World Congress of Dermatology focuses on albinism

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Albinism, a genetic disorder in which people lack pigment and do not produce melanin, will be a focus of the World Congress of Dermatology.

“It’s not just a cosmetic issue,” Harvey Lui, MD, Word Congress of Dermatology (WCD) secretary-general, said at a media briefing. “These people have serious risk for skin cancer. … There’s a medical part to this (disease), but there’s [also] a social, human tragedy.”

In Africa, people with albinism, are attacked and killed for their body parts, which are considered lucky, Lui said.

“Unfortunately, in Eastern Africa, albinism is relatively common,” Lui said.

The United Nations has declared June 13 World Albinism Awareness Day for the first time this year. It will be observed at WCD, the speakers reported.

Jerry Shapiro, MD, WCD president, reviewed highlights of research that will be presented throughout the week. These include new software to help diagnose melanoma and a look at why

pregnant women were more likely to have poor melanoma outcomes.

Cosmetic treatments to be discussed will include research from India and Canada on new techniques and help in acne scarring in people with skin of color.

“When you’re dealing with acne scarring with darker skin, it can be a challenge,” he said.

Wolfram Sterry

New treatments for neglected tropical diseases will be discussed. WHO has deemed 17 diseases neglected tropical diseases, including cutaneous leishmaniasis, a dermatologic disease, Shapiro said. Ways to prevent leprosy in children also will be presented at WCD.

Wolfram Sterry MD, president, International League of Dermatolgical Societies (ILDS), which organizes WCD every four years, discussed the ILDS’ philanthropic activities around the world, as well as guidelines developed by ILDS to standardize care worldwide. These include treatment for actinic keratosis, creating a glossary for germs in skin diseases and a database for all diseases of the skin. – by Bruce Thiel