The “6th Black Sea Symposium on Innovations in Dermatology,” held in Samsun this year, highlighted recent advancements in healthcare. The symposium, chaired by Prof. Dr. Müge Güler Özden, a dermatology specialist at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), focused on innovations, treatment methods, diagnosis, and strategies for combating skin cancer and other skin diseases.

Prof. Dr. Özden: “New Treatment Options Are Now Available in Our Country”

Prof. Dr. Müge Güler Özden, a faculty member in the Department of Dermatology at OMU's Faculty of Medicine, emphasized the success of new treatments approved as ‘groundbreaking therapies’ by American health authorities for patients with severe allergic eczema.

She stated: “We are hosting the 6th Black Sea Symposium on Innovations in Dermatology in Samsun this year. With over 100 physician participants and more than 50 speakers from across the country, we are discussing the latest developments in dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. This year, in addition to innovations in treating psoriasis, we will share significant advancements in treating atopic dermatitis, known as allergic eczema. These new treatment options, approved by American health authorities as ‘groundbreaking therapies,’ are now available in our country. We recommend that patients with severe allergic eczema consult our University Hospital for more information on these treatments. The symposium will also cover innovations, new approaches, and application techniques in cosmetic dermatology.”

“Our Symposium Provides Significant Contributions and Scholarships to Regional Specialists”

Highlighting the symposium's role in publicizing many innovations, Prof. Dr. Özden said:
“We are delighted to gather academicians, specialists, and assistants from various cities in Turkey at the 6th Black Sea Symposium on Dermatological Innovations. Our symposium not only provides significant contributions to our region but also offers free scholarships to specialists from the region, which makes us proud. This year, critical topics and significant innovations will be discussed. In addition to psoriasis, there have been important developments for other diseases as well. For example, new developments and treatments for vitiligo, known as ‘ala’ among the public, will also be discussed at this symposium.”

“There Have Been Major Developments in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Allergic Eczema”

Prof. Dr. Özden underscored significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment methods for skin and subcutaneous cancers, stating:
“I would like to remind psoriasis and allergic eczema patients once again this year that there have been major developments in their treatments. It is crucial for them to consult specialist centers.”

“A Black Spot at the Base of the Nail Could Be a Precursor to Skin Cancer”

Prof. Dr. Özden warned that a black spot at the base of the nail could be a precursor to skin cancer and, if left untreated, could quickly turn into a lethal tumor. She continued:
“One of the main topics of our symposium is the significant advancements in treating conditions known as boils or ‘dog's udder’ disease. Black lines or spots on the nails could indicate subcutaneous cancer. Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin, including under the nails. Therefore, a dermatologist with computer assistance should examine any mole on the body. A black spot at the base of the nail should be seriously examined with computer assistance as it could be a precursor to skin cancer. If caught early, skin cancer is a treatable disease with a 90% chance of recovery. The tumor causing this disease can be treated and cured if detected early. However, if left untreated, it can quickly become a severe and aggressive tumor, making early diagnosis extremely important.”

Physicians Shared Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment Methods

The symposium, attended by over 120 participants, featured presentations by 58 specialist physicians. Topics included nail biopsy techniques, flap techniques, hidradenitis suppurativa treatment, psoriasis and pediatric psoriasis treatment, androgenetic alopecia treatment, laser applications, non-cosmetic indications for botulinum toxin, biostimulant fillers, approaches to urticaria patients, the role of allergy testing, current developments in HPV vaccines, alternative treatments for nail diseases, acne-demodex-rosacea treatment and cosmetic care recommendations, lip filler application techniques, and non-surgical fat reduction techniques.