Sir,
The 12th International Gulf Cooperation Council Dermatology, Venereology, and Laser Conference took place in Kuwait City on November 19–21, 2013. This salient international meeting was led by Congress President Abdulwahab S. Al-Fouzan and GCC League of Dermatology Secretary-General Ibrahim Galadari. It brought together dermatologists from around the globe under the Patronage of His Majesty HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait and was introduced by the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of Health, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah.
The scientific program was excellent, covering a range of topics, with guests including the professors and heads of dermatology at American University of Beirut, University of Baghdad, Johns Hopkins, Mt. Sinai, and Rutgers [Figures 1-5]. John A. McGrath (London) highlighted new treatments for inherited skin diseases. He delineated spontaneous reversion of disease-causing mutations in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, noting patches of healthy-appearing skin resulting from the self-correction of collagen type-7 deficiency, and suggested that “natural” gene therapy may be of value. Abdulla Al-Eisa (Riyadh) advocated judicious use of cosmetic procedures. Yahya Dowlati (Tehran) noted that leishmaniasis is a global health issue, being endemic in 90 countries. Abdulwahab S. Al-Fouzan (Kuwait) delineated lichen planus actinicus as a common photoaggravated dermatosis in the tropics and subtropics. Mark Lebwohl (New York City) divulged data on psoriatics using biologics and the risk of lymphoma, whereas Nawaf Al-Mutairi (Kuwait) elucidated management challenges in treating psoriatics. Sewon Kang (Baltimore) explained the pathogenesis of acne scars. A. Razzaq Ahmed (Boston) promulgated modern pemphigus therapy. Yasin Al-Qubati (Taiz) denoted modern concerns about leprosy. Luis Garza (Baltimore) stressed the role of prostaglandin D2 in inhibiting hair growth in androgenic alopecia.
Figure 1.
GCC League of Dermatology Secretary-General Ibrahim Galadari, Congress Vice President Nawaf Al-Mutairi, Mark Lebwohl, Congress President Abdulwahab S. Al Fouzan, Robert A. Schwartz, and Mohammed Redha Mustafa (left to right)
Figure 5.
Congress in celebration
Figure 2.
Congress in session
Figure 3.
Congress attendees in unity: Abdulla Al-Eisa, Oumeish Oumeish, Riad Mashal, Omar Al-Sheikh, Abdulwahab S. Al Fouzan, Yahya Dowlati, Ibrahim Galadari, Yasin Al-Qubati, Robert A. Schwartz, and Mohammed Al-Sebae (right to left)
Figure 4.
Yahya Dowlati, Robert A. Schwartz, John A. McGrath, and Marc Z. Handler (left to right)
There were many other superb presentations. Medhat Abdel Malek (Amman) provided breaking news in cosmetic dermatology. Mohamed Amer (Cairo) explained the potential of stem cells, evidenced by facts including that human bone marrow cells can be programmed into skin cells. Amen Amer (Cairo) demystified mesotherapy. Khalifa E. Sharquie (Baghdad) advocated melanocyte transplantation in patients with vitiligo using a new needling micrografting technique. Thomas Dirschka (Wuppertal) covered external genital warts. Assem Farag (Cairo) updated therapeutics, including cosmecueticals. Isam Oumeish (Amman) detailed eruptions of pregnancy. Life-threatening dermatoses were highlighted by Mohsen Soliman (Cairo), while Robert A. Schwartz (Newark) focused on necrotizing fasciitis. Alan Fleisher Jr (Winston-Salem) provided a superb practical review on acne, whereas Mona Al-Mahroos (Bahrain) delineated acneiform eruptions. Louis Dubertret (Paris) encouraged use of the website www.fondation-r-touraine.org for updated psoriasis information. Gamal A. Duweb (Benghazi) illuminated the use of infliximab in psoriasis. Suhail Hadi (New York) expounded upon treatment of non-segmental vitiligo with afamelanotide implants and narrow band ultraviolet light B. Sultan Al-Khenaizan (Riyadh) clarified therapeutic options for infantile hemangiomas; Jasem Al-Shaiji (Kuwait) adroitly handled vascular malformations. Alan Fleischer Jr (Winston-Salem) proclaimed reformulation of existing topical antifungal agents as well as efinaconazole and tavaborole provide increased efficacy. This superb congress also featured special courses, including the “Pan Arab Course for Residents: Update in vesiculo-bullous diseases ” by A. Razzaq Ahmed (Boston).
GCC League of Dermatology Secretary-General Ibrahim Galadari, Congress President Abdulwahab S. Al Fouzan, Vice President Nawaf Al-Mutairi and the organizing committee put together an outstanding meeting, an achievement symbolized by the splendor of the Kuwait Towers [Figure 6].
Figure 6.
Kuwait Towers with Marc Z. Handler, future physician Mohammad Al-Shaiji (son of Jasem Al-Shaiji) and Robert A. Schwartz (right to left)
