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29th National Dermatology Congress of the Algerian Society of Dermatology Algiers, October 18 and 19, 2017
Address for correspondence: Prof. Robert A. Schwartz, Professor & Head, Dermatology Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey, USA. E-mail: raschwartz@gmail.com
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This significant international meeting held in Africa’s largest country was skillfully chaired by Algerian Society of Dermatology President Ismail Benkaidali and Treasurer Farid Ait-Belkacem [Figure 1] in Algiers. The event was held on October 18 and 19, 2017, at the magnificent Hotel El-Aurassi overlooking the splendor of the Bay of Algiers.
- Algerian Society of Dermatology President Ismail Benkaidali, Treasurer Farid Ait-Belkacem, incoming Secrétaire général Aicha Salhi, and Robert A. Schwartz (right to left)
The presentations were superb, moderated by distinguished professors such as Dalila Bouharati, Chief of the Department of Dermatology at Algeria’s oldest hospital, Mustapha Pacha University Hospital, founded in 1854 [Figure 2]. Micheline Moyal Barracco (Paris, France) described her approach to vulvar disease, focusing on lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, first delineating various characteristics of normal vulva. Hayet Briki (Algiers, Algeria) illuminated clinically challenging undiagnosed examples of vulvar pathology. Aicha Salhi (Algiers, Algeria) discussed congenital melanocytic nevi in children and adults, putting emphasizing the different clinical aspects and on the complications that can appear with this disease: neurocutaneous melanosis and melanoma. She lamented the difficult choice of whether or not to excise. Her second presentation was about superficial vascular anomalies in the female perineum, complicated chiefly by ulcerations and infections. Robert A. Schwartz (USA) urged careful evaluation of children with acanthosis nigricans, detailing associations with cardiovascular disease. He provided two additional lectures, one on food allergy and the other on vitiligo, emphasizing new therapeutic options. Khaled Ezzedine (Paris, France) updated concepts of vitiligo and the new biologics that can be used in the future. Carla Irani (Beirut, Lebanon) favors the second-generation antihistamine bilastine as safe and effective for urticaria. It is a selective histamine H1receptor antagonist. Jean-Luke Perrot (Saint-Etienne, France) explored dermatologic imaging, including reflectance confocal microscopy. Siham Djoudi (Algiers, Algeria) provided diagnostically challenging cases of achromic patches. Her second presentation was on vitiligo in children. Riad Boussaid (Constantine, Algeria) with Frédéric Bérard (Lyon, France) highlighted chronic urticaria management, accentuating the association with thyroid dysfunction. Mourad Lahfa (Toulouse, France) updated results of biologic therapies in the treatment of psoriasis.
- Dalila Bouharati, Aicha Salhi, Robert A. Schwartz, and Micheline Moyal Barracco (right to left)
Attendees praised the superb Algerian Society of Dermatology leadership [Figure 3], admired Algerian traditions, with guests appreciating the beauty of Algiers and beyond [Figure 4], including the Roman ruins of Tipaza located on the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania [Figure 5]. They also learned a few words in the Berber language, azoul (hello) and tanemirth (thanks), in recognizing the proud traditions of the Maghreb.
- Enjoying opulent dining with discussions: President Ismail Benkaidali, Treasurer Farid Ait-Belkacem, Nazim Benmehidi, Riad Boussaid, Jean-Luke Perrot, and Robert A. Schwartz (right to left)
- Notre-Dame d’Afrique Basilica, Algiers, Algeria
- Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania: Aicha Salhhi, Robert A. Schwartz, and Nora Cheddani (right to left)
