By Dr. Evelyn Stefanaki
The 2nd International Dermatology and Venereology Congress that took place in Divani Caravel hotel, in Athens, was a staggering success, with the participation of 1.100 Dermatologists. The 5-day congress was co-organised by the Greek & Cypriot Dermatology and Venereology Societies, for a second year in a row, further enhancing the co-operation between these medical societies.
The scientific program kept the interest high, with lectures from recognised Greek and foreign Dermatologists. The program consisted of a wide range of topics. The first evening consisted of presentations of interesting patient cases from clinics. The second day, started dynamically with the Bullous disorders presentations, including the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders during pregnancy, Hydradenitis Suppurativa future treatments, the always fascinating Dermatoscopy presentations, a tool which is now imperative to all Dermatologists and what to look for in evasive lesions, such as BCC recurrency and Lentigo Maligna, Dermato-oncology, discussing latest treatments for skin sarcoid and lymphoid tumours, Lichen Planus presentations, the ever-interesting Vitiligo with new treatment approaches, tips and tricks to treat this highly challenging aesthetic condition and last but not least presentations on STDs. The crown jewel of the congress was the third day with presentations on Melanomas, Basal and Squamous Cell carcinomas and Merkel cancers, presided by Professor of Dermatology, A. Stratigos, followed by Psoriasis discussions and Infectious Disorders of the Skin. The fourth day was dedicated to Alopecia, Atopy and Acne as well as Aesthetic interventions for face and body. The fifth and final day concluded with Paediatric Dermatology lectures and future treatments for autoimmune disorders, alopecia, dermato-oncology, aesthetics and laser treatments.
The congress consisted of fascinating hands-on workshops for injectables, fillers, lasers, peeling and cryosurgery, a true delight for experienced and emerging dermatologists alike.
The elections of the Greek Dermatology Society took place during the congress, smoothly, with high participation of colleagues. The newly elected president S. Theocharis received congratulations from all.
A beautiful exhibition area were all major pharmaceutical companies displayed their newest products was also available for all colleagues who were interested. Participation included titans of the industry such as Abbvie, Teoxane, Vichy, La Roche Posay, Neutrogena, Cerave, Bioderma, Frezyderm, Avene and Croma to name just a few.
The exciting news for colleagues that thrive in Aesthetics, was that it was the first time that Aesthetics consisted of almost 50% of the content of the totality of the Congress, including the workshops, further demonstrating the extreme popularity and need for aesthetic treatments in modern society and in Greece more specifically.
To highlight some of the new hot topics in Aesthetics, the following should be mentioned:
Exosomes, ranging in size from 30 to 150 nanometers, are extracellular vesicles that are produced in most eukaryotic cells and are now heralded as cutting-edge treatment for anti-aging, improvement of dermatitis, wound healing and flap repairs. The exosomes are currently harvested from microbes, plants, animals and humans. A new study, revealed excellent results treating a case of Male Androgenetic Alopecia with Nd:YAG laser and exosomes. So much is the success of exosomes that an autologous exosome device is bound to isolate exosomes from the classic PRP method, in plain terms use of exosomes from the patient themselves.
Polynucleotides, low molecular weight DNA fractions are now used as an injectable skin booster and primer for other treatments and indicated for use in the face, neck and hand areas. This treatment triggers new collagen production, remodelling of dermis and restoration of skin structure and function overall. They are extracted from trout and salmon. Studies have shown significantly better tissue repair qualities than use of just hyaluronic acid.
Poly-d,l-lactic acid (PDLLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that has garnered significant attention in dermatology due to its unique properties and versatile applications. PDLLA demonstrates significant benefits in enhancing skin elasticity and firmness, reducing wrinkles, and promoting tissue regeneration and scar remodelling. Its biodegradable properties render it highly suitable for soft tissue augmentation, including facial and breast reconstruction. These are also called collagen stimulators and help overall to improve skin quality, texture, and wrinkles that will last up to 24-36 months by giving natural effects of collagen stimulation. New products, comprising of PDLLA and Hyaluronic Acid are now in the market.
Excellent news for patients with fear of needles, Alluzience® is a liquid form of botulinum toxin type A, the first to ever exist, for wrinkle relaxing injections. It has a rapid onset of effect, a long duration of action and a high patient satisfaction.
The Shipping Industry pays attention to all dermatological issues given the change of climate, accidents – burns in particular as well as issues from the sunlight and other cases affecting seafarers but also sun-bathing tourists on board cruise ships.
This year’s successful congress highlighted that Greek Dermatology has attained and maintains a high level of expertise and knowledge by international standards.
We are all looking forward to next year!
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A glimpse from the exhibition:
