Australia has a high rate of skin cancer, making early detection and regular skin checks an important part of maintaining your health.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged most commonly from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and grow abnormally.
Prevention:
Reducing UV exposure can help lower your risk of skin cancer. It is important to:
- Slip on protective clothing
- Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Slap on a wide-brim hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses
Types of Skin Cancer
The three main types include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Common and typically slow growing
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): May grow more quickly and can spread if untreated
- Melanoma: A more serious type that requires prompt medical assessment
- Rare skin cancers, likes the Markel cell carcinoma, Morphic carcinoma, Sebaceous carcinoma Sarcomas etc
Skin Cancer Checks:
Regular skin checks can assist in the early identification of suspicious moles. Key signs to look for include:
- A new or changing mole
- A mole that looks different form others
- A sore lesion/mole that does not heal
- A lesion that bleeds, itches, or becomes crusted
Treatment Options:
Management depends on the type, size and location of the lesion as well as individual factors. All treatment options are discussed during consultation, including potential risks, benefits and alternatives.
Our Approach:
Our doctor and Nurses are registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and provides skin cancer care with a focus on early detection, evidence-based management and to support the patients for an informed decision making.
Acne, a common condition affecting the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, causing a blockage of the follicles and inflammation in the affected area. Although the condition is chronic, in many cases, Acne can be treated or managed. We at Sum Health’s , Skin, Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Laser clinic provide a range of treatment options for Acne patients.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by well-marked, red and scaly plaques (thickened skin). At Sum Health’s skin clinic we offer treatment and management plans for psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a very common skin condition affecting more than 1 million Australians that is often visible as inflammation and silvery scale and has both internal and external triggers and effects. It is not contagious, curable or a passing itch. It is an immune condition characterised by the development of white or red areas of skin.
There are two types of psoriasis. The most common is onset at a young age, usually developing in people who have a family history of psoriasis. It is thought that psoriasis develops in people who have an inherited tendency, but not everyone who inherits the genes for psoriasis will get psoriasis. Less commonly, psoriasis can occur between the ages of 50 and 60 in people without a family history of the condition. This type of inherited psoriasis is usually mild and localised.
We advise all to contact us to find out more about how we can help you at the SUM Health clinic
The eczema and dermatitis are very common conditions and can affect up to 20%-25% of children at different ages and many adults as well. It encompasses a range of medical conditions with inflamed skin.
Eczema and dermatitis are chronic, itchy skin condition and through the various treatment options that include a tailored skin care plan, prescription creams, tablets, wet wraps and light treatment i.e. phototherapy, the conditions can be treated and controlled.
Rosacea and acne rosacea are common inflammatory skin disorders that affect the face. Rosacea is a common chronic condition usually affecting the face, but occasionally extending to areas such as the neck and chest.
Common symptoms of rosacea are-
Extremely sensitive facial skin, often irritated by skin products, cosmetics and sunscreens
A tendency to blush and flush
Fixed facial redness, especially across the nose, cheeks, chin and central forehead
Enlarged small blood vessels (telangiectasia)
Yellow-headed pimples and pustules on the forehead, cheeks and chin
Non-tender lumps under the skin
Thickening of the skin of the nose (Rhinophyma)
Fortunately, while the reason for this common skin disorder is being debated, there are a variety of treatments for the very unpleasant symptoms of rosacea.
The hair and nail conditions are common presentations in day-to-day medical practice. Hair loss is a common problem that can affect people of all age. There are many different causes of the hair loss ( Alopecia) and hair growth disorders and some of these conditions may overlap or co-exist.
Alopecia is the general medical term for the hair loss however it does not refer to a specific type of medical problem and can be used interchangeably with the hair loss.
Different type of alopecia include:
- Androgenic Alopecia (Male & Female pattern hair loss)
- Telogen effluvium
- Traction Alopecia
- Alopecia Areata
- Scarring Alopecia
Fingernails and toe nails are an extension of the skin. Hence nails can develop the conditions that you would usually see on the skin. These conditions can range from eczema, psoriasis to moles, melanomas and fungal infection.