Dr Gulhima Arora, M.B.B.S, DNB in Dermatology, MNAMS, brings over two decades of experience as a senior consultant dermatologist specializing in acne, hair restoration, aesthetic dermatology, and regenerative dermatology. With a distinguished career, Dr Arora holds an honorary fellowship from the Philippine Academy of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology, along with a fellowship in regenerative medicine. Serving as an associate editor for the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery and holding editorial roles in Frontiers in Medicine, Cosmoderma, and the Indian Online Dermatology Journal, Dr Arora has contributed significantly to dermatological literature with 65 publications in various national and international journals. Highly sought after as a speaker, Dr Arora frequently serves as invited faculty for numerous national and international dermatology conferences. Currently, Dr Arora leads as the founder and director of Mehektagul Dermaclinic in New Delhi, where they continue to provide exemplary care and expertise in dermatology. As an expert, Dr Arora says no to medical misinformation.
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
One of the most common mistakes people make when communicating with doctors is ignoring to provide a comprehensive history. This includes details about supplements taken and past health episodes not directly related to the current issue, unless asked. Additionally, some individuals may hesitate to disclose their sexual history, which is relevant in dermatology.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy means – to be able to understand that each individual is unique and generalising treatments or health goals is not right, as they are very non-specific. Every human being has their objective standards and health dynamics unique to him/her/them.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When a patient possesses knowledge about the fundamentals of their health condition, they grasp the significance of it. They stick to treatments and approach procedures with appropriate expectations and attitudes.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Very much. Medical misinformation can influence treatment procedures, as individuals mimicking symptoms of a disease or condition might result in patients undergoing unnecessary investigations or attempting self-medication. The correct diagnosis is of utmost importance. What may seem to be, may not be!
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
The social media menace of trying this and that! Misinformation tends to spread more virally than factual information! The popular and trendy things like “this is the best sunscreen” get a lot of attention. Well! what is best for you, may be the worst for me. Each person has a unique set of dynamics ruled by their skin type, genetics, age, weather, medical condition etc.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
To each their own. No one size fits all. Always trust a qualified specialist for the health concern. Don’t fall for fads and trends. The dynamics of each patient in terms their genetics and triggers of exacerbation of a condition varies. Follow your specialist doctor’s instructions and eliminate medical misinformation.
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