Dr Ayush Jain is a board-certified dermatologist who completed his MBBS and MD in Dermatology from AIIMS, New Delhi. His expertise lies in clinical dermatology and the rapidly evolving field of aesthetic dermatology. He has a keen interest in innovations and advancements in dermatological care. Currently, he is serving as a Senior Resident at AIIMS, New Delhi.
During a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Jain talked about the need of health literacy to to empower patients against myths. Excerpts…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
The most common mistake patients make is when describing their health concerns, many patients get sidetracked by sharing their own assumptions, like blaming a food, an event, or the environment—rather than focusing on the actual symptoms. They may also provide too much background but miss important details such as when the problem started, how long it has lasted, or how it has changed over time. While they mean well, this can make it harder for doctors to reach the right diagnosis quickly.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
To me, health literacy means a patient’s ability to find, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions about their care. It’s not just about knowing medical terms, it’s about understanding the reason behind a diagnosis, treatment, or preventive measure. Health literacy also means being aware of the basics of good health and knowing how to take care of oneself effectively.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When patients have a basic understanding of their health condition, it significantly improves the treatment process. They tend to be more involved in decision-making, follow medical advice carefully, and notice warning signs sooner. However, it’s equally important that their understanding is accurate, as misinformation or half-knowledge can interfere with proper treatment and slow recovery.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can be a major barrier. Many patients hold strong beliefs or superstitions about skin diseases, and even after repeated explanations, these misconceptions often remain unchanged. As a result, they may not follow the correct treatment as advised, which can affect their recovery.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
A lot of myths and misinformation persist around skin conditions. For example, many patients with vitiligo avoid “white” foods like milk, curd, or sour items, thinking these foods will worsen their condition. Another common misconception is that skin diseases are highly contagious. In reality, around 90% of skin conditions are non-communicable and do not spread through touch.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
I advise patients not to rely on social media trends or societal myths about diseases, especially skin conditions, as these are often based on incomplete or incorrect information. Many of these misconceptions arose because the causes of certain skin conditions were not well understood in the past. For accurate and up-to-date guidance, I encourage patients to consult a qualified dermatologist or refer to trusted medical sources or reputable health organization websites.
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