The year 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our department. We have been making efforts not only to enhance the knowledge passed down to us from predecessors in our field, but also to develop completely novel and innovative diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies. Although we diagnose, treat, and study all skin diseases, our department has particular expertise in hydroa, leukoplakia, allergic disorders, malignant tumors, psoriasis, and alopecia.

On the research front, we have four broad divisions that are leading our research activities. Each division is addressing advanced issues in its relevant field and actively conducting studies to apply findings to future clinical practice. Specifically, we conduct studies on the following topics:

(1) the pathology of autoimmune blistering disease and development of therapeutic strategies,
(2) the pathology of albinism and leukoplakia and development of therapeutic strategies,
(3) the trichogenous mechanism and development of new depilation therapies and trichogenic agents, and
(4) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of infections.

We have also begun a study on involvement of the intrinsic neuroendocrine system in the pathology of intractable allergic disorders and psoriasis.

We are conducting the above-mentioned studies that are directly applicable to clinical practice not only to elucidate the pathology of intractable skin diseases, but also to develop new therapeutic strategies and diagnostic methods for these diseases based on results of the studies. Our aim is to contribute, however modestly, to diagnosis and treatment of patients through these studies.