Visit a govt hospital dermatologist if you can't afford private clinics

[Aarav]

I come from a typical middle‑class family, but private dermatology clinics are crazy expensive and I have already spent a lot of money on skincare. So one day I went to the nearest government hospital.

The check‑up fee was 20 rs.

I paid 40 rs for a clindamycin gel and some tablets.

The doctor gave me a moisturizer and an adapalene gel.

I stuck to the routine for three months and my acne cleared up.

I also bought a sunscreen from the same brand as the moisturizer.

Yes, the doctors can be a bit neglectful at times, but something is better than nothing.

Overall, pharmacy‑grade skincare works a thousand percent better than cosmetic skincare. Want to know why? Cosmetic skincare started as a Western concept because healthcare and medicines are super pricey there, but that isn't the case in India.

I love going to a dermatologist; my skin has never been better.

[Danny]

Government dermatologists are a bit of a hit‑or‑miss. They may have the knowledge, but they often don't take the initiative to explain things further.

[Gaurav]

Are you going to keep the moisturizer and sunscreen names to yourself?

[Harry]

I went to one of the biggest government hospitals in Mumbai and used the dermatologist‑prescribed products for four months. I spent almost 7,000 rs, but my skin got worse, so I stopped the products. After just ten days my acne started to dry up, and within a month the big bumps disappeared.

All the products the dermatologist gave were pharmacy‑grade and quite pricey.

[Usha]

Does KEM have a dermatologist?

[Tushar]

What was the adapalene gel you were prescribed?

[Rahul]

I completely agree. I have a friend who is a resident dermatologist in a government hospital. They see over 2,000 patients every day, so the time per patient can be short, but their experience and knowledge are extensive - not just acne and beauty routines, but all kinds of skin issues.

[Divya]

But finding a good one can be a challenge.

[Tejas]

Which tablets are you referring to?

[Madhuri]

100 %. I realized this last year, and the best part is that they give you a prescription with the ingredients instead of a brand name. You can go to the government pharmacy and they'll give you the government‑approved brand, which is usually pocket‑friendly. Or you can look up the variations online and buy whatever fits your budget.

I wouldn't recommend using this on your face, but it's perfectly fine for the rest of the body. They have almost no incentive to push unnecessary products, and any medication they prescribe is free from the pharmacy. 10/10 would recommend.

[Ashwin]

Yes, right now I'm on my fourth CO₂ laser session at a government hospital. I get the laser and subcision treatment for free because I'm part of a thesis study.