Dermatology Congress of South Africa a ‘Resounding Success’

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The 9^th Combined and 76^th Dermatology Congress of South Africa was described as “world-class, highly insightful and a resounding success” by leading dermatologists who attended the event held under the theme ‘Reflections and Unity in Dermatology’.

UKZN’s Head of Dermatology and former Dean of Clinical Medicine, Professor Ncoza Dlova, was Chairperson of the 2025 organising committee.

The congress was hosted by the Dermatology Society of South Africa (DSSA), the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery (SASDS), the Vitiligo Society of South Africa (VSSA), the Melanoma Society of South Africa, and the African Women’s Dermatologic Society.

The opening ceremony and gala dinner were sponsored by skincare science-backed organisations, Eucerin and L’Oréal.

The Scientific Committee was led by Chairperson Associate Professor and Principal Specialist, Professor Anisa Mosam of UKZN, the President of DSSA and VSSA, Dr Noufal Raboobee, and the Cape Town-based President of SASDS, Dr Nomphelo Gantsho.

Dlova said: “We were thrilled about this gathering of a diverse community of experts, researchers, and clinicians dedicated to advancing dermatology. The congress offered a unique platform to share cutting-edge knowledge, explore the latest treatments, and network with colleagues from around the continent and the world. We are positive that the bespoke, inclusive, rich scientific programme with engaging, practical hands-on workshops with live patients and the vibrant African atmosphere provided a valuable learning experience for all participants. We also ensured that the topics and therapeutic interventions were relevant and aligned with conditions that we encounter daily in South Africa. There was a diversity of renowned speakers from the African continent and beyond.”

The local and international speakers were from diverse countries and specialities to ensure relevance and sharing of common diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in line with the theme.

The programme focused on allergies in dermatology, vitiligo and inflammatory dermatological conditions, while there was also a dedicated dermoscopy session and dermoscopy challenge featuring the internationally renowned Dr Konstantinos Liopyris.

A bespoke whole day workshop focusing on skin of colour and hair was popular with the founders of the African Skin of Colour Society, Professor Ncoza Dlova and Dr Nomphelo Gantsho, who were very pleased by the attendance and grateful to L’Oréal for supporting and sponsoring the workshop.

A moving testimonial about the highs and lows resulting from being born with the rare skin condition dermatologically known as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) was shared in the motivational segment at the opening of the congress by Shirvani Naran of Beauty and the Bandaged Babe on Facebook, who received a standing ovation for her presentation. DEB is a rare inherited condition that causes fragile, blistering skin and blisters of which may appear in response to minor injury, even from heat, rubbing or scratching. In severe cases, the blisters occur inside the body.

After the congress, Naran said: “Too often, the perspective from the patient’s side is over once a consultation ends. Many were touched by hearing how my faith sustains me, and I believe it is an essential part of anyone’s journey when faced with a medical crisis. At this congress, you gave me the chance to share not just challenges but a story of hope and resilience. For me, it is the combination of strict wound care routines, resilience, and creativity that allows me to tell ‘the other side of the story’. I wish I’d had more time to meet everyone afterwards, but in true EB style, a piece of food got stuck in my throat and I had to rush back to my hotel as I could not swallow! A reminder that EB never takes a break.

“I am not just living with EB. I am also working, running a home, surviving and thriving,” Naran said.

Translating medicine into poetry for global health awareness, UKZN final-year Medical student and member of the University’s Voice Arts Club (VAC), Mr Ndumiso Majola, recited his latest poem, Genetics Genius - We Are Not Different, focusing on albinism. The piece was inspired by his peer, Dr Nokubonga Sabela, a recently graduated Medical doctor living with oculocutaneous albinism, a rare inherited condition affecting melanin production.

The congress sponsors and exhibitors reminded guests that the skin was the largest organ in the body, needing as much care and protection as all other organs that society tends to pay more attention to.

Dlova said: “The bespoke, inclusive, rich scientific programme with engaging, practical hands-on workshops with live patients and the vibrant African atmosphere provided valuable learning opportunities.”

The L’Oréal-sponsored gala dinner was a highlight, with a kaleidoscope of South African traditional attire on display - from elegant saris to striking local designs.

On the academic stage, the calibre of presentations and competitions was exceptional. UKZN shone, securing places among the top three registrar presentations, poster and MMed research awards.

The congress drew 11 international speakers and the largest delegate and exhibitor turnout in the past five years - a clear reflection of the growing strength and appeal of our dermatology community.

A big thank you to our sponsors, delegates and the organising committee, whose dedication and support made the congress a memorable success.

Words and photographs: Lunga Memela