Top 5 Dermatologists in Kolkata

Kolkata’s climate doesn’t do your skin any favours. Between the sticky monsoon humidity, the dust of traffic, and intense summer sun, most residents deal with acne, pigmentation, dandruff, or premature ageing at some point. And when that happens, the first question everyone types into Google is the same: “Who is the best dermatologist?”

The honest answer is that “best” depends on what you need — a medical skin condition, a cosmetic treatment, or a hair problem home remedies haven’t fixed. To make the decision easier, here is a practical, well-researched list of 5 dermatologists who are genuinely known for their clinical expertise, patient care, and results. 

1. Dr. Khushbu Tantia

Dr. Khushbu Tantia holds an MBBS and an MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy from KIMS, Bengaluru, along with a certification in cosmetic dermatology from Mumbai. Before founding her own practice, she gained clinical experience at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital in Kolkata.

She now leads La Derma Skin & Hair Clinic, which runs two locations in the city — Salt Lake and Park Street — alongside co-dermatologist Dr. Sonal Jain. Her clinical work spans both medical and aesthetic dermatology: acne and scarring, pigmentation, hair loss, and cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, PRP, and micro-needling. She has over 12 years of clinical experience.

2. Dr. Surajit Gorai

Dr. Surajit Gorai is a professor and consultant dermatologist at Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata (formerly Gleneagles), where he manages complex dermatological cases within a large tertiary-care hospital setting, including cases that intersect with transplant medicine, rheumatology, and intensive care. He holds an MBBS (with honours), MD in Dermatology (Gold Medalist), DNB, MNAMS, and a fellowship in Psoriasis and Hair Disorders from LMU Munich, Germany, along with dermatosurgery training completed in Seoul, South Korea.

His academic record is substantial: over 100 publications, including more than 30 book chapters, and over 150 presentations at national and international conferences. He’s also received recognition such as the Prof. R.N. Dutta Gold Medal Award at DERMAZONE and the IADVL KIWI poster award at DERMACON. His clinical interests include dermatosurgery, laser hair reduction, childhood skin disorders, and pigmentation and anti-ageing treatments. He has over a decade of clinical experience.

3. Dr. Punam De

Dr. Punam De holds an MBBS and MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy from the West Bengal University of Health Sciences. She practices across a few clinics in South Kolkata, including her own, Punam’s Skin, Hair, and Aesthetic Clinic near Kalighat, and consults at EPTA Clinic in Lake Gardens. She has roughly a decade of clinical experience.

Her practice covers both clinical and cosmetic dermatology — diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions, along with aesthetic procedures such as chemical peels, laser treatments, dermal fillers, and Botox. Patient feedback across multiple directories consistently mentions her attentive, patient listening style and clear explanations during consultations.

4. Dr. Uttam Kumar Lenka

Dr. Uttam Kumar Lenka completed his MBBS from MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, and his MD from the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata. He runs his own practice, Dr. Uttam Lenka’s Skin, Hair & Laser Clinic, near Dum Dum Metro Station, and has over a decade of clinical experience.

His clinical focus includes general dermatology as well as sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy management — areas that fall under the same MD specialisation (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy) but aren’t always emphasised by cosmetic-first clinics. He also treats a broad range of conditions, including psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, fungal infections, and hair fall, and has surgical experience with various skin and nail procedures.

5. Dr. Sayantani Chakraborty

Dr. Sayantani Chakraborty completed her MBBS and postgraduate dermatology training at National Medical College, Kolkata. She currently works as an assistant professor at NRS Medical College and Hospital and consults across several Kolkata locations, including ILS Hospitals Dum Dum, SG Speciality Centre in Lake Town, and Tressbeau Dermatology & Laser Clinic in Salt Lake. She’s been in practice for many years.

Her areas of expertise span clinical dermatology, paediatric dermatology, aesthetic dermatology, dermatosurgery, and dermatopathology — a notably broad range for a single practitioner. She treats vitiligo, psoriasis, hair fall, acne, pigmentation, moles, and warts and is a member of professional bodies including the IADVL, the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons, and the Pigmentary Disorder Society. She has also contributed to academic publications and conference presentations.

How to Actually Choose Between Them

A few practical questions can help you narrow this down faster than any list:

• What’s the primary problem you’re solving? Acne and cosmetic concerns, a chronic inflammatory or infectious skin condition, hair loss, or a paediatric issue each point toward a different strength on this list.
• Do you need a hospital-affiliated dermatologist for a more complex case or a dedicated boutique clinic for routine cosmetic care?
• Is the doctor’s core qualification an MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy (DVL) — the standard Indian postgraduate route — and does their listed experience match what the clinic claims?
• What do recent, independent reviews say, across more than one platform, rather than testimonials curated solely by the clinic?
• Is the location convenient for repeat visits? Many dermatology treatments, especially laser and cosmetic procedures, require multiple sessions.

Final Thoughts

All five dermatologists on this list have verifiable qualifications and an established public practice in Kolkata — this isn’t a sponsored or pay-to-rank list. Even so, “best” in dermatology is inherently situational: a doctor known for complex hospital-based cases isn’t necessarily the right fit for a quick cosmetic consult. Use this as a starting shortlist, then confirm details and read current reviews before booking your first appointment.