Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Skin health in connection with over-all health is being discussed and re-learnt by dermatologists from around the world who began to converge physically and online at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday, for the three-day “Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference & Exhibition 2021” (“Dubai Derma 2021”).

Chief guest Dubai Department of Information director general Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum inaugurated and toured the exhibition halls platforming 500 international brands by way of 350 companies across the world. He was accompanied by Dubai Health Authority director general Awadh Al Ketbi, “Dubai Derma 2021” Conference chairman/Dermatology professor Dr. Ibrahim Galadari, and “Dubai Derma 2021” executive chairman/Index Holding chairman Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani.

In his welcome speech, Galadari stated: “The Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery field is witnessing a rapid growth, and we are seeing new technologies and products emerging faster than seen in any other field. Additionally, the value of the dermatology and cosmetic industry is Dhs20 billion which cover cosmetic products, machines and tools, and cosmetic surgery.”

It is for this matter, Galadari added that dermatologists and allied professionals be continually supported and provided with a venue for their continuing learning education, especially so that the percolating Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could have either “decreased or increased” the number of patients with skin disorders, and diseases. The bottom line, he pointed out is that people become more well-informed and better decision-makers for their own health.

Fakeeh University Hospital (Dubai)-Dermatology Department Clinical lead Dr Marwa A. Elbadawy reinforced the importance of improving skin doctor-patient communication and relationship on the topic “Acne: Real Life Experience and Challenges” from the first set of conference lectures conducted after the opening ceremonies.

The skin specialist for 22 years stressed the need for much better doctor-patient interaction, mentioning the Dr Google Syndrome. She cited that in the course of her preparations for the lecture, 296 million dermatology/acne-related Internet links popped up and there is no guarantee that everything written therein are scientific evidence-based claims and solutions. She was grateful to University of Western Ontario (Canada) Internal Medicine and Dermatology Adjunct professor/specialist Dr Jerry K.L. Tan who had virtually lectured ahead of her and presented to the delegates the results of a study on the “AKLIEF-An Advance and Innovation in Topical Retinoids (medications in gel or cream) for Acne.” This particular study involving adolescents and adults with facial and truncal/chest acnes showed the efficacy of AKLIEF within a span of 12 weeks.

Elbadawy commented such scientific evidence-based research works are critical because it is common knowledge that people go for medical consultations after going through Dr Google and self-medicating.

Elbadawy traced the roots of acne, saying this was first noticed at the time of the pharoahs in Ancient Egypt and that acne originated from the Greek “akme” associated with facial eruptions in puberty. She added this skin condition is no longer age-related as even the nine-year-olds may have it nowadays: “We also have menopausal acnes (like there are patients at age 60).” Several raised their hands when she asked if they have similar observational data.

Many agreed when she stated that in a day are one to several patients concerned with acne.

Elbadawy mentioned it would be great if more medications infused with anti-aging properties are developed.

In the “Global Skin Care Market Size 2012-2025” published in the Statista portal on April 21, 2021: “The skin care industry (globally valued at $189.3 billion or Dhs695.3 billion in 2025 from the current $155.8 billion or Dhs572.2 billion) has witnessed a shift from demand from older consumers to a growing younger consumer base. People are beginning to use skin care at an increasingly young age in a bid to delay the signs of aging while the number of older consumers is beginning to fall. Skin care companies may adapt to marketing strategies to correct the balance and hold on to the older consumer base.”

Like Elbadawy, Innovative Dermatology president/medical director and University of Texas Southwestern (USA) Dr Seemal Desai encouraged the continuing use of comprehensive approaches to remedy skin problems and diseases when he virtually discussed “Melasma: Topical Therapy Update.” Desai has seen patients of this chronic acquired skin disorder characterised by pigmentation, preferring to give up social activities.