Dr. Kayitesi Kayitenkore’s journey began in an academic setting far from Kigali. Like many Rwandans whose families lived in exile during the post-independence era, she was born in Kinshasa, in what was then Zaire – now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), into a family deeply rooted in education. Her father, an economics professor who later became CEO of a cement factory, created a home where intellectual curiosity shaped everyday life. As the eldest among eight children, she grew up in an environment where books, debates and learning were woven into daily routines. “We lived on a university campus, and that meant that everything around us revolved around school, discussions and ideas,” she recalls. “So, from a very early age, I always dreamed of doing something meaningful that would touch people’s lives.” Early ambitions and dreams From a young age, her ambitions were clear. She wanted to be a doctor, a dream influenced by her father’s own desire to pursue medicine and by the family’s close ties with physicians. Healing and service appealed to her, even though, like many medical students, she did not immediately know which specialty she would eventually choose. “The idea of working in a hospital always felt natural to me,” Dr. Kayitesi says. “But I did not know what kind of doctor I would become until I gained more exposure.” ALSO READ: Skin care: It pays to mind what you use on your face That clarity arrived during an internship in Belgium at St. Pierre Hospital. A three-month rotation in dermatology changed the path of her career entirely. “That’s when I knew dermatology was exactly what I wanted to do,” she says. “I realised the skin is incredibly complex, and it reveals so much about someone’s internal health, emotional state and identity. It is like a mirror that reflects the whole person.” Building dermatology in Rwanda When she returned to Rwanda, Dr. Kayitesi entered a landscape where dermatology was still largely misunderstood. In 1999, when she started the dermatology department at King Faisal Hospital, the field was small and unfamiliar to the general public. “Many people didn’t even know what a dermatologist was at the time, so they were unsure why they should come to us,” Dr. Kayitesi explains. “Sometimes they believed skin issues were simple or only cosmetic, but many are actually connected to internal health conditions that require proper diagnosis.” At that time, there were only two other dermatologists in the entire country, one based in Kigali at CHUK and another at CHUB, in Butare (Huye District, Southern Province). With so few specialists, the field was still in its infancy. Many patients turned to traditional healers for skin conditions, often unaware that these issues were medical in nature and could be effectively treated. Dr. Kayitesi, arriving as one of the earliest specialists, helped build the foundation by establishing systems, guiding medical staff and steadily increasing public understanding of skin health. “Those early years were challenging but exciting,” she says. “We were defining the field from scratch and showing people that dermatology was a real and necessary part of healthcare.” Today, she leads the Kigali Dermatology Centre, established in 2011 and registered with the Ministry of Health. ALSO READ: What you should know about eczema The clinic provides a broad range of services including paediatric dermatology, surgical procedures, allergology and phototherapy. It also aims to become a regional reference hub for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research. “We wanted a centre that could respond to Rwanda’s needs but also meet international standards,” she says. “Dermatology is not just about treating rashes. It involves science, technology and a lot of investigative work.” Under her leadership, and with increased public awareness, dermatology has grown considerably. Rwanda now has around 14 resident dermatologists. She describes this growth as encouraging, although still inadequate for a population of Rwanda’s size. Rural areas remain underserved, which is why she and her colleagues are working closely with the Ministry of Health with the hope of developing tele-dermatology services that can extend specialised care to remote communities. “Telemedicine would allow us to guide health centres in places where dermatologists are not available,” she says. “It has already improved patient outcomes, but we still have a long way to go to make it widespread.” Skin conditions in focus: What Rwandans face As a senior dermatologist, Dr. Kayitesi has witnessed the breadth of Rwanda’s skin-related health challenges. According to the Health Management Information System (HMIS), skin issues are the second most common reason Rwandans seek medical care. “Skin diseases are extremely common, and people often underestimate how much they affect quality of life,” she says. “In many cases, the discomfort, the stigma or the chronic nature of the condition can disrupt everything from sleep to mental health.” ALSO READ: Skin bleaching: Why it is harmful to your health In urban centres, she frequently sees eczema and acne, describing them as “spot diagnoses,” meaning they can often be recognised on sight. These conditions are influenced by genetics, stress, pollution, diet and hormonal changes. But from rural communities, she encounters far more infections: fungal conditions, bacterial diseases and even skin tumours that require more extensive investigations. Some patients need biopsies, lab tests or deep medical histories, diagnostic tools not always readily available outside major hospitals. Lifestyle and environmental factors also play a significant role in many skin problems. Dr. Kayitesi emphasises the importance of proper hygiene, noting that fungi, bacterial and viral infections thrive in conditions where moisture, poor ventilation, and prolonged exposure to irritants are present. She recalls treating parasitic infestations in cases where simple household practices could have prevented harm. One incident that stayed with her involved a young girl who unknowingly carried fly eggs in her clothing, which later hatched under her skin because the clothes had not been properly ironed. “Small practices, like drying clothes thoroughly or ironing them, can make a huge difference,” she says. “These are things we use to teach during community outreach.” Misconceptions are also widespread. “Some people believe drinking a lot of milk will cause certain skin conditions,” she explains. “In reality, when infants develop papular urticaria milk it is often related to insect hypersensitivity or environmental triggers, not the milk itself,” the senior dermatologist says, dispelling myths is crucial because misunderstandings delay treatment and lead patients toward unsafe remedies. Dr. Kayitesi sees strong connections between internal health and the skin, especially in cases triggered by emotional stress. “Skin can reflect deeper internal issues like anxiety, grief or trauma,” she says. ALSO READ: Vitiligo: A skin condition you shouldn’t ignore “For example, I have treated patients with sudden hair loss because of emotional shocks. One woman developed alopecia during a divorce, and we often see children whose skin reacts after separation or loss in the family.” To her, dermatology often intersects with psychiatry, and she believes Rwanda should integrate psycho-dermatology into mainstream practice. The bleaching problem: A battle of beauty and health One of the most persistent challenges she confronts is the widespread use of skin-bleaching products. Despite government bans on hydroquinone and other harmful chemicals, banned creams continue to circulate, particularly in informal markets. Many contain corticosteroids, which cause severe long-term damage. Dr. Kayitesi attributes part of the problem to deeply rooted colourism. “Many in our society still think lighter skin is more beautiful, and that belief is very difficult to change,” she says. “People absorb these ideas from media, advertising and even peer pressure. So, when someone uses a dangerous cream, it’s not always vanity. Sometimes it is a deeper struggle with self-esteem.” She believes that sensitisation campaigns alone may not be enough. Instead, she argues for early childhood education on beauty, identity and self-worth. “Children need to grow up understanding that beauty isn’t defined by complexion,” she says. “If we wait until adulthood, we are already too late because the mindset is already formed.” Her message to the public remains firm: avoid unknown creams, read labels carefully and take responsibility for what you put on your skin. She has treated patients with thinning skin, irreversible scarring and burns caused by steroid-laden lotions. In the most serious cases, bleaching products weaken blood vessels, increase infection risk and cause permanent changes in skin texture. “The damage can be lifelong, and some effects cannot be reversed,” she warns. “We need people to understand that fairness is not worth losing your health.” Dispelling myths and promoting healthy skin Dr. Kayitesi often confronts misleading claims, ranging from home remedies with unknown risks to the belief that expensive creams guarantee better results. Many Rwandans rely on hearsay or unregulated imported products that promise instant beauty but instead worsen existing conditions. “People trust word of mouth more than they trust doctors sometimes,” she says. “But skin is delicate, and wrong treatment can make a simple condition very complicated.” ALSO READ: Dr. Uwajeni Amani: Bridging Dermatology gap and inspiring future specialists in Rwanda Her advice to young people, especially girls, focuses on self-acceptance and informed care. “Beauty is not about being light-skinned, and your skin tone does not define your value,” she says. “You can have healthy, glowing skin at any complexion. What matters is caring for it properly, not trying to alter it out of pressure from society.” Dr. Kayitesi encourages early consultation with dermatologists instead of relying on untested mixtures bought from markets. She stresses that treatment must be science-based because proper diagnosis is essential. Some conditions look similar but require very different management. “If you misdiagnose yourself, you can unintentionally harm your skin,” she says. “Seeing a specialist early saves time, money and emotional stress.” Making dermatology accessible in Rwanda Dermatology is sometimes perceived as a luxury in Rwanda, but Dr. Kayitesi insists it is more accessible than many believe. Through the national referral system, patients with both private insurance and Community-Based Health Insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) can receive dermatological care at referral hospitals. “Mutuelle covers more dermatology services than people realise,” she explains. “So, affordability should not discourage people from seeking help.” Although distance remains a barrier for rural populations, she remains hopeful. Telemedicine is expanding, and more young dermatologists are joining the field. She mentions one colleague who regularly travels to remote regions for outreach clinics. “These kinds of initiatives make a big difference,” she says. “If every dermatology resident or specialist did at least a few outreaches trips a year, we would greatly increase access.” Emotional well-being and skin health Skin conditions carry emotional weight. Many patients, especially young girls, struggle with confidence, anxiety or depression linked to visible skin issues. Dr. Kayitesi highlights psycho-dermatology, a growing sub-specialty that studies the link between mental health and skin disease. ALSO READ: Skin conditions: Psoriasis patients speak out on stigma and neglect “People sometimes underestimate how much skin affects identity,” she says. “A breakout, a scar or a chronic rash can affect how someone sees themselves. It can influence school performance, relationships and overall emotional well-being.” Her message is empathetic: no one should suffer in silence. “You don’t need to hide behind cosmetics or feel ashamed,” she says. “Consult early. There are safe, effective treatments. Everyone deserves healthy skin, and everyone deserves confidence.” Nurturing the next generation For students aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Dr. Kayitesi emphasises discipline and a strong foundation in science. “Study biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics,” she advises. “These subjects give you the tools you need to understand the body and the mechanisms behind diseases.” Dermatology requires six years of medical school and four years of specialisation, but she believes the journey is rewarding not only scientifically but emotionally, because dermatologists often witness visible, transformative improvements in their patients. She urges young doctors to seek mentorship, embrace curiosity and nurture a passion for research. Rwanda’s dermatology field, she says, will only reach its full potential when young specialists contribute to local data, innovations and new approaches. “We need research that reflects our population, our environment and our challenges,” she says. “That is how we grow as a country and as a medical community.” Vision and legacy Dr. Kayitesi envisions a future where Rwanda becomes a regional leader in dermatology, supported by local training, research capacity and a deeper public understanding of skin health. She hopes her legacy will reflect not only her medical contributions but also her efforts to shift societal perceptions around beauty and identity. “I want to have added something meaningful,” she says. “If future dermatologists look at our generation and see that we built a strong foundation, educated the public and inspired healthier attitudes toward skin and self-worth, then I will feel fulfilled.” As Rwanda continues to strengthen its dermatology landscape, her story remains a testament to resilience, scientific passion and the profound connection between skin health and human dignity.
