The second African Society of Dermatology and Venereology (ASDV) congressheld recently in Durban ICC, marked the first african Dermatology congress to take place in South Africa with over 400 dermatologists from across sub-Saharan Africa and abroad.
“For the first time in South Africa, we were able to share the latest trends and research in dermatology with colleagues from Africa and beyond; as we have interest and support from colleagues in the USA, UK and the rest of Europe,” said Professor Ncoza Dlova, President of the ASDV Congress 2018.
A number of interactive pre-congress workshops on ethnic skin, hair disorders, vitiligo dermatopathology, cosmetic dermatology and dermatological surgery added an African perspective to the meeting.
In addition, updates on skin diseases and practical treatments relevant in everyday clinical practice were highlighted. Focus areas included infectious diseases, community and global dermatology, paediatric dermatology, eczema, skin cancers, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and aesthetics. L’Oréal researchers presented the latest advancements for Africa during the congress.
“The mandate of the combined meeting is to advance the speciality of dermatology in Africa, to promote high standards of clinical practice, to collaborate research and influence policy development. A number of workshops with local and international experts in the management of hair and skin were held. The programme was quite exciting, focussing on conditions that are relevant to dermatology in Africa,” said Dlova.
Dlova said in the last 10 years they have seen a lot of problems relating to skin bleaching and permanent hair loss due to current practices and use of relaxers and other harmful chemicals.
“We are emphasising the importance of natural skin and natural hair. We encourage people to be proud of your natural skin and proud of your natural hair… We are working on ways of getting this info (of researchers) to the people so that we can communicate to consumers about how best to look after their natural hair and skin,” said Dlova.