Welcome to the Division of Dermatology

A message from our Head of Department

Welcome to the Division of Dermatology at the University of Cape Town. It is my privilege to lead a team of dedicated professionals who share an unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, pioneering research, and innovative education.

Our division stands as a beacon of dermatological expertise, not only serving the diverse communities of the Western Cape but also contributing to global advances in skin and hair health. Every day, our consultants, registrars, researchers, and support staff work with passion and precision to ensure that each patient receives the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge through groundbreaking research. As we look to the future, we remain committed to our founding principles: delivering exceptional clinical care, training the next generation of dermatological leaders, and conducting research that transforms lives. Thank you for visiting our website, and we invite you to learn more about how we continue to lead the way in dermatological excellence.

Associate Professor Rannakoe Lehloenya
Head: Division of Dermatology

Our Vision

We aspire to be a world-class Dermatology Division delivering consistent, high-quality care and services to all patients. Through our unwavering commitment to professionalism and compassion, we ensure optimal outcomes for every skin and hair health need.

Our Goal

We strive for recognition as a leader in three core areas: exceptional patient care, innovative research excellence, and distinguished medical education.

History of Dermatology

The Dermatology service was established 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.