Dr Willie Visser, a dermatologist at Stellenbosch University (SU), has been awarded the L'Oréal African Hair & Skin research grant for research on acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN). 

"African skin and hair diseases have been neglected for years and it is wonderful to have a special award in Africa to do research on this scarring disease that has a severe impact on the quality of life of people suffering from it," said Visser, who is the Head of the Division of Dermatology at SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).

AKN is a skin and hair condition that predominantly affects males with afro-textured hair and patients of African or mixed descent. It affects the nape of the neck and produces pustules and results in permanent hair loss and large areas of scarring. It may also affect areas beyond the nape of the neck.

Dr Altaaf Parker, a registrar at the FMHS and Tygerberg Hospital, is conducting the research project as part of his studies towards his MMed degree and Visser is his supervisor. They are investigating the earliest manifestations of the spread of this disease. The descriptive study's objective is to describe the dermatoscopic and histopathological features of sub-clinical or early AKN. 

"The award empowers us to purchase the necessary equipment to complete the study and publish it in a peer reviewed journal," Visser said.

For patients or men in the community who are concerned about this disorder, the study aims to empower dermatologists to identify early markers of disease. For patients who are already diagnosed with AKN and are in the care of a dermatologist, this study will aim to provide clinical tools to assess further spread of the disease. According to Visser treatment may be initiated sooner and the distress associated with this disorder may be significantly lessened if this disease is diagnosed early on. 

The grant supports a one-year research project in Sub-Saharan Africa and the winner receives an amount of 10 000 euros. The grant aims to promote clinical and basic research on ethnic skin and hair physiology conducted by African scientists in Africa.

Photo: Dr Willie Visser, the Head of Dermatology at Stellenbosch University, receives the cheque form Dr Michele Verschoore, the Medical Director, L'Oreal Research & Innovation and Prof Ncoza Dlova, from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.