UKZN Hosts Successful General Practitioner Dermatology Update
Keeping abreast of the latest trends and developments in dermatological care is essential for healthcare professionals working in both specialist and primary care settings.
This was demonstrated at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) 2026 General Practitioner Dermatology Update which equipped students, general practitioners (GPs), Medical interns, Medical officers, community service doctors, nurses and aesthetic practitioners with the latest knowledge and skills to address contemporary dermatological conditions.
Organised by UKZN’s Head of Dermatology and Professor in the School of Medicine, Professor Ncoza Dlova, the event was held at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. Industry exhibitors showcased a range of dermatologically tested skin and hair products while raising awareness about the importance of selecting products carefully and understanding their potential side effects.
UKZN-trained consultants Drs Cebi Sibisi, Jacob Sons and Nkosi Cele presented on acne management, eczema in primary healthcare and recognising red flags when treating psoriasis in primary care.
Dr Antoinette Chateau, Head of Dermatology of the Pietermaritzburg Complex and a consultant and lecturer in UKZN’s Discipline of Dermatology, presented a practical approach to viral exanthems in children, while the Chair and Head of Dermatology at the University of Cape Town, Professor Ranks Lehloenya, highlighted the need for early recognition and management of dermatological drug reactions and presented new trends in dermatology therapeutics.
Dr Annah Sishange honed in on non-melanoma skin cancers, advising attendees on when to worry when they came across such cases. Additional presentations covered skin infections, HIV-related dermatological conditions, vitiligo, menopause-related skin conditions, skin bleaching, minor dermatological procedures, succession planning in private practice and other common conditions encountered in primary healthcare.
Dlova presented sessions on the management of common skin hyperpigmentation and hair disorders, with a particular focus on hair loss in primary care.
Attendees welcomed the practical nature of the presentations and the opportunity to engage with experts on common dermatological conditions encountered in primary healthcare.
Dlova thanked all presenters, attendees, students and exhibitors who collectively made the Update a resounding success.
“As specialists, we have a responsibility to ensure that our colleagues in primary healthcare remain informed about the latest evidence-based developments in our field,” said Dlova. “Due to the overwhelming response, this will become an annual event on the Dermatology calendar.”
Words and photographs: Lunga Memela
