The Dermatology service was started in 1922 at Somerset Hospital by Dr Hugh Smith, a physician. The first Head of Dermatology was Dr Morees Bosman and in 1930 training for specialization through the University of Cape Town was established (Link to History of Dermatology at UCT). Dermatology has become an independent specialty with its own College within the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. It has grown into a vibrant unit offering multiple tertiary services and outreach opportunities, teaching for undergraduates and post graduates. The unit offers clinical management in diseases such as eczema (atopic and contact), serious drug reactions, occupational health, hair disorders, melanoma, vitiligo, infectious and connective tissue diseases especially as they relate to Southern Africa.
The Hair and Skin Research Laboratory (HSR) Lab was launched on the 29th May 2015 by the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH). The HSR Lab, was established with support from the National Skills Fund (NSF) and a funding boost from the Services Sector Education Training Authority (SETA). It is a dedicated hair testing and skin toxicology facility housed on the top floor of the Old Main Building (the first human heart transplant is on the ground floor) at Groote Schuur Hospital.
The pre-launch meeting was followed by formal launch of the HSR Lab.
Dermatology at UCT in the News
- Illegal Ingredients in Skin Lightening Creams
http://www.health.uct.ac.za/news/dangerous-skin-lightening-products-sale-our-streets
http://www.camcheck.co.za/illegal-skin-lighteners-on-sale/
- Launch: Hair & Skin Research Lab
http://www.cosmeticweb.co.za/pebble.asp?relid=41389&sec=bus
https://globalcosmeticsnews.com/africa-middle-east/1393/cosmetics-testing-laboratory-funded-by-us-2-8m-government-grant-opens-in-cape-town
- High Concentrations of Formaldehyde in Hair Straightening Products (Brazilian Keratin Treatments)
http://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/hair-products-contain-dangerous-amounts-of-formaldehyde/
http://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/style/beauty/toxic-hair-scare-name-and-shame-call-1.1679259
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Dermatology and Toxicology
http://www.uct.ac.za/dailynews/?id=9334
http://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/research-chairs-awarded-to-uct-five-1.1909798#.Ve67O5drfvY