Abstract:
Pigmentary conditions are a mental bane to the afflicted, more so among dark skinned persons. Determinants of the anguish are cosmetic aspects entangled with perception, misunderstanding, interpretation, social and communal attitudes. These govern the choice of treatment for the condition leading to disastrous results Cosmetic concerns are over shadowed by beliefs, taboo and unnatural, absurd causes spread by unscrupulous groups. In some African communities. Albinism, is in the forefront of heinous acts, atrocities committed by criminals on unfortunate sufferers. The perpetrators of these attacks consider body parts of the afflicted persons objects of wealth, good luck charms and cure of terminal disease. Their organs are traded with following attacks and murders. Other entities such as, Vitiligo, Postinflammatory hyper and hypopigmentation are subjected to diverse theories and explanations of their cause to the detriment of those affected. My presentation deals with several conditions, where proper guidance and management is marred by external and confusing interference.
Biography:
Melanie Miyanji de Souza is a Kenyan, born in Mombasa, Kenya, a Dermatologist/Venereologist by Profession. She did her schooling in Mombasa. She studied her basic Medical degree at the University of Navarra, Pamplona Spain (on a scholarship). She completed post graduate studies (dermatology/ venereology) in Kenya and University of Vienna, Austria and also did other courses, locally and overseas, including Occupational Dermatology in Finland. This area of skin care is of special interest to her. As advice on preventive measures will go a long way in protecting workers. She worked several years for the Kenya government, ministry of Health in several areas of the country. As a specialist, She worked at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, our University hospital, doing clinical work, lecturing at the university, and involved in clinical research. Currently she is in her practice, attached to private hospitals, with a part-time arrangement with the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. She has special interests in preventive Dermatology.. ,through public education, information seminars, the media etc. Her personal campaign is against the absurd concept of “SKIN BLEACHING” in Africa, educating people on the adverse effects of products and methods. She is interested in wiping out certain myths, taboo, beliefs and misconceptions of certain conditions, like Albinism. Such false beliefs interfere with normal life, medical attention of affected persons and expose them to dangerous attacks.
