New dermatology and laser center opens in Ibadan to provide top quality skin care services…
While the disproportionately inadequate number of doctors in Nigeria has been well documented, what appears to be under-reported is the more severe shortage of specialists. a magnanimous estimate put the total number of dermatologists in Nigeria to be way below 100, with many of them concentrated in Abuja and mostly in Lagos.
By definition, a dermatologist is the medical expert you should consult if you have any significant problem with your skin. While dermatology is the science that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails.
Why skin care is a big deal
For centuries, the skin had been considered the largest and most visible organ of the body. It reflects the health of the body and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. Unfortunately, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease – infants, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Available data showed that one in six (15%) of all visits to the family doctor (General Practitioner) involves a skin problem. A clear healthy skin points in most cases to a healthy being. It boosts self confidence and increases self esteem.
In Ibadan, home to Nigeria’s premier teaching hospital, the University College Hospital Ibadan, healthnews.africa investigations revealed there are only three consultant dermatologists out of which 2 are in the services of the UCH while Dr. Bello Hamidah who heads SkinCare 365 Dermatology and Laser Center is the only one working in the private sector.
In a chat with healthnews.africa at her clinic located at No. 7, Keke Bus Stop, Off Olodo Bank, Ibadan, Nigeria, Dr. Bello admitted that there are more than enough cases for Nigerian dermatologists to treat hence the inability of dermatologists to actively dominate the skin care space in Nigeria – a situation which had already created spaces for quacks and individuals that know absolutely nothing about skin care apart from brand names of cosmetic products.
The reason why non dermatologists are making good returns in the treatment of skin conditions is best understood in the documented description of Michael Salami’s experience at the Dermatology Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in May 2016 for a skin condition on his left arm.
“On getting there, I was told I would be booked for June or July. I just said what! I have an Air Force Dssc screening on Friday I just need to see a doctor so I know what exactly is wrong with my arm. I explained to her in a polite manner but she still kept saying the same thing. I decided to talk to one of the female doctors I saw. She made matters worse. Won’t a person’s arm be infected and almost gone if he does not know what to do before the said date? I was told earlier on by different persons that they would book me for 3 months or so,” he posted on Nairaland.
While it could take up to 3 months to get an appointment to see a dermatologist in a public hospital, skin care product sellers are now one click away even as advisers are easily accessible.
Skin care: Cosmetic or life saving?
Dr Bello noted that the major reason why Nigerians rarely strive to see a dermatologist is due to ignorance and poverty. Skin diseases are most times non life threatening except for lupus and few others.
Since their lives are not at risk, many individuals with skin conditions usually choose to ignore the aberrations or mask them with cosmetic products.
Although many Nigerians think of makeup whenever they have an unappealing skin condition, the succor that makeup provides is only temporary and usually short-lived (lasting until the cosmetic is washed off) since the condition did not leave in the first place, it was only masked. This does not suggest that there are no medical treatments or procedures to provide permanent and long-lasting remedy for patients with skin conditions.
In her clinic located in a very quiet part of Ibadan, Dr. Bello described the various procedures that are available for Nigerian patients at her facility – most of which are being sought for outside the country by rich Nigerians who can afford to do so.
Available treatment for popular dermatological conditions
Acne
Dr. Bello revealed that acne vulgaris ranks high among dermatological patients in Nigeria. It is a common chronic skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Pimples, blackheads and bumps are typical of acne. It is characterized by non-inflammatory, open or closed comedones and by inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules.
Since the condition affects mostly the face, it becomes an object of psychological and emotional stress particularly for individuals whose jobs require much attention to outward appearance.
“There are lots of products out there that claim to treat acne but not all of them get the job done satisfactorily,” she said.
She added that there are lots of information regarding acne treatment although only a few users care to critically search for the modes of action of the chemical pills they are taking.
She revealed there are chemical peels for the treatment of acne. This she said help to hasten results of treatment.
“They give smoother fresher skin when used in conjunction with other anti-acne medications.”
The way chemical peels work is via controlled damage of the skin. The upper layer exfoliates to reveal newer skin that is less acne prone. Peels are of different types including salicylic, lactic and glycolic acid.
Peels are also indicated in the treatment of a variety of other skin diseases.
Microneedling to treat scars and stretch marks
Scars can arise due to various reasons. They are formed when the dermis (deep, thick layer of skin) is damaged. Biology-wise, the body forms new collagen fibers which is are a naturally occurring protein in the body to mend the damage, resulting in a scar. The new scar tissue will have a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue.
Stretch marks on the other hand are caused by the continual tugging and stretching during rapid weight gain or loss. There is a misconception that stretch marks are only found in ageing females. This is not true since teenagers may also notice stretch marks after a sudden growth spurt.
Many Nigerians with stretch marks deal with the condition by applying topical agents. However, several corticosteroid creams, lotions, and pills can cause stretch marks by decreasing the skin’s ability to stretch.
To treat scars and stretch marks, Dr. Bello said microneedling provides better and more permanent results.
During Microneedling (or micro-needling), needles are used to puncture hundreds of tiny holes in the skin. It may seem like the newest trend in beauty skincare, but it’s actually been around and evolving for over 50 years. Dr. Bello said the method can be deployed to treat wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dull skin; scars and stretch marks.
A review of the success of the procedure showed an excellent success rate exceeding 80%.
While it is called microneedling, the principle behind it is actually referred to as collagen induction therapy (CIT). The process uses a tool called a dermapen with tiny needles at the end that make little holes or needle pricks in the top layers of skin.
The purpose of this procedure is twofold:
- The little holes from the needles create “micro channels” that allow skincare products, such as potent serums, to penetrate and absorb into the deeper layers of skin to deliver more powerful results.
- These tiny pinpricks act as a bunch of mini injuries which kick skin into healing mode and stimulates collagen and elastin production. This process plumps skin and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars and pores.
Removal of wrinkles using microdermabrasion
According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the procedure is a type of skin rejuvenation used to treat light scarring, discoloration, sun damage and stretch marks. This method is used to remove wrinkles, also for the removal of stretch marks. Dr. Bello revealed the method also makes the face smoother and does not have any side effects.
Microdermabrasion is a procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells. According to Dr. Bello, microdermabrasion machines can buff and polish the skin using a stream of fine crystals or a diamond tip. Some systems have suction to vacuum loose skin cells from the face.
“Microdermabrasion helps to thicken your collagen, which results in a younger looking complexion. Collagen is a protein in your skin that’s abundant when you’re a child and makes skin appear taut and smooth. Collagen production declines as we age, resulting in looser, uneven skin,” ASPS said.
SkinCare 365 also supplies of medical grade cosmetics. Dr. Bello also offers consultations for other medical establishments, medspa and spas.
