Report from conference
The International Congress "Topical procedures, innovations and
mistreatments in dermatovenereology"
Plitvice, Croatia, from 29.- 31. May 2003
It was organized by Croatian Dermatovenereological Society of Croatian Medical Association in cooperation with The International Academy of Cosmetic dermatology under the auspices of the Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences.
The Scientific congress program included 4 Plenary lectures, 6 Satellite Symposia, Free Communications and 18 Posters. The main themes of the congress were highlights in local therapy in dermatovenereology. There were about 200 registered participants from 17 countries. The main topics of the congress were: the role of local treatment in dermatology, therapy of inflammatory skin diseases, treatment of viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases and sexual transmitted infections, treatment and mistreatments in cosmetology and in dermato-mycology.
Basic principles of local therapy in dermatovenere-ology, pathogenesis and current treatments strategies for acne, ethnic skins and their management and guidance on using tacrolimus in day practice were reported in plenary lectures.
A number of interesting communications were presented at the congress. However, I would like to point out some of them. P. P. Wolf reported on photoprotection and the use of sunscreens, which remain the "ultimate cosmetic". New agents for topical therapy were presented by J. Lipozencic. A. Basta-Juzbasic discussed
the pro et contra in the use of topically applied corticosteroids on the face. J. Ring spoke about new approaches in treatment of atopic eczema. M. Skerlev illustrated the appropriate and inappropriate treatments of dermatomycoses. M. Šitum in her very interesting lecture surveyed achievements of dermatosurgery in Croatia. A. Stary reported on the increase of the resistance to antibiotics in gonococcal infections in various countries, which facts caused a change in management strategy.
Six Satellite Symposia were also held, sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Oktal- Pharma sponsored the Symposium dedicated to hair and scalp problems, Vichy to UV -induced skin damage and Spring to extemporaneous prescriptions. The Symposia organized by Belupo dealt with the novel treatment strategies concerning itraconazol, the one by Uriage with atopic dermatitis and skin care and that by Beiersdorf with new scar reducing therapy.
The international congress was successful in scientific as well as social aspects.
Mirjam Belie
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-Acta Dermatoven APA Vol 12, 2003, No 3