Special Report: 21st World Congress of Dermatology

Special Report: 21st World Congress of Dermatology

P&G Beauty was a Gold Patron sponsor of the 21st World Congress of Dermatology held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 30-October 5, 2007. Every five years, dermatologists, medical professionals and industry leaders from across the globe gather at the World Congress of Dermatology to learn about the latest scientific, treatment and product advancements in the dermatological field.

About the 21st World Congress

Hosted by the International League of Dermatological Societies, the 21st Congress emphasized issues relating to "Global Dermatology for a Globalized World." Specifically, of the 3,800 total studies presented, over 60 posters and presentations focused on dermatological issues facing various ethnic populations. Genomic research and technologies, especially as they relate to anti-aging, were also leading topics.

This year's meeting was attended by 13,411 industry leaders from 143 companies representing 117 countries. Furthermore, it was led by a scientific committee of premier authorities in the field, including Congress President, Ricardo T. Galimberti, MD, Director of the Department of Dermatology at the Buenos Aires Italian Hospital in Argentina; Secretary General Adrian M. Pierini, MD, Director of the Pediatric Dermatology Service at the Hospital de Pediatria in Buenos Aires; and Scientific Chairman Fernando Stengel, MD, Chief of the Division of Dermatology at the Clinicas Hospital in Buenos Aires.

 

 

P&G Beauty at the World Congress of Dermatology

 

P&G Beauty's PresenCe at the World Congress

As a Gold Patron sponsor, P&G Beauty scientists hosted 21 talks and presented 10 cutting-edge scientific posters. They also led dynamic conversations and lectures at three P&G Beauty sponsored symposia:

• "Latest Advancements in Skin Health and Anti-Aging" This session provided an overview of skin care needs in varying global populations and addressed the role of inflammation and botanicals in managing skin disorders.
• "Cosmeceuticals: Practical Solutions for Common Problems" Scientists discussed the latest ingredients and treatment strategies evolving from recent biomolecular research.
• "Hot Topics in Hair and Scalp Science" This symposium examined the challenges involved in treating common hair and scalp disorders, including delivery, ingredients and patient compliance.

Additionally, over 6,000 people from 87 countries visited the P&G Beauty booth to learn more about the science behind Head and Shoulders® and Olay® products.

These activities and more were chronicled by world-renowned skin and hair expert, John Gray, MD, on P&G Beauty's World Congress of Dermatology blog, Day-to-Day with Dr. Gray. Dr. Gray's blog and P&G scientific content from the World Congress are available on the on the 21st World Congress of Dermatology Web pages.

Scientific Innovation from P&G Beauty

The 21st World Congress theme, "Global Dermatology for a Globalized World," focused on dermatologic science that affects people worldwide. However, over the course of the meeting, two key topics emerged: genomic research and ethnic diversity research.

Genomic Research

More than 100 posters and talks involving genomics and gene expression emphasizing the importance of genomic science in today's medical research were presented at the meeting. The P&G Beauty genomics work was some of the most exciting, as evidenced by the award recognition it received.

Immune and Inflammatory Gene Expression Profiles of Chronological (Intrinsic) Skin Aging and PhotoAging

Michael Robinson, PhD, Principal Scientist at P&G Beauty, presented a poster on the ability to identify the exact processes and metabolic pathways that differentiate young versus old skin. Using skin biopsies collected from ten young female (18-20 years) and ten aged female (60-67 years) subjects, the study allowed scientists to identify pathways that are active in young skin but inactive in old skin, as well as those that are overly active in older skin, such as inflammation. His use of sophisticated genomics tools to better understand the genomic and biological mechanisms responsible for the appearance of skin aging was honored by the World Congress with "Outstanding Recognition."

 

Malassezia globosa and restricta: Breakthrough Understanding of the Etiology and Treatment of Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis through Whole Genome Analysis

Thomas L. Dawson, Jr., PhD, presented for the first time anywhere in the world his research that successfully sequenced the complete genome for Malassezia globosa (M. globosa), a naturally occurring fungus responsible for the onset of dandruff and other skin conditions. This discovery offers a host of new opportunities for the research community to improve on current treatments and study new therapies to fight M. globosa related conditions.

Detail of seborrheic dermatitis scale

Ethnic Diversity Research

More than 60 presentations and posters were given addressing skin and hair disorders among different ethnic populations that reiterated the World Congress theme and addressed the diversity of global dermatology. P&G Beauty collaborators and scientists shared new findings about skin and hair needs across different ethnicities:

Hair Breakage in Normal and Weathered Hair: Focus on the Black Patient

Amy J. McMichael, MD, presented research regarding the impact of hair care practices on the development of hair fragility and breakage. She discussed the prevalence of common disorders in various ethnic populations, the management of common hair and scalp disorders in select populations and new study findings on hair breakage among populations of African descent.

P&G Beauty sponsored hair care symposium

Similarities and Differences in Skin Care Needs and Disorders Across Various Global Populations

Alexa Kimball, MD, MPH, discussed skin health and differences among various global populations. She examined skin disorders resulting from medical and biological factors and habits, as well as the art of diagnosing common skin disorders. She also shared new results from a collaboration with P&G Beauty on the impact of ethnicity on prevalence of rosacea globally.