ICDS 2026: Global Experts Converge at the 5th International Conference on Dermal Sciences to Redefine Wound Management and Skin Repair

The 5th International Conference on Dermal Sciences (ICDS 2026) commenced with a powerful call to innovation under the visionary theme “Skin Care and Wound Management.” Organized by the Department of Dermal Sciences in collaboration with the Skin Care Society, this landmark event has convened a global gathering of over 50 distinguished clinicians, researchers, and academicians. Representing a powerhouse of expertise from the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Palestine, and China, these thought leaders are set to redefine the frontiers of regenerative medicine and dermal sciences, sharing transformative insights that promise to reshape the future of global wound care.

Inaugural Session: Setting the Scientific Agenda

The formal inaugural session included a welcome address by Prof Dr Tanzeela Khalid, Dean, Clinical Research, TUF, and Chairperson ICDS 2026, followed by remarks from the Guest of Honour, Prof Dr Nabila Talat, Dean Faculty of Surgery at Children Hospital Lahore, who addressed the participants and contributed academically through her keynote lecture titled “Where the pathways turn different: Surgical management of wounds in children.” Her talk emphasized the complexity of pediatric wound care and the need for specialized surgical expertise and individualized treatment approaches.

Guest of Honor Prof Dr Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, a distinguished expert in General and Laparoscopic Surgery and Dean of Lahore Medical & Dental College, and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the Cancer Care Hospital & Research Center, delivered an insightful session on the transformative potential of Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine.

He highlighted the complex, "battlefield" nature of wound healing, emphasizing that it is a highly regulated process involving inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. He pointed out that disruptions in cellular signals—whether biological, mechanical, or systemic—can lead to chronic, non-healing wounds.

Senior leadership from TUF, including Prof Dr Aman Ullah Malik, Rector, Dr Zahida Maqbool, Registrar, Prof Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir, Director ORIC, and Prof Dr Akram Malik, Principal, UMDC, along with other Heads of Departments from the Faculty of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, participated in large numbers, with an overwhelming presence of students.

Keynote Scientific Session: Advancing Clinical Frontiers

The first scientific session featured a series of keynote talks focusing on cutting-edge clinical practices in wound management and dermal care:

• Dr Ali Mujtaba, Cosmetic Surgeon, MS Burn & Reconstructive Surgery, MTH, Faisalabad, discussed advanced management of chemical (acid) burns, highlighting modern emergency and reconstructive strategies.
• Dr Muhammad Saaiq, Plastic Surgeon, Hand Surgeon, MBBS, FCPS (Surgery), FCPS (Plastic Surgery), MHPE, presented a comparative analysis on early versus delayed excision and grafting, emphasizing improved patient outcomes with timely intervention.
• Prof Dr Mahmood Shaukat, Pediatric Surgeon, Principal, Allama Iqbal Medical College and Vice Chancellor, The University of Health Sciences, Lahore , explored the role of mesenchymal stem cells in complex wound care, focusing on paracrine signaling and tissue regeneration.
• Dr Saurini Bahrun, Senior Lecturer Megarezky University, Indonesia , shared insights on ginger-based herbal therapy for postpartum perineal wound care, based on community health research from Indonesia.
• Dr Tauqeer Ahmad Malik, Consultant Diabetic Foot, Wound Care Surgeon, Islamabad , elaborated on unconventional approaches to healing acute and chronic wounds.
• Dr Aisha Wajahat, Specialist Podiatrist / Senior Lecturer / Head of Department at Shifa Tameer-e-Milat University, ICPM & Firefly International , highlighted the biological role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in enhancing angiogenesis and wound repair.
• Prof Dr Saira Saleem, Head, Department of Breast Surgery, MTH Faisalabad discussed advances in scar prevention and cosmetic restoration through improved surgical planning.
• Dr Bilal Hussain Paracha, Assistant Professor, Emergency and Family Medicine, Dallas, Texas , presented a humanitarian perspective in “The Resilience of Gazan Health Care Heroes.”
• Mr Usman Ahmad, from Rescue 1122 team, concluded the session with a practical talk on first aid response in burn and wound emergencies.

Scientific Session 2: Pharmacological Frontiers in Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration

This session focused on emerging pharmacological and technological innovations in wound healing and tissue regeneration:

• Dr Siti Efliza Ashari, Associate Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Researcher Chemistry Lecturer Entrepreneur, Research and Development Director, presented nanotechnology-driven wound healing using kratom.
• Prof Dr M Ashfaq, Dean, NBS, TUF, discussed the socio-economic impact of agrochemical exposure on skin health.
• Prof Dr Atif Raza, Head, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Punjab, highlighted regulatory concerns regarding safety of cosmetic materials.
• Dr Ikram Ullah Khan, Head, Department of Pharmaceutics, GCUF, reviewed current trends and innovative technologies in cutaneous wound management.
• Dr Syed Haroon, Associate Professor, GCUF, introduced a curcumin-based nano-emulsion for improved topical drug delivery.
• Dr Sadia Rafique, Coordinator, Pharmacy Department, TUF, discussed herbal nano-gels for wound healing applications.
• Dr Nyla Ejaz, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, TUF, explored the digital transformation of wound care in “From Bandages to Bytes.”
• Dr Ghulam Abbas, Assistant Professor at Government College University Faisalabad, presented research on cubosomes for topical delivery of cosmeceuticals.
• Dr Sana Javed, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Department, TUF, discussed immunomodulatory approaches in wound healing.
• Dr Sana Shahzad, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Department, TUF, highlighted alpha-mangostin hydrogel films for accelerated wound closure.
• Dr Faisal Usman, Assistant Professor, BZU, Bahawalpur, presented on silver sulphadiazine-loaded hydrogel films.
• Dr Amna Habib, HOD, Madinah College of Pharmacy, TUF, concluded with findings on p-coumaric acid nanoparticles and their wound healing efficacy.

Day 2 Scientific Session: Advances in Regenerative Medicine

The 2nd Day of the conference commenced with Scientific Session on “Recent Advances in Regenerative Medicine”, chaired by Prof Dr Azam Bokhari, Professor & Head, Department of Dermatology, Shalimar Hospital, Lahore, who joined virtually, and co-chaired by Prof Dr Shirza Nadeem, Vice Principal, UMDC. The Guest of Honour, Prof Dr Shahid Sheikh, Head, Department of Dermatology, Faisalabad Medical University, delivered key insights on “Regenerative medicine and its role in wound healing outcomes,” setting the tone for the session.

Key Presentations:

• Ms Kinza Arif (Demonstrator, Department of Dermal Sciences, TUF) Presented a critical evidence-based review on the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), focusing on its effectiveness in promoting granulation in complex wounds with exposed bone and tendon.
• Dr Hamza Rana (Medical Officer, Shifa International Hospital) Discussed the socioeconomic burden and quality of life implications of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), emphasizing the long-term patient care challenges associated with this rare condition.
• Dr Muhammad Saleem Ghauri (Chief Consultant Dermatologist, Social Security Hospital, Faisalabad) Highlighted the evolution of wound management practices and recent clinical innovations, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes through modern therapeutic approaches.
• Prof Dr Aneela Asghar Explored the clinical applications of ozone therapy in wound management, addressing its proposed mechanisms and emerging role in regenerative treatment strategies.
• Prof Dr Zahid Mehmood Nagra (Head, Department of Plastic Surgery, Madina Teaching Hospital) Addressed the complexities in burn wound management, outlining current challenges along with evolving surgical and reconstructive solutions.

Scientific Session: Multidisciplinary & Integrated Approaches to Wound Healing

The Scientific Session on Multidisciplinary and Integrated Approaches to Wound Healing brought together experts from diverse medical and allied health disciplines to highlight the importance of coordinated, patient-centered care models in improving clinical outcomes. The session was chaired by Prof Dr Mussarat-ul-Hasnain (Professor of Medical Education, Rai Medical College, Sargodha) and co-chaired by Prof Dr Ahmed Hassan (Head of Surgery, Sargodha Medical University and Director of Medical Education). The discussion emphasized collaborative healthcare frameworks and the need for integrated treatment strategies in modern wound management.

Key Presentations:

• Ms Sana Liaqat (Principal of Nursing, Madina Teaching Hospital) Presented on the association between nursing practices and surgical site infection rates at a tertiary care hospital in Faisalabad, underscoring the essential role of nursing care in infection prevention and control.
• Dr Sumera Badar (Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Education, Faisalabad Medical University) Discussed “Synergy in Care: Unlocking the Power of Integrated Health Professional Teams,” highlighting the importance of interprofessional collaboration in delivering effective patient care.
• Dr Noor I. Kiran (Head of Department, ABWA Medical College, Faisalabad) Presented “Augmenting Clinical Reasoning in Wound Care: A Gamified and AI-Supported Pilot Intervention,” showcasing the integration of artificial intelligence and gamification in enhancing clinical learning and decision-making.
• Prof Dr Mussarat-ul-Hasnain (Professor of Medical Education, Rai Medical College, Sargodha) Elaborated on the multidisciplinary integrated approach in wound healing and its significance in healthcare delivery, reinforcing the value of holistic and coordinated treatment frameworks.

Panel Discussion: Interprofessional Education in Wound Care

The 2nd day of ICDS-2026 further progressed with a highly engaging Panel Discussion on “Interprofessional Education in Wound Care: Gaps in Curriculum,” moderated by Dr Komal Atta, Director of Medical Education, UMDC Faisalabad. Building on the preceding Scientific Session on Multidisciplinary and Integrated Approaches to Wound Healing, the panel brought together distinguished experts including Prof Dr Mussarat-ul-Hasnain (Professor of Medical Education, Rai Medical College, Sargodha), Prof Dr Ahmed Hassan (Head of Surgery, Sargodha Medical University & Director of Medical Education), Ms Sana Liaqat (Principal of Nursing, Madina Teaching Hospital), Dr Sumera Badar (Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Education, Faisalabad Medical University), Dr Noor I. Kiran (Head of Department, ABWA Medical College, Faisalabad), Ms Kinza Arif (Demonstrator, Department of Dermal Sciences, TUF, and Dr Hamza Rana (Medical Officer, Shifa International Hospital).

Panelists emphasized the need for curriculum reform that integrates interdisciplinary training, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are equipped with collaborative competencies essential for effective wound care. The discussion highlighted the importance of bridging theory-practice gaps, incorporating simulation-based learning, and fostering interprofessional coordination to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery systems.

Interdisciplinary Session: Psychological & Cultural Dimensions of Wound and Scars

The conference also featured a distinctive interdisciplinary session titled “Psychological, Cultural, and Narrative Dimensions of Wound and Scar,” bringing together scholars from English Language & Literature ,and humanities disciplines to explore the metaphorical, psychological, and socio-cultural interpretations of wounds and scars in literature and media. The session was chaired by Dr Muhammad Asif (Associate Professor, GC University Faisalabad) and co-chaired by Dr Asim Aqeel (Associate Professor, University of Agriculture Faisalabad). The presentations by students offered a rich, cross-disciplinary perspective on trauma, identity, and representation.

• Ms Rimal Fatima Examined digital shaming and psychological wounds through the lens of trauma theory in contemporary media.
• Ms Fatima Faisal Analyzed the linguistic scars of patriarchal trauma in Pakistani drama, highlighting the intersection of language and gendered experiences.
• Ms Alishba Minhas Discussed colorism and neuro-linguistic programming, focusing on how societal biases shape identity and perception.
• Ms Zubia Amir Reflected on trauma and narrative identity in A Little Life, exploring the psychological depth of literary characters.
• Mr Zeeshan Ahmed Critically examined circumcision practices through documentary narratives, offering a nuanced cultural and ethical perspective.
• Ms Yumna Iqbal & Mr Irzam Shahzad Explored postcolonial trauma and identity in The English Patient, addressing themes of displacement and memory.
• Ms Munaza Mazhar & Ms Syeda Maleeha Hashmi Revisited Frankenstein through the lens of identity, rejection, and the pursuit of perfection, connecting classic literature with contemporary concerns.
• Ms Rikza Huda, Ms Laiba Farooq & Ms Rabia Ashraf Examined the cultural politics of scarring, race, and gendered trauma, highlighting intersections of identity and social constructs.
• Ms Moazzama Masood Presented an innovative perspective by framing skin repair as an archive in popular literature, linking physical healing with narrative memory.
• Ms Fatima Zulfiqar & Ms Sundas Fatima Expanded on the semiotics of skin, identity, and societal perceptions, offering insights into symbolic representations in cultural discourse.

Young Researchers Session

Complementing this session, the Young Researchers Session showcased emerging talent in dermal sciences and clinical research, chaired by Dr Noor I. Kiran, Head of Department, ABWA Medical College Faisalabad, and co-chaired by Dr. Komal Atta. Young presenters contributed valuable clinical and research-based insights, including Ms Momina Saher’s case report on traumatic limb injury healing, Ms Ghazala Tariq’s comparative study on moisture-retentive wound care, and Ms Sahar Fatima’s exploration of public preferences in aesthetic procedures.

Innovative approaches were further highlighted by Ms Dua Asim, who presented on fish-derived collagen dressings, while Ms Ayesha Imran addressed challenges in managing Epidermolysis Bullosa in infants. Ms Hafsa Tariq concluded the session with an important perspective on wound assessment challenges in patients with darker skin tones, emphasizing inclusivity in clinical practice.

Poster Presentation Competition & Conclusion

The conference concluded with an engaging Poster Presentation Competition, showcasing a diverse range of research contributions from both medical and humanities disciplines. Participants presented insightful studies on clinical practices, public health awareness, and the socio-cultural dimensions of wounds and scars, reflecting the interdisciplinary spirit of ICDS 2026. From the Department of English Language and Literature, Ms Aiza Ali secured the 1st position for her outstanding scholarly contribution, while the 2nd position was jointly awarded to Ms Areej Abid and Mr M. Aman (MPhil English Literature) for their compelling and critically enriched presentations. The 3rd position was shared by Ms Noor Fatima (Department of English Language and Literature) and an MBBS team presentation led by Ms Zainab Attiq (3rd Year MBBS), with Ms Sahar Zafar (1st Year MBBS) as co-presenter. Their work was particularly appreciated for its clinical relevance and research depth.

The poster session not only celebrated academic excellence but also highlighted the value of cross-disciplinary inquiry, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to integrating scientific innovation with humanistic perspectives in advancing wound management and skin repair.

The ICDS 2026 successfully reinforced a collaborative healthcare model, proving that the future of skin repair lies at the intersection of innovation, integration, and empathy.