The History of Dermatology in Cyprus begins at the dawn of the century.

The first Dermatologists to practice in the island were:

Dr Demetris A. Demetriou from Nicosia, specialized in Paris, who came back to Cyprus in 1924 and practiced until 1974 when he passed away and Dr Costas El. Demetriou who also passed away in 2001.Before their era Dermatology in Cyprus was practiced by General practitioners working in the public and private sector.
Cyprus Society of Dermatology and Venereology (CSDV) was founded in 1983 by a group of Dermatologists who decided that it was the time to group and promote their objectives.
Doctors present at the meeting were: Dr Costas El. Demetriou, Dr Constantinos Dem. Demetriou, Dr John Kaimis, Dr Zacharias Zacharoudes, and Dr George Kessaris all from Nicosia, Dr Andreas Pallouras from Larnaka, Dr Prodromos Mamillos and Dr Michalis Korais from Limassol.

Dr Costas El. Demetriou (senior) was elected as the first President of the new Society (1983) and remained in office until 1991. During his office CSDV became a member of the ILDS.

Next Presidents of CSDV were:

• Dr Prodromos Mamillos (1991)
• Dr Yiannis Koulountis (1991-1993)
• Dr Andreas Pallouras (1993-1996)
• Dr Constantinos Dem. Demetriou (1996-2008)
• Dr George Ketonis (2008-2010)

Cyprus is populated by 850.000 Greek Cypriots and 150.000 Turkish Cypriots.

CSDV has 74 Greek Cypriot members, 10 working in the public sector and the rest in the private sector. 12 Turkish Cypriot Dermatologists are working in the North part of the island since 1974 when Turkey invaded Cyprus, an independent country UN and EU Member state. At that time the Greek Cypriot majority of the population was displaced from the North part of the island and an unrecognized regime was ultimately established in the North recognized only by Turkey. Since then relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriot Dermatologists are kept at a minimum level.

There is no University in the island and Dermatologists get their education in Europe.
Dermatological Departments function in the four main towns, Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaka and Paphos and the population has access for free or on payment according to their income.

CSDV is governed by a Board which has 7 members. The Board is elected every 2 years by the General Assembly which then meets and elects the President, the General Secretary and the Treasurer. Officials remain in office for 2 years.

CSVD is a member of EADV represented in the Board.

CSVD acts in cooperation with the Ministry of Health in matters concerning public health and Education. Melanoma Monday is organized simultaneously with all European countries, a day dedicated to free screening for skin cancer among the population.

CSDV also launches campaigns for venereal diseases dedicated to education of the public.
CSDV remains in close contact with the Greek Society of Dermatology and Venereology and a Cypro- Hellenic Congress is organized every 2-3 years.

CSDV promotes education among its members. Every 1-2 months scientific meetings take place and difficult and rare cases are discussed and lectures given.

The meetings are of CME value and also promote social relationship among Dermatologists.

Author for the History of Cyprus Society of Dermatology: Dr Constantinos Dem. Demetriou, Themistokli Dervi 22, Nicosia 1066, Tel: 00357 99653799, Fax: 00357 22673130