S1 - VIRAL SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Chair: R. Maw (UK)
Co-chairs: M. Cusini (Italy) J-E. Malkin (France)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Provide an update of the molecular diagnosis of viral STIs and their epidemiology in Europe.
2. Gain an insight into the physical and psychological morbidity subsequent to viral STIs of the genital tract.
3. Describe an update on aspects of treatment of molluscum contagiosum and genital HPV lesions.

DESCRIPTION
The incidence of sexually transmitted viral infections has been increasing across Europe. The advent of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATS) has given us new insight into transmission, diagnosis and prevalence of these diseases. Of particular interest is the importance of hepatitis viruses and their co-morbidities with HIV infection. Viral sexually transmitted skin disorders such as molluscum contagiosum, herpes genitalis and human papillomavirus infections can provide diagnostic and treatment dilemmas which will be described. The use of immune response modulators and the possibilities of vaccines are changing the management of these diseases. An insight into the psychological morbidity of persistent, recurrent disease is characteristic of viral STIs and will be described using herpes genitalis as a paradigm which typifies the problems for patient and practitioners.

Chair: A. Gorkiewicz-Petkow (Poland)
Co-chairs: M. Goodfield (UK) G. Avgerinou (Greece)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases (CTD)
2. Clinical, immunological correlations in CTD in relation to prognosis.
3. New treatment possibilities in systemic lupus erythematosus, systematic sclerderma, dermatomyositis.

DESCRIPTION:
Pathogenesis of connective tissue disease (CTD) is very complex. New data about microchimerism, GVHD, immunogenetic factors are showing difficulties in clarifying the concepts of pathogenesis in different CTD. It is discussed whether presence of various antinuclear antibodies may play a role, among other factors, in definition of different clinical subsets in CTD. This session will provide an update informations about pathogenesis, the role of antinuclear antibodies in recognition of clinical subsets in Systematic Lupus Erythematosus and Systematic Sclerderma, as well as the new treatments in CTD.

Chair: W. Schill(Germany)
Co-chairs: L. Török (Hungary) B.R.Balda (Germany)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Describe the links between andrology and dermatology.
2. Outline the main areas of activities in clinical andrology.
3. Provide information about the management of andrological patients by dermatologists, with special reference to hormonal skin ageing, life style, STD, sperm antibodies, sperm allergies and neoplastic transformations of male genitalia.

DESCRIPTION
Andrology is an interdisciplinary medical speciality which has close links to dermatology in the field of dermatoendocrinology, venereology and STD. Primarily, andrology deals with the physiology and pathophysiology of male reproductive functions. Therefore, its main clinical focus is the diagnosis and therapy of male fertility disturbances. In addition, andrology is concerned with problems of erectile dysfunction and, most recently, problems of the ageing male, particularly from the aspect of health prevention and hormonal dysfunction.

The international development of andrology shows that the field is mainly represented by clinicians from urology, endocrinology, dermatology and gynaecology, depending on history and scientific activities.

The aim of the symposium is to discuss some of the important links between andrology and dermatology with special reference to the management of andrological patients by dermatologists. Therefore, this session is of interest to general dermatologists as well as those with particular interest in men’s health.

Chair: N.H. Cox (UK)
Co-chairs: J. Jorizzo (USA) J. Peyri Rey (Spain)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. An overview of the approach to cutaneous small vessel vasculitis
2. The relationship between vasculitis and autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus at both the clinical and pathogenetic level, and considering both causative factors and consequences such as aherogenesis.
3. The area of Sweet disease and the neutrophilic vascular reactions that share some histopathological features with the true vessel wall damage that constitutes vasculitis, with an examination of the specificity of the neutrophilic component
4. Other areas of pathological overlap with vasculitis and neutrophilic vascular reactions, and selected clinical entities that might mimic vasculitis but that require a different therapeutic approach (such as embolic disease or occlusive microvascular diseases).

Chair: B. Gazzard (UK)
Co-chairs: S. Mauss (Germany) E. Tschachler (Austria)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. To discuss the optimum timing of antiretroviral treatment.
2. To be aware of the preferred initial regime.
3. To be aware of the common side effects of antiretroviral therapy.

DESCRIPTION:
Antiretroviral treatment has revolutionized the prognosis of HIV therapy. Newer treatments provide more compact regimes with less toxicity. Antiretroviral therapy does not needs to be given until relatively late in the course of disease with a CD4 count above 200. The response to second line antiretroviral therapy is complicated and requires expert help in constructing optimum regimens.

Chair: V. Venning (UK)
Co-chairs: G. Kirtschig (Netherlands) J.M. Mascaró Jr (Spain)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. An understanding of the treatment options in the blistering diseases
2. An understanding of the classification and relationships of the subepidermal mucosal dominant diseases
3. An understanding some of the rare forms of pemphigus

DESCRIPTION:
This symposium will cover aspects of both subepidermal and intraepidermal immunobullous diseases. It is intended to update participants on recent advances in this field, with particular emphasis on the impact and relevance of these advances to clinical practice. Aspects of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment will be considered and discussed.

Chair: P.C.M. van de Kerkhof (Netherlands)
Co-chairs: L. Braathen (Switzerland) A. Giannetti (Italy)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Describe the aims of major European Dermatological Associations
2. Describe the scope of European Dermatology
3. Learn more about impact of dermatological journals and the scope of Dermatological Congresses

DESCRIPTION
The European Dermatology Forum (EDF) is a society of dermatologists, taking care of the political position of Dermatology. Leading academic dermatologists are members of the EDF. The EDF works in close collaboration with ESDR (Research), EADV (continuing Medical Education) and UEMS (Residents training).The EDF has produced a Whitebook of Dermatology. The second edition of the whitebook has been launched. The whitebook describes the scope of dermatology. With respect to residents training, the EDF has organised the residents’ Euroderm Excellence Course for residents. The first course has been organised in Rome in October 2004. The EDF residents’ courses have been planned to be a once yearly event during one week. A lot of Dermatological Journals and Dermatological Congresses are offered. How to structure these in the future? The position of Dermatology in the future is developing. Dermatology has become a strong evidence based medical especially with a broad action spectrum. Guideline development and interaction between research and patient care provide major opportunities to improve dermatology

Chair: A. Messenger (UK)
Co-chairs: B. M. Piraccini (Italy) D. Van Neste (Belgium)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - following this session the attendee will be able to:

1. Diagnose and manage scarring alopecia.
2. Formulate an appropriate and evidence-based management plan for male pattern hair loss.
3. Understand the aetiology and management of ethnic hair disorders.
4. Gain an understanding of the genetic basis of alopecia areata.
5. Understand the role of Malassezia in causing skin disease and apply this knowledge in treatment.

DESCRIPTION:
This session will provide up-to-date reviews of four common types of hair problems - scarring alopecia, male pattern hair loss, alopecia areata and those hair disorders which occur predominantly in populations of African origin. The final presentation will discuss the role of Malassezia in skin disorders affecting the scalp. The session will be of interest to all dermatologists who see patients with hair and scalp disorders.

10.15

Chair: M. Janier (France)
Co-chairs: M. Skerlev (Croatia) M. Waugh (UK)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Learn more about the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and association of syphilis with HIV and other STDs.
2. Understand the latest in serology for syphilis.
3. Know the World considered opinion of treatment for syphilis based on Evidence Based Medicine

DESCRIPTION
Syphilis, 30 years ago, was considered to be a communicable venereal disease disappearing in Europe, has made an increasing come back. Sexually transmitted infections have increased throughout the World .Many variables have allowed for its increase;-increased travel and migration; Russia and Eastern Europe the 1990s syphilis epidemic: changing sexual mores- the internet, heterosexual and homosexual behaviour, the drug scene; therapeutics - treatment advances in HIV/ AIDS, T. pallidum and antibiotic resistance to azithromycin. Training in venereology for medical students has been cut back with the result that STDs are not recognised. National epidemiology has also been cut back in many countries in the false belief that these old diseases were conquered. This trend is being reversed by European cooperation.This session shows that to forget sexually transmitted infections, invites disaster.

Chair: R. Willemze (Netherlands)
Co-chairs: M. Bagot (France) R. Knobler (Austria)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES following this session the attendee will be able to:

1. Will be able to recognize the most common types of cutaneous lymphoma,
2. knows when and which further investigations (extent of staging) are necessary in these lymphomas, and
3. Knows how they can best be treated.

DESCRIPTION
This session will discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines of the four most common groups of primary cutaneous lymphomas, as recognized in the new WHO-EORTC classification. In addition, a presentation on still experimental therapies is included. The necessity of evidence based medicine and prospective clinical trials in patients with cutaneous lymphomas will be emphasized.

Chair: D. de Berker (UK)
Co-chairs: B. Richert (Belgium) A. Tosti (Italy)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES following this session the attendee will be able to:

1. To recognise the nail diseases described
2. To understand and know how to employ appropriate investigations and interpret their results
3. To develop clinical management strategies for the nail diseases described.

DESCRIPTION
The session will cover a range of common and uncommon nail diseases. Each presentation will be structured around 3 or 4 clinical scenarios to help the audience relate the information to their normal practice. Areas will include the areas of major inflammatory nail pathology such as psoriasis and chronic paronychia as well as common aspects of nail histopathology that often present difficulties to the normal pathologist. Diseases common in elder people will be addressed with nail fragility and its management as well as the surgical and non-surgical management of myxoid pseudocysts. Finally, an analysis of the clinical meaning and management of longitudinal erythronychia will be explored. The entire package should provide a mix of intellectual stimulus, practical gems and factual reinforcement to assist in your dematological practice.

Chair: S. Challacombe (UK)
Co-chairs: I. Van der Waal (Netherlands) P. Reichart (Germany)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. To recognise the most common oral manifestations of dermatological diseases
2. To be able to differentiate many of the types of oral ulceration and be aware of recent contributing research findings.
3. To be able to advise on treatment of the major oral dermatological conditions

DESCRIPTION
This session will emphasise the clinical appearances, recent research findings and treatment of the main dermatological conditions affecting the oral cavity. These conditions will include bullous diseases (mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV), aphthous and aphthous like ulcerations of the oral mucosa, oral lichen planus & lichenoid reactions and oral manifestations of HIV. Recent work in oral MMP and PV has indicated that different clinical forms may be related to the target antigens specificity. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is one of many different types of oral ulceration. Recent developments in quantifying disease severity and treatment will be presented. The estimated prevalence of oral lichen planus is 1%-2%, with both sexes equally affected. Some 25% of patients presenting with OLP have cutaneous or genital lesions. VVG appears to be a distinct clinical phenotype. Issues include the differentiation from lichenoid reactions and the possibility of progression to oral cancer. Treatment of the most severe oral diseases may require systemic corticosteroids, cyclosporin, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil.

Chair: M.M. Black (UK)
Co-chairs: S. Aractingi (France) C.M. Rudolph (Austria)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES following this session the attendee will be able to:

1. Diagnose and treat the various specific dermatoses of pregnancy.
2. Manage a pregnant patient with pruritus accurately.
3. Choose the right therapy and management for frequent skin problems during pregnancy, including skin infections, facial dermatoses, and changing moles/melanoma

DESCRIPTION:
Pregnancy can be associated with a variety of different skin problems, which are classified as (i) physiologic skin changes, (ii) dermatoses influenced (exacerbated or ameliorated) by pregnancy, and (iii) specific dermatoses of pregnancy, including pemphigoid gestationis (PG) and polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP), but also intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Especially the latter group is liable to cause diagnostic difficulties, as PG and PEP are known to overlap significantly. Participants of this symposium will learn how to differentiate and classify the various skin disorders and how to manage accurately a pregnant patient with pruritus. At the end of this session, they should be able to choose the right therapeutic regimen and to inform the mother competently on potential risks for the fetus or following pregnancies. Furthermore, we will address therapy and management of frequently encountered skin problems in pregnancy, including atopic eczema, skin infections, facial dermatoses, and changing moles/melanoma.

Chairs: L. French (Switzerland), M. Röcken (Germany)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – following the session, the attendee will be able to:

1. To discover how scientific advances can have an impact on the management of patients in dermatology.
2. To appreciate the importance and significance of basic dermatological research in translating therapeutic advances to patients in the clinic.
3. To learn about clinically relevant research that is being carried out in Europe.
4. To show the importance of a close liaison between the EADV and the ESDR in promoting better clinical care for patients with skin diseases.

DESCRIPTION
This symposium is designed to show how dermatological research and laboratory work is changing the way we manage patients with skin diseases, now and in the near future. The speakers are all prominent members of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) as well as being clinical dermatologists. There will be four talks on biological therapies, toxic epidermal necrolysis, photoimmunology and gene therapy for inherited skin diseases. The speakers will highlight recent scientific advances relevant to these topics and aim to show how these can translate into clinical benefits and advances for both patients and dermatologists.

Chair: J. Ferguson (UK)
Co-chairs: J. Krutmann (Germany) A-M. Ros (Sweden)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – following the session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Have expanded knowledge of the pathogenisis of polymorphic light eruption and a clear picture of the genetics of protoporphyria and diagnostic criteria for chronic actinic dermatitis.
2. Have a clear knowledge of the current position of what is believed to be underused investigation – photopatch testing.
3. Following the session, the attendee will be able to have an updated view of photoprotective and other management issues for the photodermatoses.

DESCRIPTION
The symposium provides an update on a selected group of photodermatoses. It addresses the pathogenisis, disease definition and management advances. Our knowledge of the idiopathic photodermatoses continues to improve as does our treatment approach.

Chair: C. Bunker (UK)
Co-chairs: G. von Krogh (Sweden) W. Leszczynski (Italy)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Appreciate and articulate the concept of the dysfunctional foreskin and be familiar with its common, unusual and exotic causes.
2. Diagnose and treat difficult HPV infection.
3. Understand the indications for surgery in lichen sclerosus, penile intraepithelial neoplasia and penile cancer.

DESCRIPTION:
The concept of the dysfunctional foreskin will be explained and illustrated. Its causes and consequences, common, unusual and exotic, will be discussed. Problems in the management of commonplace and challenging HPV infection of the male genitals will be addressed. The role of surgery in the management of lichen sclerosus, penile intraepithelial neoplasia and penile cancer will be presented. This session is for general dermatologists and venereologists.

Chair: I. Leigh (UK)
Co-chairs: M. Jonkman (Netherlands) G. Zambruno (Italy)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. To understand new research findings relevant to clinical practice and diagnosis in severe genetic diseases including recessive ichthyoses.
2. To receive expert advise regarding the management of the small child with ichthyoses or bullous diseases.
3. To participate in interactive case reports to assess diagnostic and therapeutic skills.

Chair: N. Walker (UK)
Co-chairs: C. Antoniou (Greece) M. Morvay (Hungary)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Understand the relative indications for the use of resurfacing procedures.
2. Discuss fully with their patients the place of resurfacing procedures in their treatment.
3. Go on to develop the hands on experience necessary to introduce resurfacing into their practice.

DESCRIPTION
The invited faculty are all very knowledgeable and they have been asked to present practical talks to either refresh the experienced practitioner or to introduce the subject in such a way as to encourage the newcomer to go on to acquire the extra practical experience required to enable them to introduce these valuable techniques into their practice.

Chair: P. S Friedmann (UK)
Co-chairs: O. Correia (Portugal) H. Hintner (Austria)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Recognise the diverse clinical presentations of drug allergies.
2. Understand the mechanisms involved in relation to metabolism and immune responses.
3. Make use of a range of diagnostic tests and be up to date with treatments of severe reactions.

DESCRIPTION:
Adverse drug reactions are an important cause of morbidity and death. There are different classifications but this symposium sill focus on those with an immunological basis – so called type B or idiosyncratic ructions. Prof. Friedmann will summarise the classification and show how the different types of allergic hypersensitivity are associated with different clinical patterns. Prof. Merk will describe the basic principles of drug metabolism and show how alterations may predispose individuals to develop drug allergies. Understanding drug metabolism helps develop diagnostic tests and prediction of susceptibility. Prof. Roujeau will show how particular immune mechanisms have been defined in various patterns of drug allergy. Prof. Barbaud will discuss the methodology and value of skin tests in the diagnosis of drug allergy. Prof. Hintner will show how the elderly are particularly at risk through exposure to multiple drugs which may interact to alter metabolic processing or alter susceptibility to development of drug allergy. Prof. Correia will give an update of developments in treatment of severe drug hypersensitivity reactions.

Chair: R. Hay (UK)
Co-chairs: C. De Cuyper (Belgium) B. Farkas (Hungary)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Diagnose complex fungal infections
2. Devise a treatment plan
3. Management recurrence or relapse.

DESCRIPTION:
This session is concerned with fungal infections which present treatment challenges either because there is a poor rate of recovery or because relapse is common. A third issue that will be looked at is infections which are difficult to diagnose or which spread in the community. The diseases to be covered are Onychomycosis, fungal infections in immunosuppressed patients, tinea capitis, imported fungal infections, vaginal candidosis and persistent conditions associated with Malassezia. In each case the diognosis and treatment schemes will be discussed and developed.

Chair: Y. de Prost (France)
Co-chairs: D. Atherton (UK) H. Traupe (Germany)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Discuss the diagnosis and the prevention of atopic dermatitis (A.D.)
2. To manage the mild and moderate form of AD
3. To discuss the treatment with azathioprine in severe form of AD

DESCRIPTION
The management of atopic eczema in children will be presented for mild and moderate forms with immunomodulators and emollients and for severe form with azathioprine. New data in the prevention of AD will be also presented. This session is both for general dermatologists, paediatric dermatologists and paediatricians.

Chair: P. Andre (France)
Co-chairs: D. Dasiou-Plakida (Greece) N. Lowe (UK)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Learn about the many different dermal fillers
2. Their efficacy and their risks
3. Usage, safety and side effect issues of the Botulinum Toxins.

DESCRIPTION
The use of dermal fillers in Europe has increased considerably over the last 5 to 10 years. There is considerable variability in clinical data available on fillers. These and other details of fillers will be included. Benefit and risk of different fillers will be debated and techniques of injection. Botulinum A Toxins are widely used for both aesthetic and hyperhidrosis indications. We will discuss dose, dilution, delivery and toxin choice.

Chair: R. MacKie (UK)
Co-chairs: J-F. Doré (France) H. P. Soyer (Austria)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Consider a range of approaches to reducing melanoma attributable mortality.
2. Appreciate the problems and approaches to reducing incidence of melanoma
3. Understand the currently available range of prebiopsy diagnostic aids and their accuracy.

DESCRIPTION
Cutaneous malignant melanoma continues to rise in incidence in all parts of the world, and is one of the more serious problems seen by dermatologists. It is therefore essential that all dermatologists are aware of the clinical features of early melanoma, and which lesions require biopsy. They should be aware of the current range of diagnostic apparatus available, and should also appreciate the vital need for early diagnosis at a time when the prospects for cure or long term survival are high. They should also understand the need for primary prevention of melanoma and the range of possible approaches to reducing melanoma incidence.

Chair: C. Griffiths (UK)
Co-chairs: J-F. Nicolas (France) J. Prinz (Germany)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Following this session attendees will be able to understand the role of streptococci and regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
2. Describe the use of new biological therapies for the management of psoriasis.
3. Understand the place of traditional systemic therapies for severe psoriasis.

DESCRIPTION
This session provides an update on the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, particularly the role of regulatory T cells and their potential as targets for the new, selective biological therapies. There will be further elucidation of the putative role of streptococcal antigen in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and how insights into this can provide opportunities for management of the disease. The session will provide practical advice for practising dermatologists as to how to optimise use of traditional systemic therapies for severe psoriasis and provide an understanding of the place in the current armamentarium for the new biological therapies.

Chair: F. Wojnarowska (UK)
Co-chairs: E. Nylander Lundqvist (Sweden) A. Virgili (Italy)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. How do hormonal changes influence the skin
2. How to manage skin problems in women who may be pregnant
3. The psychological impact of skin problems on women

DESCRIPTION
The objective of this session is to focus on dermatological conditions that occur only in women, that have a major impact on the women, or whose management poses particular problems in women.

The session will consider this in women at different ages. The girl premenarche, the adolescent, the young adult woman, the reproductive years, the pregnant and breastfeeding woman, the menopausal woman, the postmenopausal woman. The role of hormonal influences will be emphasised.

Chairs: M. Lecha (Spain)
Co-chairs: G. Murphy (Ireland) R. Sarkany (UK)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Update his knowledge about photosensitivity in porphyria
2. Consider the importance of genetic studies in porphyria
3. Review the influence of risk factors in the clinical evolution of porpyrias, importance of patients’ follow-up and rationale of transplantation as treatment in severe forms of porphyria.

DESCRIPTION
Porphyrias are a group of complex diseases. In their study different aspects have to be considered for the understanding and management of their clinical manifestations. The genetic background is basic and determines the severity of manifestations that patients may develop. The updating of the pathogenesis of cutaneous lesions due to photosensitivity should allow a better management of skin progressive deterioration. The influence of a series of factors, genetic and acquired, has always to be emphasized to be able to manage patients. These factors may have a basic role in patients’ evolution as it appears in the case of URO-D deficiencies or in clinical severe complications as acute liver failure in EPP. The management and life-long follow-up of patients is necessary. On the other hand, therapeutic approaches like liver or bone-marrow transplantation should be rationalised and used in the adequate cases.

Chair: M. Heckmann (Germany)
Co-chairs: O. Kreyden (Switzerland) C. Swartling (Sweden)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Understand the pathophysiology of abnormal sweating and discuss differential diagnosis
2. Know the broad range of anti-hyperhidrotic treatment regimens and select the most appropriate therapy for an individual patient
3. Understand and discuss recent advances in clinical research associated with sweat gland biology

DESCRIPTION
The course is geared toward the general dermatologist with an interest in understanding and treating hyperhidrotic patients as well as persons with a particular interest in skin biology and ongoing research.

The course will start with an overview of sweat gland biology and associated diseases to establish a sound understanding of pathophysiology and differential diagnosis. Specific conditions – clinical and psychological- stigmatizing hyperhidrotic patients will be elaborated based on clinical resarch. A broad range of treatment options from simple such as topical aluminum chloride to invasive such as sympathectomy will be analysed in terms of evidence-based efficacy. Botulinum toxin injections will be addressed in particular both from a practical point of view and a scientific point of view discussing new research of sweat gland manipulation in associated diseases such as dyshidrotic eczema or bromhidrosis.

Chairs: S.W.Lanigan (UK)
Co-chairs: M. Landthaler (Germany) P. Soares (Portugal)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Choose the most appropriate laser or light source for the treatment of cutaneous vascular and pigmented disorders and for hair removal.
2. Describe the mechanisms by which lasers improve skin diseases
3. Outline the benefits and side effects of laser treatment of cutaneous, vascular and pigmented disorders and hair removal.

DESCRIPTION
The course on lasers for vascular, pigmented and hair disorders will provide an overview on current knowledge of the treatment of these disorders with lasers and intense pulsed light. Selected speakers will address treatment of each of the group of disorders with specific sessions on port wine stains, treatment of haemangiomas, tattoos, pigmented lesions and hair removal. The appropriate use of both lasers and intense pulsed light sources will be discussed in detail.
The presenters have extensive experience in their field and will discuss both current knowledge and recent research developments.

Chair: T. Lotti (Italy)
Co-chairs: W. Westerhof (Netherlands)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Following this session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Understand the biology of pigment formation in human skin and animal models.
2. Appropriately evaluate, manage, and treat patient with vitiligo and related pigmentary disorders.
3. Appreciate recent advances in the field.

DESCRIPTION:
Vitiligo and pigmentary disorders affect increasing number of patients all over the world heavily interfering with their quality of life. This session will update the audience regarding epidemiology, biology, differential diagnosis and advances in basic and clinical science related to vitiligo and other clinically relevant hypopigmentary disorders. Novel therapeutic options will be discussed and compared to traditional topical therapy and well established physical and surgical modalities, specifically as they relate to dermatology care practices and patients’ quality of life.