Fake Dermatologists on Rise: Maharashtra Medical Council urges for experts on anti-quackery panel

In the letter, the council stated that unqualified and unregistered individuals calling themselves “skin specialists”, “trichologists”, and “aesthetic physicians” without proper medical degrees are increasing across Maharashtra, which is harming patients.  

The council also noted that these quacks misuse steroids and perform risky procedures without training. The council pointed out that patients are ending up with burns, scars, necrosis, hair loss, nerve damage and permanent disfigurement. 

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In the letter, the council highlighted that the district anti-quackery committees to catch quacks are not functioning effectively. The council stated that the committee don’t verify qualifications properly, lacks medical experts, and therefore has a low conviction rate. The council requested the government to include qualified MMC representatives and dermatology experts on this committee.

The letter was submitted following complaints from several associations, including the Vidarbha Dermatological Society (VDS), a branch of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL). 

Medical Dialogues had reported that a delegation led by the Vidarbha Dermatological Society (VDS) president, Dr Asra Khumushi, met with Dr Vinky Rughwani, the administrator of the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), and submitted a memorandum. The association highlighted instances where unauthorised laser, Botox, filler, and chemical treatments are being performed at non-medical establishments, ultimately putting the public health at risk.

Speaking to HT, Dr Rughwani said, "MMC will soon issue guidelines defining which skin procedures can only be performed by qualified specialists. Those doing such procedures without qualifications are bogus doctors. MMC also plans to effectively implement the mandatory QR code–based know your doctor (KYD) verification system across the state."

VDS president Dr Asra Khumushi said, "More patients are ending up with severe complications after being treated by unqualified individuals. Procedures are performed by unauthorised people—from alternative medicine practitioners to beauty parlour staff. Flashy social media ads worsen the problem."

Dr Balkrishna Nikam, president, Kolhapur Dermatologist Association (IADVL branch), said, "The association has set up a task force to document cases where patients suffered permanent damage."

Dr Amit Kelkar, president, IADVL Pune Chapter, said, "Nowadays, anyone is putting up boards of skin clinics and performing procedures meant for specialists. People shouldn’t get carried away by influencer videos. Skin treatment is tailored—every case is different."

Doctors said, "Social media influencers have become major drivers of quackery, promoting cosmetic procedures without medical knowledge. Many patients arrive with chemical peel burns, scarring alopecia from aggressive hair treatments and excessive facial hair growth after poorly done laser sessions. Even salons often prescribe medicines, which is an illegal practice."

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