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| Certificates awarded during the reporting session and dermoscopy training |
New knowledge, new technology
This conference is a collaboration among the three Indochinese countries: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as a combination of the 6th Indochina Dermatology Conference and the annual National Dermatology Conference. It features the participation of prestigious dermatology research institutes and international scientists from the United States, Japan, France, Sweden, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more. This is an opportunity for Dermatology sector of Vietnam to share information, update knowledge, and explore approaches from countries that is developed in the field of dermatology.
Over the course of 18 continuous scientific sessions, topics presented ranged from chronic inflammatory diseases, rare hereditary skin disorders, and skin cancer to common skin conditions. Dr. Nguyen Le Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Provincial Dermatology Hospital, chaired and presented research on atopic dermatitis - a condition commonly seen in children that causes dry, itchy skin, often leaving severe consequences. “During our research in Japan, we discovered skin-derived peptides called AMPIBP5, which are effective in reducing inflammation and restoring the skin barrier in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. This has demonstrated that these peptides are safe, highly effective at reducing inflammation, and could serve as a future treatment method. From my small-scale research, I hope that experts can find suggestions or new solutions to contribute to the thorough treatment of this disease,” Dr. Hai expressed his hope.
While many people focus on skin aesthetics, Specialist Level I, Dr. Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly attends sessions on skin diseases. She believes that beautiful skin must first be healthy skin; only then should efforts be made to nourish and care for it. Dr. Ly shared: “I hope that through this conference, young doctors will learn and update their methods for managing common dermatological conditions, especially chronic and complex skin diseases.”
With many issues emerging in the field of dermatology, non-invasive imaging diagnostics is a new trend garnering attention; among these is dermoscopy—an optical device with a magnification range of 10 to 50 times. This represents a significant advancement in the clinical diagnosis of pigmented lesions, enhancing diagnostic efficiency compared to normal observation and reducing missed cases of melanoma. Moreover, combining this technology with imaging systems for capturing and storing images facilitates monitoring individuals with numerous moles that cannot be removed or biopsied. This is an invaluable tool for the preliminary diagnosis of hyperpigmentation disorders, particularly playing a critical role in the early detection of melanoma lesions, which significantly influences treatment approaches and disease prognosis.
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| Exploring skin aesthetic devices and technologies at the exhibition at the conference. |
According to Associate Professor Dr. Le Huu Doanh, Director of the Central Dermatology Hospital, dermoscopy is considered a bridge between clinical practice and histopathology in diagnosing skin diseases. "In this session, domestic and international presenters shared many useful applications of dermoscopy technology in dermatology: the role of dermoscopy in skin diseases caused by viruses and parasites, its role in diagnosing hyperpigmented lesions and melanoma, and the application of dermoscopy in diagnosing basal cell carcinoma and hair disorders. In the pre-conference session, the organizers held a training course on the use of dermoscopy for doctors and received a lot of positive feedback," said Dr. Doanh.
Increased awareness, high demand for aesthetics
On the sidelines of the conference, leaders of the Central Dermatology Hospital shared that the number of patients coming in for skin cancer exams is increasing. "Each week, we receive 10 to 20 skin cancer patients. For example, in the case of melanoma, it is typically more common among people from Europe or America. However, over the past two years, more people from our country have been coming in, which has helped in detecting the disease at an early stage and treating it promptly," he said.
“First, it is due to increased awareness. Second, we have strengthened communication and implemented effective treatment methods, which has helped establish our credibility in the public. Skin cancer can affect people of all ages. In cases where patients are at risk of cancer and have lesions on the skin that have not responded to treatment with other medications, they should immediately visit specialized medical facilities for examination," advised Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Sau, Deputy Director of the Central Dermatology Hospital and President of the Vietnam Dermatology Association.
The dermatology field covers areas such as skin diseases, autoimmune diseases, leprosy, sexually transmitted skin diseases, and skin aesthetics. It is evident that the demand for beauty is rising, becoming a research direction for developing technologies in skin rejuvenation and care using invasive techniques and surgical interventions by many institutions.
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| Skin care at the Provincial Dermatology Hospital |
The President of the Vietnam Dermatology Association believes that reports on new treatment methods, advanced techniques, and the experiences of experts from the United States, France, Italy, and Japan, as well as valuable research published in reputable journals, provide delegates with a wealth of useful information. "In recent times, the dermatology field in Vietnam has seen significant progress, and Vietnamese doctors have gained high recognition from international peers. Therefore, we will have a specific plan to promote aesthetics and implement a medical tourism model in the future, contributing to the development of the healthcare economy," shared Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Sau.
In the general trend, the dermatology sector in the province has made significant progress. Thua Thien Hue was one of the first 27 provinces to eliminate leprosy at the provincial level in 2000. The Dermatology Hospital currently offers many specialized technical services, treating complex and rare diseases, and has developed applications for aesthetic laser technology along with various modern equipment.
From a management perspective, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Kiem Hao, Director of the Provincial Health Department, shared: "The conference updates new knowledge on the care and treatment of diseases, integrating related conditions; the specialized reports open new directions for anticipating treatment trends. I believe that the dermatology field in our country will continue to develop further in the coming time."
Mr. Hao emphasized: "Thua Thien Hue is on the path to becoming a centrally-governed city, and the healthcare sector must proactively lead the way to elevate its standards. Dermatology is also one of the key components that help strengthen the healthcare system, improving the quality of medical care to meet the growing demands of the public."
Story and photos: L. TUE