A consultant dermatologist, Prof. Adebola Ogunbiyi, has called for increased public awareness to tackle the stigma and social isolation faced by people with skin disorders, stressing that not all skin diseases are infectious.

Speaking on Tuesday in Lagos, the University of Ibadan professor of medicine highlighted the psychological and social impact of skin conditions. She explained that misconceptions often lead to exclusion, reduced productivity, and even extreme social consequences.

“Some people have become beggars because of skin disorders, as no one desires to associate with them or buy goods from them,” Ogunbiyi said. “There is stigma. There is isolation. People suffer psychological distress just from having disfiguring skin conditions.”

The dermatologist noted that misconceptions about infectiousness prevent people from fully participating in society. “A lot of people dress because of the skin disease they have and not because of what they want to wear. Some don’t even go out of the house because of it. There are those that are infectious, but there are those that don’t really give you anything,” she explained.

Ogunbiyi also emphasized that skin disorders often impact employment opportunities, as people with visible conditions are frequently excluded from workplaces or customer-facing roles.

To improve care and inclusion, she advocated for skin disorder coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), ensuring affected individuals have easy access to treatment.

Her call serves as a reminder that education and awareness are key to reducing stigma, promoting social inclusion, and improving the quality of life for millions living with skin conditions.