Dermatology

Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Founded within a public research university established in 1896, it operates as a tertiary academic department closely linked to major teaching hospitals, including Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. The department integrates specialist training, clinical service, and research in a high burden setting.

Research centers on inflammatory skin disease, particularly psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, with strong emphasis on cardiometabolic comorbidity, visceral adiposity, and systemic inflammation. Work also addresses infectious dermatology, including leprosy, mpox, HIV associated conditions, and complex co infections, reflecting regional health priorities.

Notable contributions include advancing understanding of psoriasis linked metabolic risk, guiding biologic therapy use in severe atopic dermatitis, and documenting patterns of neglected and emerging infections. The department demonstrates strength in translational research that informs clinical guidelines and public sector practice in Southern Africa.