Dermatologist, Dr Haroon Saeed at his graduation ceremony.MMed for Novel Dermatology Research in Durban
Investigating Durban’s prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - a condition that causes painful, recurring boils in sweat gland areas of the human body - secured Dr Haroon Saeed a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree in Dermatology.
The Consultant Dermatologist at Victoria Mxenge Hospital in Durban (formerly King Edward VIII Hospital), Saeed - co-supervised by Dr Ameshin Moodley and Professor Anisa Mosam - was named Best Registrar at UKZN’s Medical School for 2024.
The record of HS in South Africa was previously unknown, making Saeed’s investigations the first to document the occurrence of the condition in KwaZulu-Natal, raising awareness and thereby facilitating future comparative studies to enhance dermatologists’ understanding and management of the disease.
The study confirmed the prevalence of HS (1.8%) at three hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal and found that individuals from African and Indian ethnic groups were more likely to be predisposed to the condition compared to individuals from White ethnic groups in South Africa.
Mosam explained: ‘HS is a chronic, painful, debilitating disease that is underdiagnosed and poorly managed. It has systemic manifestations and negatively impacts patients’ quality of life. Studying the prevalence is the first step towards greater awareness among patients and healthcare practitioners and would encourage further studies on various aspects of the disease to improve the outcome.’
Said Saeed: ‘Conducting research may initially feel overwhelming but it is a highly rewarding pursuit that contributes to scientific advancement. We all aspire to give back to the world and enhance healthcare while preventing disease.
‘I would like to thank everyone who supported me in my success. Completing the MMED within the allotted time was no easy task, but I am thrilled to have finished mine.’
Saeed said everyone encounters challenges in life but ‘what truly defines us is how we navigate and overcome the obstacles. I became a father of two wonderful boys while completing my training as a registrar. I had to manage my time effectively to handle studying, passing exams, and working on my MMED - all the while helping my amazing wife to raise our children.’
He completed his MBChB degree at the University of Pretoria, graduating in 2014. ‘Medicine has always been my passion, fuelled by a desire to help those who are most vulnerable overcome health challenges.’
Saeed says dermatology is a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of conditions ‘which can often be humbling. Since the skin is the largest organ in the human body, dealing with a skin condition can be extremely stressful and may lead to depression for many individuals. Helping patients navigate these challenges brings me immense joy.’
Saeed said he has a strong interest in Mohs surgery - a method for treating skin cancer lesions - and is keen to conduct more ground-breaking research to help improve healthcare in South Africa.
Believing in the adage: ‘Always put your best foot forward’, Saeed enjoys spending his free time with his wife and children while taking a keen interest in sport, especially soccer.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini