Kuching Borneo Dermatology Update 2026: Where Aesthetics Meets Dermatology
- tzyy huei LIm
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
From 31 July to 2 August 2026, dermatologists, doctors and allied health professionals from across Malaysia gathered at Imperial Hotel Kuching for the Kuching Borneo Dermatology Update (KBDU) 2026.
Guided by the theme “Where Aesthetics Meets Dermatology,” the three-day meeting brought together medical dermatology, paediatric dermatology, immunodermatology and aesthetic practice through a combination of scientific lectures, practical workshops and public education.
This year’s event welcomed 344 participants, comprising approximately 272 doctors and 72 allied health professionals, with the support of industry partners represented across 32 exhibition booths.
Learning Through Practical Workshops
KBDU 2026 began on 31 July with two pre-conference workshops designed to translate current knowledge into practical clinical skills.
The Skin Booster and Neurotoxin Workshop covered treatment mechanisms, patient selection, clinical indications, delivery techniques and best practices. Participants also gained practical exposure through live demonstrations and hands-on sessions.
Running alongside it was “Real-World Paediatric Dermatology: 20 Practical Cases That Change Practice.” Through interactive case discussions, participants explored common and challenging childhood skin conditions, including infections, birthmarks, inflammatory disorders, dermatological emergencies and unusual paediatric presentations.
A Broad and Clinically Relevant Scientific Programme
The main conference on 1 and 2 August featured a diverse programme spanning both medical and aesthetic dermatology. Topics included:
Fungal and common skin infections
Leprosy and sexually transmitted infections
Eczema and skin-barrier disorders
Nail diseases and nail psoriasis
Psoriasis, including difficult-to-treat areas
Hair loss and androgenetic alopecia
Cutaneous drug reactions
Cutaneous lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and morphea
Wound care
Acne, pigmentation and acne scarring
Facial anatomy, ageing and aesthetic procedures
Complications and ethical considerations in cosmetic dermatology
Throughout the conference, speakers combined current scientific evidence with practical approaches that doctors could apply in their everyday clinical practice.
My Contribution to KBDU 2026
It was an honour to serve as Vice Chairperson of KBDU 2026 and contribute to both its organisation and scientific programme.
I presented:
“Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Primary Care: From Pathophysiology to Practical Moisturization Strategies.”
During this session, I discussed how disruption of the skin barrier contributes to dryness, inflammation and common conditions such as eczema. I also shared practical strategies for selecting and using moisturisers to support skin-barrier repair and improve patient care.
I was also honoured to chair the Johnson & Johnson lunch symposium:
“Reset Expectations in Difficult Areas: How Guselkumab Is Changing the Management of Hard-to-Treat Psoriasis,”
presented by Dr Sean Yong Shin Shen. The session explored how advances in psoriasis treatment are helping clinicians achieve better outcomes in traditionally difficult-to-treat areas.
Bringing Acne Education to the Public
Another highlight of KBDU 2026 was the public forum:
“Understanding Acne Beyond Skin Deep.”
Together with Dr Teo Hock Gin, Dr Lee Sut Enn and Dr Ingrid Ting, we discussed acne from several important perspectives, including its causes, current treatment approaches, dietary and lifestyle misconceptions, and appropriate skincare.
In my session, “What Is Acne?”, I explained that acne is a genuine inflammatory skin condition and not simply the result of poor hygiene. With suitable treatment and consistent skincare, acne can be controlled while reducing the risk of persistent pigmentation and permanent scarring.
The public forum provided a valuable opportunity to make reliable dermatological information more accessible and to address common misconceptions surrounding acne.
Supporting a More Sustainable Conference
KBDU 2026 also introduced a sustainable hydration initiative to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles. Water dispensers and reusable glasses were made available, while delegates were encouraged to bring their own bottles or tumblers.
Although simple, this meaningful initiative demonstrated how medical conferences can support professional education while also promoting greater environmental responsibility.
More Than a Dermatology Update
KBDU 2026 was more than a scientific meeting. It was an opportunity to learn, exchange experiences, reconnect with colleagues and build new professional relationships.
My sincere appreciation goes to our chairperson, organising committee, speakers, participants, industry partners and exhibitors. Their dedication and support made this event possible.
For me, KBDU remains more than just a dermatology update—it is also a reunion of colleagues and friends who share the same commitment to advancing dermatological knowledge and patient care.
The knowledge and perspectives gained from KBDU 2026 will continue to enrich my practice as a dermatologist at Dr Lim Tzyy Huei Skin Specialist Clinic, Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, as I strive to provide informed and up-to-date dermatological care for my patients.
I look forward to the next opportunity to learn, share and reconnect.
