Skin Diseases: Experts Facing Innovation 🔬

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Since October 1, 2024, Cameroon has jointly hosted the 5th Congress of the Francophone African Society of Dermatology (SODAF) and the 33rd Congress of the Association of Francophone Dermatologists (ADF), under the high patronage of the Ministry of Public Health. Dermatologists have gathered in Yaoundé to discuss the innovations technology offers in dermatological care, from digital detection of skin diseases to simulations and teledermatology.

Algorithms to detect skin diseases 🔍

According to specialists gathered in Yaoundé, the use of digital technologies in dermatology enables the detection of skin diseases, such as melanoma. Recently, a team of researchers made a notable impact through a publication in The Annal Of Oncology. They trained an algorithm to identify skin lesions by showing it a series of visuals representing both benign and more serious cases. Simultaneously, the researchers showed the same visuals to 58 doctors. The result was clear: the algorithm identified melanoma visuals with 95% accuracy, compared to 87% for the doctors.

A few dedicated digital tools 📱

Skinive : The app integrates AI technology and user-centered design. It offers a smartphone-based map of neoplasms (diseased cells that grow excessively), AI-assisted risk assessments, and remote consultations.

VisualDX : This app is known for its diagnostic prowess. It provides doctors with a database of medical images, serving as a valuable tool for accurate diagnostics, improving clinical decision-making, and enhancing the quality of care.

FirstDerm : This app allows users to manage their skin health. FirstDerm connects patients with dermatologists through uploaded images. It encourages proactive engagement, offering reliable advice on the next steps.

And What About the Dermatologist’s Role ?🤷🏾‍♂️

In this context, the question arises: Will digital tools replace dermatologists? If we accepted this hypothesis, it would reduce the dermatologist to a simple diagnostician.

This would also ignore the fact that the dermatologist’s role goes far beyond that: they provide personalized support to their patients, help them choose the most suitable treatment, ensure adherence to the protocol, and follow up. In short, their expertise allows them to provide patients with what machines cannot, » says Prof. Ludovic Martin, a professor of healthcare simulation.

A first in Cameroon🥳

Held every two years, these congresses bring together experts from several countries to exchange on advances in dermatology. Cameroon is hosting this event for the first time.

« This is a challenge we are rising to. Cameroon is now the stage for three events in one. We have the cream of dermatology experts, and we believe these days of sharing and exchange will allow us to gain diverse knowledge on technology and dermatology, » says Grâce Choaken, Deputy Secretary-General of the Cameroonian Society of Dermatology.

The central theme for the 2024 edition is « Dermatology: Challenges and Issues in the Face of Innovation. » Over four days, participants will explore how new technologies and methods are revolutionizing the treatment of skin diseases.

Have you ever used technology for your skin issues? Share your experience in the comments ! 😉