Sign In
Medical University - Varna
Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov

За нас


​

ES Dermatovenereology

History and facts

Тhe Department of Dermatology and Venereology was established in 1962, based on the District Skin and Venereal Dispensary, located in the District Hospital - Varna, with its first head being Prof. Y. Grigorov.

From 1977 to 2002, the department grew and flourished under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Zlatko Penev, DSc, who created the Varna dermatological school (assistants, scientific collaborators, ordinators, and doctoral students), ensuring excellent training in dermatology for students and specializing physicians, as well as providing quality dermato-venerological care for patients in Varna and Northeastern Bulgaria.

Since 1979, a new six-story building, designed by Prof. Penev, has housed the department and clinic. This building includes organizational and functional infrastructure for both the clinic and department (male and female inpatient wards, outpatient sector with general offices, a dermatoallergology office with a laboratory, mycological office, sexually transmitted infections office, pediatric dermatology office, research and production laboratory, teaching sector). The first assistants at the department were Dr. Zl. Penev (appointed in 1962), Dr. Iv. Popov (1965), Dr. G. Karayachev, and Dr. T. Krasteva (1968). Later, Dr. Sh. Tomov, Dr. P. Drumeva, Dr. St. Racheva, and Dr. M. Slavova joined as assistants or scientific collaborators.

Between 1975 and 1984, three regular doctoral students (Dr. S. Racheva, Dr. S. Vasileva, Dr. S. Balev) and one self-preparing doctoral student (Dr. Sh. Tomov) successfully defended their dissertations at the department. In 1981, Dr. Popov became an associate professor and headed the affiliate department in Dobrich. In 1995, Dr. Stoyan Pavlov joined as an assistant, followed by Dr. Zh. Dimitrova, Dr. M. Gencheva, and Dr. S. Shtilionova after 2005.

In 2006, Dr. S. Shtilionova defended her dissertation on the topic of "Pseudolymphomas of the skin - clinical, histological and immunohistochemical aspects.

Four faculty members obtained the academic position of "associate professor": Dr. Sh. Tomov, MD (1985), Dr. K. Nikolov, MD (2004), Dr. St. Racheva, MD (2010), and Dr. S. Shtilionova, MD (2012).

Between 2001 and 2004, the department was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sh. Tomov; from 2004 to 2011, by Assoc. Prof. Dr. K. Nikolov; and from late 2011 until May 2015, by Assoc. Prof. Dr. St. Racheva. In 2011, the department and clinic relocated to the Infectious Diseases Clinic of UMHAT "St. Marina." New appointed assistants included Dr. Filka Georgieva in 2012 and Dr. Zhenya Stoyanova Borisova in 2015.

Since 2015, the department has been part of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, and Dermatovenerology, where it continues its scientific, educational, and medical activities. Since then, the head of the Educational sector "Dermatovenerology" is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stoyan Pavlov, MD. Under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Stefanka Racheva, MD, he defended his dissertation on "Vitamin D status and systemic inflammatory manifestations in patients with psoriasis vulgaris" in 2016 and acquired the academic position of "associate professor" in 2017.

Assoc. Prof. S. Racheva, MD, also supervised the dissertations of Dr. F. Georgieva, MD, on "Psycho-emotional aspects in patients with lichen simplex chronicus," defended in 2016, and Dr. Zhenya Dimitrova, MD, on "Pathogenetic factors and comorbidities in seborrheic dermatitis. The role of vitamin D," defended in 2017.

At the end of 2017, the clinical ward of Dermatology and Venereology and the Educational Sector were relocated to St. Marina University Hospital. The newly opened department and the teaching rooms and laboratories of the University Hospital are used for the training of students, postgraduate and doctoral students in the specialty of dermatology and venereology.

Prof. Dr. Sonya Kira Marinova, MD, habilitated at the department, leading the scientific supervision of doctoral theses by Dr. Yoanna Velevska on "Research on allergodermatoses in the Varna region," Dr. Tsveta Kalinova on "Studies on hаemostasis in erysipelas," and Dr. Kristina Semkova on "Hаemangiomas in infancy and childhood – epidemiological characteristics and therapeutic behavior," all defended in 2021. In 2017, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valentina Broshilova, MD, habilitated at the department, leading the lecture course in English language education and participating in the elective discipline "Tropical Medicine".

Under the scientific guidance of Prof. Dr. Ilko Bakardzhiev, MD, the following dissertations were defended: Dr. Katrin Krahtnova-Nasteva on "Low-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of acne and rosacea" (2017); Dr. Argir Argirov on "Differential diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in different age groups" (2017); Dr. Yulian Penev on "Possibilities for laser rejuvenation and beautification of facial skin" (2022); and Dr. Zhenya Stoyanova Borisova on "Clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic studies on common bacterial skin infections in children," defended in 2023.

In 2021, Dr. Filka Georgieva, MD, aqiured the academic position of "Associate Professor."

The educational sector in "Dermatovenerology" acquired new assistants: Dr. Yavor Penev and Dr. Pamela-Martina Hristova-Stoeva in 2022 and Dr. Maria Terziyska in 2024.

Currently, Dr. Yavor Penеv is working on his dissertation on "Laser therapy in senile-associated dermatoses" under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Pavlov, MD, while Dr. P. Hristova-Stoeva is researching the Clinical aspects of drug-induced dermatoses" under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. F. Georgieva, MD.

The department actively participates in numerous national and international scientific events, as well as the traditional scientific-practical conference - Spring Varna Dermatological Days.


Teaching activity


Teaching in the Educational Sector in the discipline Dermatology and Venereology is conducted in the following specialties:


MEDICINE (Bulgarian and English-thought education)

            A program has been prepared, including an annotation, a thematic plan of a lecture course, a thematic plan for practical exercises, an examination outline, recommended literature, and forms of training. The teaching includes 60 study hours of practical exercises, 30 hours – lectures divided into two semesters. Skin and its appendages in norm and pathology, methods of diagnosis of skin diseases, methods of treatment and prevention are studied. The course material is structured in four sections: general dermatology -  structure and functions of the skin, pathological processes in the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, and methods of examination; special dermatology – common skin diseases (bacterial, viral and mycotic infections, allergic and autoimmune diseases, connective tissue diseases, diseases of known and unspecified etiology); venereology – knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS - diagnosis, treatment and prevention; treatment in dermatology – systemic and topical treatment.

Recommended literature:

  1. Burg, G., Kutzner, H., Kempf, W., Feit, J. & Sangüeza, O. P. Atlas of Clinical Dermatopathology: Infectious and Parasitic Dermatoses. Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ, 2021.
  2. Rapini, R. P. Practical Dermatopathology. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2021.
  3. Lebwohl, M. G., Heymann, W. R., Coulson, I. H. & Murrell, D. F. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2022.
  4. Micheletti, R. G., James, W. D., Elston, D. M. & McMahon, P. J. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Atlas. Elsevier, St. Louis, 2023.
  5. Unger, R. & Shapiro, R. Hair Transplantation. Thieme, New York, 2023.
  6. Paller, A. & Mancini, A. Hurwitz. Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2022.
  7. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 6th ed., New York, Mac Graw Hill, 2003.
  8. Jain, S. Dermatology: Illustrated Study Guide and Comprehensive Board Review. Springer, Netherlands, 2017.
  9. Du Vivier, A. & McKee, P. H. Atlas of Clinical Dermatology. Elsevier, Edinburgh, 2013.

DENTAL MEDICINE (Bulgarian and English-thought education)

А program has been prepared, including an annotation, a thematic plan of a lecture course, a thematic plan for practical exercises, an examination outline, recommended literature, and forms of training. The teaching includes 60 study hours of practical exercises, 30 hours – lectures divided into two semesters. Skin and its appendages in norm and pathology, methods of diagnosis of skin diseases, methods of treatment and prevention are studied. The course material is structured in four sections: general dermatology -  structure and functions of the skin, pathological processes in the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, and methods of examination; special dermatology – common skin diseases (bacterial, viral and mycotic infections, allergic and autoimmune diseases, connective tissue diseases, diseases of known and unspecified etiology); venereology – knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS - diagnosis, treatment and prevention; treatment in dermatology – systemic and topical treatment. In the course of study, emphasis is placed on diseases affecting the oral mucosa.

Recommended literature:

  1. Burg, G., Kutzner, H., Kempf, W., Feit, J. & Sangüeza, O. P. Atlas of Clinical Dermatopathology: Infectious and Parasitic Dermatoses. Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ, 2021.
  2. Rapini, R. P. Practical Dermatopathology. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2021.
  3. Lebwohl, M. G., Heymann, W. R., Coulson, I. H. & Murrell, D. F. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2022.
  4. Micheletti, R. G., James, W. D., Elston, D. M. & McMahon, P. J. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin - Clinical Atlas. Elsevier, St. Louis, 2023.
  5. Unger, R. & Shapiro, R. Hair Transplantation. Thieme, New York, 2023.
  6. Paller, A. & Mancini, A. Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2022.
  7. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 6th ed., New York, Mac Graw Hill, 2003.
  8. Jain, S. Dermatology: Illustrated Study Guide and Comprehensive Board Review. Springer, Netherlands, 2017.
  9. Du Vivier, A. & McKee, P. H. Atlas of Clinical Dermatology. Elsevier, Edinburgh, 2013.

 

MIDWIFE (Bachelor's degree) and NURSE (Bachelor's degree)

Programmes have been prepared for both specialties, including an annotation and the required minimum theoretical and practical knowledge, a thematic outline of the lecture course, an examination outline, recommended literature, a title page, forms of training. The horarium is a total of 15 teaching hours (10 hours of lectures and 5 hours of practical exercises) during part of one semester (six weeks). Skin and its appendages in norm and pathology, methods of diagnosis of skin diseases, methods of treatment and prevention are studied. Knowledge is acquired of the structure of the skin, rash entities, causes and symptoms of skin diseases, principles of dermatological therapy, as well as knowledge of common skin diseases/pyodermias, dermatoviroses, dermatomycoses, allergodermatoses, diseases caused by physical factors, dermatosonoses, hair and nail diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.

Recommended literature:

  1. Balabanova, M. Balabana, M. B. et al. Dermatology and Venereology. Arso, Sofia, 2023.
  2. Penev, Z., H. Zlatkov, A. Durmishev, Dermatology and Venereology - a reference book, Med. And Phys. Sofia, 2001.
  3. Therapy of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, ed. Zlatkov, E. Petranov, Sofia, 2000
  4. Marina, S., Broshtilova-Nikolova, V. & Dimitrova-Mikhneva, J. Dermatology and Venereology: Textbook for medical, dental and pharmacy students. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2020.

 

DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY for GRADUATE STUDENTS (specialization) 

Training is four years. The curriculum (eight modules) is in accordance with the requirements for acquiring a specialty. Theoretical knowledge and practical skills on the structure and functions of normal skin with its appendages and mucous membranes, pathological processes in the skin layers, diagnosis of skin diseases, differential diagnosis, methods of treatment are acquired. Also - knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases - their epidemiology, clinical pictures, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, methods of examination, treatment and prevention. The modules of theoretical training on which colloquia are given are: general dermatology, dermatoses of known aetiology, dermatoses with general clinical and morphological symptomatology, dermatoses due to a disorder in the structure or function of the skin, topographical dermatology, infectious dermatoses, venereology. The specialist receives training in the sections of dermatohistology, allergodermatoses, cutaneous mycoses, venereology, pediatric dermatology, vascular dermatoses, dermatoncology, immunodermatology, and physiotherapy of skin diseases. Acquire certain surgical minimums in skin diseases, treatment by electrocoagulation and liquid nitrogen, chemodestruction, etc., acquire skills to interpret skin disease specific tests.

Recommended literature:

  1. Balabanova, M. Balabana, M. B. et al. Dermatology and Venereology. Arso, Sofia, 2023.
  2. Penev, Z., N., H. Zlatkov, A. Durmishev, Dermatology and Venereology - a reference book, Med. and Phys., Sofia, 2001
  3. Marina, S., Broshchilova-Nikolova, V. & Dimitrova-Mikhneva, J. Dermatology and Venereology. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2020.
  4. Pavlov, S. И. Pathogenesis of psoriatic disease. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2017.
  5. Georgieva, F. What we don't know about localized neurodermatitis. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2017.
  6. Therapy of skin and sexually transmitted diseases, ed. Zlatkov, E. Petranov, Sofia, 2000.
  7. Strashilov, S. А. Malignant melanoma of the skin - a modern, medical review of the problem. Medical University - Pleven, Pleven, 2022.
  8. Petrov, P. and Kurdova, R. Clinical parasitology and tropical medicine. East-West, Sofia, 2016.
  9. Burg, G, Kutzner, H, Kempf, W, Feit, J. & Sangüeza, O. P. Atlas of Clinical Dermatopathology: Infectious and Parasitic Dermatoses. Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ, 2021.
  10. Rapini, R. P. Practical Dermatopathology. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2021.
  11. Lebwohl, M. G., Heymann, W. R., Coulson, I. H. & Murrell, D. F. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2022.
  12. Micheletti, R. G., James, W. D., Elston, D. M. & McMahon, P. J. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Atlas. Elsevier, St. Louis, 2023.
  13. Unger, R. & Shapiro, R. Hair Transplantation. Thieme, New York, 2023.
  14. Paller, A. & Mancini, A. Hurwitz. Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2022.
  15. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 6th ed., New York. Mac Graw Hill, 2003 (2 vol.)
  16. Jain, S. Dermatology: Illustrated Study Guide and Comprehensive Board Review. Springer, Netherlands, 2017.
  17. Du Vivier, A. & McKee, P. H. Atlas of Clinical Dermatology. Elsevier, Edinburgh, 2013.

 

SPECIALISTS IN GENERAL MEDICINE - module "Skin diseases"

The prepared program includes an annotation, thematic plan of the seminar sessions, examination outline, recommended literature, forms of training. Horarium is 160 study hours (80 hours of seminars, 80 hours of practice). Knowledge is acquired about the most common skin diseases (dermatoviruses, dermatomycoses, pyodermias, allergodermatoses, autoimmune diseases, connective tissue diseases, skin tumours, psoriasis). The training is theoretical and practical, focusing on how the GP should deal with cases of skin disease.
Recommended literature:

  1. Balabanova, M. Balabana, M. B. et al. Dermatology and Venereology. Arso, Sofia, 2023.
  2. Penev, Z., H. Zlatkov, A. Durmishev, Dermatology and Venereology - a reference book, Med. and Phys., Sofia, 2001
  3. Marina, S., Broshchilova-Nikolova, V. & Dimitrova-Mikhneva, J. Dermatology and Venereology. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2020.
  4. Pavlov, S. И. Pathogenesis of psoriatic disease. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2017.
  5. Georgieva, F. What we don't know about localized neurodermatitis. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2017.
  6. Therapy of skin and sexually transmitted diseases, ed. Zlatkov, E. Petranov, Sofia, 2000.
  7. Strashilov, S. А. Malignant melanoma of the skin - a modern, medical review of the problem. Medical University - Pleven, Pleven, 2022.
  8. Petrov, P. and Kurdova, R. Clinical parasitology and tropical medicine. East-West, Sofia, 2016.
  9. Burg, G, Kutzner, H, Kempf, W, Feit, J. & Sangüeza, O. P. Atlas of Clinical Dermatopathology: Infectious and Parasitic Dermatoses. Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ, 2021.
  10. Rapini, R. P. Practical Dermatopathology. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2021.
  11. Lebwohl, M. G., Heymann, W. R., Coulson, I. H. & Murrell, D. F. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2022.
  12. Micheletti, R. G., James, W. D., Elston, D. M. & McMahon, P. J. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Atlas. Elsevier, St. Louis, 2023.
  13. Unger, R. & Shapiro, R. Hair Transplantation. Thieme, New York, 2023.
  14. Paller, A. & Mancini, A. Hurwitz. Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2022.
  15. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 6th ed., New York, Mac Graw Hill, 2003 (2 vol.)
  16. Jain, S. Dermatology: Illustrated Study Guide and Comprehensive Board Review. Springer, Netherlands, 2017.
  17. Du Vivier, A. & McKee, P. H. Atlas of Clinical Dermatology. Elsevier, Edinburgh, 2013.

Scientific ​research 

The main directions and priorities in the scientific activity of the members of the Dermatovenereology sector are:

- Studies on the level of vitamin D in some dermatoses- psoriasis vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis.

- Study of serum levels of effector cathelicidin LL-37 in psoriasis patients.

- Association of psoriasis with metabolic syndrome.

- Study of the influence of autonomic nervous system and skin barrier indices in patients with lichen simplex chronicus.

- Psycho-emotional aspects in patients with dermatoses

- Haemangiomas, pseudolymphomas and other skin tumours.

- Allergodermatoses, autoimmune, bullous and drug-induced dermatoses.

- Laser therapy in the treatment of acne, rosacea, senile dermatoses and for skin aesthetics.

- Rare dermatoses (case reports). 

As a result of the scientific research of the collaborators in the Dermatovenereology sector, over 250 publications in Bulgarian and foreign journals, a number of monographs and textbooks have been developed independently or in co-authorship. Defended are also 15 doctoral dissertations of doctoral students in full-time or independent studies. 

Among the current scientific publications of the members of the Dermatovenereology sector are the following articles, textbooks and monographs: 

  1. Pavlov, S. Pathogenesis of psoriatic disease. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2017.
  2. Georgieva, F. What we don't know about localized neurodermatitis. Medical University - Varna, Varna, 2017.
  3. Broshtilova V, Nikolov D, Georgieva F, Dimitrova J, Marina S. Life-threatening dermatoses in neonates and newborns. Scripta Scientifica Medica. 2018; 50 (2): 9-12
  4. Georgieva F. Facial dermatoses: The influence of expectation – quality of life before and after treatment. IJAR. 2018; 8 (4): 445-447.
  5. Marina S, Broshtilova V, Dimitrova Z,Georgieva F.Dermatology and Venerology:Handbook for Medical, Dental and Pharmacy students. Varna Medical Univeristy Press, 2018.
  6. Dimitrova-Mihneva J, Marina S. Pathogenetic factors of seborrheic dermatitis. Medical magazine. 2018;51: 44-48
  7. Pavlov S, Barzkova Z. Herpes iris erythema multiforme manifested after human herpes virus type 1 (HHV-1) labial infection. Scripta Scientifica Medica. 2019; 51(3); 32-36.
  8. Georgieva F, Nikolova P. Some Epidemiological Aspects of Sensitive Skin Syndrome In Female In Varna Region. British Journal of Medical & Health Sciences. 2019;1(1):18-21
  9. toyanova J, Bakardzhiev I. Importance of the skin and mucosal microbiome for childhood skin immunity. Pediatria. 2019; 2:53-58.
  10. Dimitrova-Mihneva Z. Severity of seborrheic dermatitis correlates to serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. International Journal of Current Advanced Research. 2019; 8(01); 17143-17144. DOI:10.24327/ojcar.2019.17144.3200
  11. Pavlov S. Porokeratosis palmaris, plantaris, et disseminata in а patient with vitiligo and rheumatoid arthritis. J of IMAB.2020;26(3):3285-3287.
  12. Marina S, Broshchilova V, Dimitrova J, Georgieva F, Kalinova C, Velevska J. Textbook for students of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Medical University- Varna.2020.
  13. Velevska-Vatova Y, Darlenski R, Kalinova Т, Yankova R, Marina S, Kazandjieva J. Allergic contact dermatitis in Bulgaria–comparisson between 1987 and 2017. Journal of IMAB–Annual Proceeding Scientific Papers. 2020;26(1):2966-9.
  14. Stoyanova J, Bakardzhiev I. Local therapy with fusidic acid in the treatment of bacterial skin infections in childhood. GP News. 2020; 11:17-19
  15. Georgieva F. The skin barrier in sensitive skin syndrome. Journal of IMAB - Annual Proceeding (Scientific Papers).2021;27(4):4120-4124.
  16. Georgieva F. The Skin Barrier in Patients with Lichen Simplex Chronicus in the conditions of A COVID-19 Pandemic. European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences. 2022; 4(3):109-111.
  17. Temelkova I, Milev J, Garkova J, Kalinova T, Dimitrova Z, Kazandjieva J, Marina S. Necrotising fasciitis:a clinical case and review of the literature. Serbian Journal of Dermatology and Venerology. 2021; 12(4):141-146.
  18. Georgieva F, Borisova Z. Bullous Pemphigoid triggered by sergery for hip replacement International Journal of Contemporary Research and Review.2022;13 (12):20241−20244.
  19. Kazandjieva J, Dimitrova J, Sankeva M, et al. Efficacy of a retinoid complex plus anti-inflamatory component cream alone or in combination with prebiotic food suplement in adult acne: a randomized assessor-blinded, parallel-group, multicenter trial on 184 women. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(11): 5716-5722.
  20. Georgieva F, Vankova D. Study on Quality of Life of Patients with Lichen Simplex Chronicus. New Horizons in Medicine and Medical Research.2023; 11: 8-13.
  21. Velevska Y, Stoyanova Zh, Georgieva F, Scabies surrepticus presenting as chronic urticaria - a case report and literally review of diagnosis method and treatment. International Journal of Health & Medical research. 2023; Vol 2: 269-272.
  22. Velevska-Vatova Y, Georgieva F. Allergic contact dermatitis with an unusual configuration after preoperative povidone-iodine disinfection. a clinical case. Journal of IMAB - Annual Proceeding (Scientific Papers). 2023; 29 (4):51-57.  DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2023294.5154                                                                                                              
  23. Georgieva F, Stoyanova Z. Severe Pancytopenia and Urticaria Vasculitis Induced By Secukinumab In Psoriatic Arthritis: A Case Report. International Journal of Health & Medical Research.2024; 3(7): 444-447.
  24. Stoeva PM, Georgieva F. Epidemiological profile of drug-induced dermatoses Proceedings of Knowledge, Science, Innovation, Technology Conference.2024:830-839 ISSN:2815-3480