Hats on for Skin Health

Lets us support the Hats On For Skin Health project, a global collaboration between the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and Stiefel, a GSK company, to reduce the devastating effects of skin cancer among people with albinism living in sub Saharan Africa.

Research shows that 100% of albinos in this region will present with some form of skin damage by the age of 10 years old, leading if unchecked to advanced and usually inoperable skin cancer before the age of 20 or 30. Many albinos are not educated about the importance of sun protection and the consequences of sun damage. Even if they are aware, many can’t afford sun-protective items like hats or long-sleeved clothing.

Hats On For Skin Health is raising funds that will be used by the ILDS to buy hats and other sun-protective items for albinos, initially in Tanzania. Hats are produced locally at a factory in Moshi, Tanzania, which offers indoor employment to some people with albinism in the region. The ILDS’ Regional Dermatology Training Center in Moshi will ensure that these hats are put into the hands of those in need. To learn more about this project, please visit the campaign website at www.hatsonforskinhealth.org.

For Information on the different ways you can donate to support the Hats On For Skin Health campaign, please get in touch with Mr. Michael Calong, our PDS Membership Committee assistant at Tel. No.’s (632) 727-7309 / (632) 723-0101 loc 2015 / Tele/fax No. (632) 727-7309 or you may send directly your check donations to the PDS office.

C/O Hats On For Skin Health, Philippine Dermatological Society, Rm. 1015 South Tower, Cathedral Heights Building Complex, St. Luke’s Medical Center, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines 1102. 

We will be accepting donations until February 14,2012, thereafter, the PDS will send our collective support to ILDS.

All individual donations will be acknowledged and publicized in the SkinContact and in the ILDS Newsletter.

Thank you!

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Register for the RCD 2012

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PDS 1st National Conference

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PDS Achieving Globalization Target

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The Philippine Dermatological Society has successfully partnered for many years with different prestigious dermatological societies from many continents and this has paved the way for us to accomplish one of our objectives, which is to promote international recognition; hence, our global acceptance.

Years of sacrifice and selfless dedication by committed members of our society has contributed to where the PDS is now. Allow me to cite a number of our society’s recent achievements in the international world.

In the February, 2011 issue of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) Newsletter, the PDS Skinweek activity was featured highlighting its national scope, the number of patients that has been served since its inception in November 2000 and the participation of the various PDS members in the different localities of our country.

We were involved as a Supporting Society and collaborated with the Bangalore Dermatological Society in the 1st Comprehensive Global Conference on Vitiligo (VITILICON 2011) held in India last April 22-24, 2011. The conference objectives are “to boost vitiligo research worldwide, and to form a global organization to fight vitiligo.“ As a Supporting Society, the PDS joins ranks with the International Society of Dermatology and many other national dermatologic societies in combating this stigmatizing disease which afflicts so many.

Just this May, PDS signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in an effort to promote access to global education and research in Dermatology for its members. We are now acknowledged as partner and member of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology International Alliance. Soon, all PDS members will receive free on line subscriptions to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology as a result of this partnership.

Our recently concluded 35th PDS Annual Convention was truly an enormous undertaking since this was a joint venture between PDS and the Women’s Dermatological Society. We had 80 international delegates who flew in from India and registered for this convention . This type of linkage is actually not the first. The PDS has collaborated with the American Academy of Dermatology and the International Society of Dermatology in previous annual conventions, but this was the first time the WDS partnered with us. Considering that majority of our members are women and that all our members are involved in women and child dermatologic health care, this collaboration between the WDS and PDS during our convention and in future activities is absolutely significant.

The World Congress of Dermatology was hosted by Korea last May 24-29, 2011. It was within the convention proper that the ILDS Assembly of Delegates Meeting took place. The Philippines was represented by Dr. Georgina Pastofide, Dr. Arnelfa Paliza, Dr. Rosalina Nadela and myself. Votation for the next host of the WCD was done and this was awarded to Canada. Our country was highlighted by the L’Oreal Social Responsibility Award for Asia-Pacific Region, which was given to the “Community Dermatology” Project of St. Luke’s Medical Center, a PDS accredited training institution with Chairperson Dr. Lonnabel Encarnacion. The award was given last May 25, 2011 during the congress (WCD). The project was chosen out of seventeen entries from the Asia-Pacific Region.

Time is running so fast that before we realize it, it’s already February 2012. The Philippines, being a member of the League of Asian Dermatological Societies (LADS) will be hosting the Regional Congress of Dermatology (RCD) on February 20-23, 2012, with Overall Chair Dr. Lorna Frez and Secretary General Arnelfa Paliza. With the theme“ Emerging Concepts and Paradigm Shifts in Dermatology” and a full-packed programme, I’m certain we are looking at a victorious outcome. Our active involvement in organizing the RCD is a beautiful testament of regional harmonization and cooperation among our Asia-Pacific neighbors. PDS members, as individuals have likewise gained international recognition.

Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell was recently nominated as a Member of the American Dermatological Association by four of its members: two members from the National Institute of Health, and two others who are connected with universities in the United States. Membership to this prestigious society is offered to investigators, teachers, writers and leaders of North American Dermatology. Nomination is done by peers and this serves as an acknowledgement of the recipient’s contribution to the advancement in dermatology.

Dr. Evangeline Handog , presently the International Society of Dermatology Secretary-General and Honorary Board Member of the American Academy of Dermatology was given the ILDS Award – Certificate of Appreciation. She was highly recommended by the AAD for this award . Based on International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) guidelines, this award is granted to very special people who have given life-long dedication to particular aspects of dermatology, far beyond what one would expect of a dermatologist in her normal practising life.

The PDS, its individual members, its institutions, and as a society, is continuously making a name in the Dermatology world stage. The challenge remains. As the only specialty society in Dermatology in the Philippines recognized by the Philippine Medical Association and Philippine College of Physicians, we need to pool our resources and efforts together to relentlessly uphold the mission and vision of our society. Godbless!

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Mystery Case Files: Cutaneous Conundrums

MysteryCaseFiles

The skin is a master author of mystery. As dermatologists, we try to interpret its clues. Sometimes we succeed in answering its riddles. Sometimes, our quest for truth brings us more questions.

On the first day of June 2011, the PGH Section of Dermatology presented three case reports in their CME called, Mystery Case Files: Cutaneous Conundrums, held in the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club.

Moderated by PGH consultant Dr. Ma. Lorna F. Frez, the CME began with the first case called Circles of Confusion. This was a case of Erythema Multiforme in a neonate and was presented by Dr. Lily Lyralin DL. Laconico. The second case, Familiar with a Twist, was presented by Dr. Vanessa M. Carpio and was a case of TB Pannicultis in an adult Filipino female with Dermatomyositis. Red, Round, and Rare, a case of Merkel Cell Carcinoma in an adult Filipino male, was the third and final case and was presented by Dr. Hanna E. Lucero.

The reactors for the cases consisted of three of the PGH Section of Dermatology consultants—Dr. Marie Eleanore O. Nicolas, Dr. Francisca DC. Roa and Dr. Adolfo B. Bormate, Jr. and a guest reactor, Dr. Mark Richard Kho, a Surgical Oncologist.
The CME was opened with welcoming remarks by the PGH Dermatology Chief of Section, Dr. Francisca DC. Roa, and ended with the closing reamarks of our PDS President, Dr. Teresita G. Gabriel, MD.

At the end of the CME, the presented mysteries were brought to certainty. And surely, the next time we encounter a patient with similar lesions, we will be more confident in our assessment and management.

By: Carmela Dayrit, MD and Winlove Mojica, MD
Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Section of Dermatology

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Looking Deep Into the Skin: Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. CME

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The Skin And Cancer Foundation Inc. (SCFI) in cooperation with the/Philippine Dermatological Society and the Dermatopathology
Interest Group hosted the CME entitled “Looking Deep Into The Skin:” Interactive Dermoscopy and Interesting CPC Cases on June 29, 2011 at the Banquet Hall of the Wack-wack Golf and Country Club.

The afternoon started with a dermoscopy quiz for the residents, with special prizes given to the top scorers. Dr. Edeleen Chua-Ramirez, SCFI consultant was the moderator for the said activity. Dr. Ma. Jasmin Jamora, SCFI training officer started the scientific program with an Interactive dermoscopy quiz, where attendees were able to participate by keying in their answers using Leo Pharma’s iLearn interactive remote control tool.
Dermatopathologists from various training institutions in Metro Manila shared stimulating clinico-pathologic cases. Dr. Johannes Dayrit from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine presented three interesting CPC cases including exogenous ochronosis, acral lentiginous melanoma and extra-mammary Paget’s disease. Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell, Chairperson of the Skin And Cancer

Foundation Inc. shared cases of mycosis fungoides and unusual presentations of melasma. Dr. Daisy King-Ismael, Chairperson of the Department of Dermatology at UST, also presented three interesting acantholytic CPC cases- pemphigus vegetans, Hailey-Hailey disease and Darier’s disease.

The CME was concluded with awarding of certificates and tokens to the speakers, followed by closing remarks by PDS president Dr. Teresita Gabriel.

By: Dr. Enerizza Odiaman

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Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc.- 3rd Postgraduate Course

3rdPostGraduateCourse

The Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc. (SCFI), together with the Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery (PACS) held its 3rd Postgraduate Course on May 16, 2011, with the theme entitled “Practical Procedural Dermatology: An Interactive Case-Based Approach”, at The Medical City Augusto Barcelon Auditorium, Ortigas Ave, Pasig City.
This year’s convention highlighted the following topics: atrophic scars, acne and traumatic scars, cutting edge body contouring, challenging dermatologic surgical cases, cutting edge hair enhancement, injectables such as botulinum toxin, soft tissue fillers, autologous fat, currents in varicose vein management, and challenges in facial skin rejuvenation.
A panel of foreign and local guest speakers shared and discussed the basic cosmeceuticals, nonsurgical and surgical procedures, laser surgery and applicability, preferred treatment methods, highlights on documented results, patients experiences and testimonials, which helped attendees understand the cosmetic treatment options applicable for a given case. Noted speakers and panelists were Drs. Christine Poblete-Lopez from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, Vermen Verallo-Rowell, Julieta Arambulo from Asian Hair, Sylvia Jacinto, Krisinda Dim-Jamora, Arlene Sauna-Abella, Neil Oropesa, Mercedes Cancio-Cruz, Claudine Roura, Joseph Ortiz, Manuel Fernandez, Stephen Lacson, Therese Cacas, Christine Bunagan, Francisco Peralta Jr., Paul Montemayor, Rhesa Manaloto-Martinez, and Mia Leuenberger.
The SCFI chairman emeritus and PACS president Dr. Sylvia Jacinto, welcomed everyone with her inspirational opening remarks. The morning session kicked off with a panel discussion on atrophic and acne scars. Panelists were Drs. Christine Poblete-Lopez, Julieta Arambulo, Neil Oropesa, Mercedes Cancio-Cruz, and Joseph Ortiz. This was followed by a discussion on Cutting Edge Body Contouring moderated by Dr. Claudine Roura, with panelists including Drs. Manuel Fernandez and Neil Oropesa. Dr. Krisinda Dim-Jamora discussed challenging dermatologic surgical cases, with panelists Drs. Christine Poblete-Lopez, Stephen Lacson, and Manuel Fernandez. Dr. Julieta Arambulo from Asian Hair moderated and gave a lecture on cutting edge hair enhancement. Panelists were Drs. Therese Cacas and Christine Bunagan. Dr. Sylvia Jacinto moderated the intriguing topic of injectables, and panelists were Drs. Christine Poblete-Lopez, Claudine Roura, and Manuel Fernandez, Jr. Current trends in vein disease was then moderated by Dr. Claudine Roura, with panelists Drs. Francisco Peralta, Jr and Paul Montemayor. Lastly, challenging cases in facial skin rejuvenation was discussed by panelists Drs. Vermen Verallo-Rowell, Rhesa Manaloto-Martinez, Mia Leuenberger, and Christine Poblete-Lopez, and moderated by Dr. Arlene Sauna-Abella. It was indeed a very informative, up to date and memorable postgraduate course.

By: Olivia Flordeliza, MD

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The President’s Message

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Let me share with you the activities that culminated in the past few months. I would also like to extend my appreciation to all PDS members , the PDS institutions and Chapters who have given immeasurable service in their own exceptional way.

  1. March 9 – 10 – Leprosy Human Dignity Workshop participated by members of the PDS Leprosy Subspecialty Core Group, residents and consultants from all the institutions with Chair Dr. Ma. Luisa Venida.
  2. Formation of “Hansen’s Disease Club” by all institutions and PDS chapters.
  3. Guestings at Teleradyo DZMM by PDS members stressing the importance of consulting members of PDS and highlighting our “PDS Skin Safety Campaign”. March – May Topics: Acne, Liposuction, Fungal Infections, Pediculosis capitis, Measles, Atopic Dermatitis, and Community Dermatology.
  4. The Board of Examiners (headed by its chair, Dr. Donna Marie Leelin-Sarrosa) now has a Scannable Answer Sheet.
  5. Medical missions in cooperation with ABS-CBN are being rotated among the PDS accredited institutions. Dr. Nellie Jiao, Chair of Outreach Committee has informed the institutions as to their schedule.
  6. PMA-CME Commission has conducted monthly meetings and Dr. Blossom Chan, Chair of PDS CME has regularly been attending and updating us with their recommendations.
  7. April 11 – 15 – PDS was represented by Dr. Heidi Chan in the Workshop on “Pharmacoeconomics and its Application in Drug Selection” organized by WHO Medicine Access and Rational Use Agency in collaboration with the University of New Castle, Australia . The purpose of this was to help DOH-PNDF revise the existing medications listed in the Philippine formulary which was last updated in 2008.
  8. April 12 – 1st CME of Laser Subspecialty Core Group (Chair: Dr. Joey Ortiz) which was an Interactive session on Various Applications of Lasers.
  9. PDS in partnership with Psorphil

“ Psorphil Caravan for Hope”
This is a year-round nationwide information campaign on Psoriasis
wherein PDS members are tapped to become coordinators in their
regions. They give caravan lectures to the different barangay health centers and to the lay in coordination with the Mayor’s office.

April 16 is “BMW” project
BMW (“Beauty, Money and Wellness”) project is a Summer Retreat at Morong Star Beach Resort, Bataan for about 350 Psoriasis patients.

“All I am, I owe to my mother”
- First US President George Washington.

“Mother is the one we count on for the things that matter most of all.”
- Katherine Butler Hathaway, “The Journals and Letters of the Little Locksmith””

Inspired by so many quotes pertaining to what a mother can be, let me describe my MOTHER: “SHE IS MY TEACHER, FRIEND, ADVISER AND GREATEST INSPIRATION.”

I have chosen to continue my message this way and divert from the usual, in line with the theme of our upcoming 35th PDS Annual Convention (May 18-20, 2011) which is “Woman and Child” and May being Mothers’ Day month. After almost two years of careful planning and preparation, we boast of many FIRSTS in the history of PDS. Let me begin by congratulating the indefatigable members of the Organizing Committee chaired by Dr. Rosalina Nadela with adviser Dr. Evangeline Handog for making this partnership possible. What makes this convention so special is that it is in collaboration with the Women’s Dermatological Society. It is opportune that eleven WDS members are guest speakers in our convention. You are guaranteed of a well-balanced scientific program focusing on current knowledge and up-to-date information on various dermatological conditions.

I would like to commend the Editor-in-chief of the PDS Newsletter , Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao and her associate editors, Dr. Mitch Carlos and Dr. Patricia Valle-Tin, for being able to produce for the first time, the PDS Skin Contact in the form of a magazine. A concept such as this is a work of innovation. Congratulations to all of you as well.

I have praises for the dynamic and vibrant Chair of JPDS Dr. Camille Angeles with founding editor, editor emeritus and editorial adviser Dr. Elizabeth Amelia Tianco and their energetic team for coming out with a supplement in this edition of our journal. It really is a tough job to handle such a challenge.

The hardworking and determined Chair of HIS program, Dr. Belen Dofitas, is facilitating the installation of computers in the different institutions to be used for PDS Data base of Dermatological Diseases.

Our highly motivated Chair of Research Committee , Dr. Rowena Genuino has provided the institutions with the Research Calendar for 2011. Please take note that the deadline for notification of research forum categories to be joined by institutions was on May 6, 2011.

By Ma. Teresita Gabriel, MD FPDS



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Herbal Systematic Review Forum Jumpstarts RCD 2012 Preparations

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The Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) Research Committee hosted the presentation of protocols for
systematic review of herbals in dermatology last February 23 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. Cochrane experts Dr. Arlene Crisostomo and Dr. Romulo Aguilar gave constructive criticism and helpful advice; Dr. Belen Dofitas synthesized the activity; while Dr. Cecile Serrano hosted the interactive discussions. The protocols are to be presented at the upcoming Regional Congress of Dermatology (RCD).

With such diverse research topics and a dynamic panel of critics, important questions were raised. The success of a systematic review depends on recognizing key issues and deciding on the best strategy consistent with the research topic. The issues include the following (1) Specificity of the herb and the indication. The general advice is to be specific in both parameters as long as this is not too limiting to the research quality. (2) Type of the study. (3) Geographic limitation. A good research paper should encompass studies done in other countries, unless the focus is solely on Filipino subjects. (4) Language limitation. Ideally, a systematic review should not have any language limitations, but this may have to be reconsidered given the constraints of time and resources.

The issues raised were eye openers to both the residents and consultants. Although no specific answers or solutions were imposed by the reactors, much was gathered to guide the researchers in crafting their studies towards the best design possible. Good luck to everyone involved in this project, and we’ll see you at the 20th Regional Conference of Dermatology!

By Celeste V. Usi, MD, DPDS

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Hansen’s Disease: Problematic Encounters

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The University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Department of Dermatology in cooperation with Philippine Dermatological Society and the Leprosy Subspecialty Core Group hosted the monthly CME entitled “Hansen’s Disease: Problematic Encounters” last February 23, 2011 at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club. Daisy King-Ismael, MD FPDS, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology of UST Hospital welcomed everyone, while Ma. Lordes H. Palmero, MD FPDS moderated.

Three cases were presented by the UST residents entitled: 1) Over Reacting by Sharmaine Sun, MD; 2) Ethics in Leprosy by Natalie Casuela, MD and 3) Relapse vs. Reaction was presented by Stephanie Sy, MD. Dr. Luisa Abad-Venida, Head of PDS Leprosy Interest Group gave an extensive discussion on the types of lepra reaction and treatment options for difficult cases, including those who reacted well to the administration of oral transfer factor.

Dr. Angeles Tan Alora, Head of the Bioethics Committee of the UST Hospital and Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Center for Bioethics reacted on the case: Ethics in Leprosy. Important bioethical principles were tackled, and concluded her discussion by saying that: Truth telling overrides confidentiality, if harm is to be prevented.
Gertrude Pangilinan-Chan, MD FPDS discussed “The 3 R’s of Leprosy Complications: Reaction or Relapse or drug Resistance”. She concluded that patients with relapses are those who present with new lesions on previously unaffected sites appearing two years or more after release from treatment. These lesions do not respond to steroid treatment.

An open forum followed the presentations. It was indeed a successful event with much knowledge learned.

By Janelle Marie Padlan-Ramos, MD

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