Medical Dermatology

Regular Skin Checks

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that adults see a dermatologist at least once a year, or more often if at high risk for skin cancer, for a full-body professional skin exam. Insurance coverage of a skin examination depends upon the plan terms. Dr. Eubank has extensive experience with performing skin checks for the detection of skin disorders and cancer. In addition, all individuals should regularly examine their skin to look for concerning skin conditions and moles and promptly seek medical treatment when necessary.

Skin Cancer

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The most common skin cancers are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. These cancers have a high rate of cure if detected early and treated promptly. Melanoma is a very serious skin cancer and can be deadly if it spreads to other parts of the body through a process known as “metastasis”. To improve the chances of surviving melanoma, it is very important to detect melanoma very early and remove it with dermatologic surgery. Visual monitoring of the skin by individuals and regularly scheduling skin examinations with a dermatologist are very important in early detection and treatment of skin cancer.

If a concern is noted during a skin examination, a small portion of the skin will be removed and sent to a dermatopathologist for examination. If the skin sample is found to be cancerous, Dr. Eubank can treat the area with dermatologic surgery which typically involves removing a small area of the skin and is done under local anesthesia. Dr. Eubank also can refer patients to Mohs or plastic surgeons for certain types of dermatologic surgery, when appropriate.

Moles (also known as "nevi")

Moles are common skin growths also called nevi. Most people have a few moles and some have many moles. Moles appear during childhood or adolescence and exposure to sunlight increases the number of moles. Melanoma is a skin cancer that can develop within a mole or can resemble a mole. Newly appearing moles or rapid changes in an existing mole’s color, shape, or size can be cause for concern. Look for these warning signs.

If you notice a spot changing in size, shape or color, or if you notice a new growth or a sore that doesn’t heal, these may be cause for concern. If you notice any spots that are different from the others, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, you should promptly schedule a spot check.

Warts

Warts are common growths caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) on the top layer of the skin. Warts are generally harmless. However, it’s wise to have warts diagnosed and treated by a board-certified dermatologist to reduce the risk of spreading them to another part of your body, spreading to others, and to confirm that they are not a more serious condition.

Cysts

A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that contains fluid, air or other substances and is located under the surface of the skin. Many times, cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and painless. Patients with a cyst, or something resembling a cyst, should schedule an appointment for review. Medical treatment should be promptly sought for a cyst that grows rapidly, ruptures or becomes painful, infected or irritated, or is in an unusual location such as a finger or toe.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy skin condition also known as eczema. Eczema can result from a variety of causes including genetic and environmental factors. Treatments include medication for the symptoms and efforts to identify triggers for the eczema.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition which causes the body to regenerate new skin cells in days, rather than weeks. These cells pile up on the surface of the skin, forming silvery-white thick, scaly patches known as plaques on the surface of the skin. These plaques commonly occur on the elbows, knees and scalp. They are often itchy or painful and can cause embarrassment or isolation. Because psoriasis tends to be a lifelong disease, it is important to establish care with a board-certified dermatologist to help control symptoms over the course of time.

Rosacea

Rosacea often begins with the tendency to exhibit red flushes on the facial area more easily than other people. But rosacea can cause more than just redness. In fact, there are so many signs and symptoms that rosacea has four subtypes. Additional symptoms can include swelling, acne-like breakouts, thickening of skin and swollen, red and irritated eyes. With time, people who have rosacea often see permanent redness in the center of the face. While there is no known cure for rosacea, Dr. Eubank can help control symptoms and improve the quality of life for rosacea sufferers.

Acne

Many factors can contribute to acne breakouts including oil, hormones and bacteria that live on the skin. Acne can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, inflammation, cysts and nodules. If not properly treated, acne can lead to scarring as well as physical and emotional discomfort. Dr. Eubank offers expertise and treatments to suit your lifestyle, helping restore clear skin and confidence.

Hair Loss

There are a variety of causes for hair loss such as stress, giving birth, diseases and medical treatments. But the medical condition known simply as hereditary hair loss is most common, affecting more than 80 million men and women in the United States. While some shedding is normal, if you begin to notice excessive thinning or bald patches, you may be experiencing hereditary hair loss. Dr. Eubank offers a variety of treatments to help halt hair loss.