseases to include ‘acne (pimples), dermatitis (also called skin inflammation) and infections which can cut across fungal, bacteria, viruses etc.’
On efforts by the dermatologists to control bleaching agents, Dr Oke said a bill is being pushed at the National Assembly to regulate the importation of skin lightening agents as much as possible.
She added that NAD going around to sensitize against use of lightening cream.
