The 4th Russian Conference "Saint Petersburg Dermatological Readings" was held in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on October 21-22, 2010. The conference was dedicated to the 125-th anniversary of the Russian Syphilidologic and Dermatologic Society. The IV Readings’ agenda included 3 plenary and 9 breakout sessions, 6 symposiums, round tables and master classes.

Conference was opened by lecture of professor Alexei V. Samtsov, a chairman of the Saint Petersburg Society of Dermatovenerologists, who presented a review on the history of the dermatovenereological societies in Russia, with a special tribute to Veniamin M. Tarnovskiy (1837-1906).

Prof. Samtsov underscored the role of Russian physicians who were the first in Europe (1885) to found a scientific society of dermatovenereologists. The commemorative medal issued to the 125-th anniversary of the society was presented to the audience. Among breakout sessions, 5 were targeted at select topics in dermatology, 1 in venereology and 2 in aesthetic medicine. Acne, seborrheic dermatitis, herpes infections, skin regenerative processes, aging skin were the key topics of sessions and symposia. The conference welcomed participants from different regions of Russia, CIS and EU. The Readings were organized by the Saint Petersburg Society of Dermatovenerologists and the Non-governmental organization “People & Health”. The Hotel “Pribaltiyskaya” was a venue, where conference meetings and exhibit took place.