Cuero Regional Hopsital | Connect | Summer 2018

cuerohospital.org 3 Meet Dr. Quintero, our new dermatologist Would it surprise you to know that dermatologists treat more than skin diseases? That’s right. They also treat conditions of the hair and nails. And would it surprise you to know that you don’t have to leave town to see a dermatologist? That’s also true. Vincent Quintero, MD, can save you the trip. Dr. Quintero, who is board-certified in dermatology, commutes from New Braunfels to see patients at Cuero Outpatient Clinic. “Bringing Dr. Quintero here is a huge benefit,” says Lynn Falcone, CEO of Cuero Regional Hospital. “This allows us to provide dermatology services close to home so our community members don’t have to travel.” Whole-body help The combination of sunny skies and many outdoor occupations in south Texas make dermatology an especially important service, Falcone notes. One of the most common conditions dermatologists diagnose is sun‑damaged skin, including skin cancer. Other conditions Dr. Quintero can help with include: ++ Acne ++ Psoriasis ++ Eczema And he offers cosmetic procedures, such as micro-needling for acne scars and Botox injections for wrinkles. Raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Quintero is looking forward to practicing in a smaller community. “The people are very friendly,” he says. Dr. Quintero currently sees patients once a month, but that should increase as his Cuero practice grows. Your skin cancer risk is what it is—you can’t lower it. FACT: Reducing your sun exposure can lower your skin cancer risk. So make it a habit to wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. And try to stay out of direct sunlight when the sun’s rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Your skin will thank you for it. myth M 5 myths about melanoma Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and it’s on the rise. Rates have doubled in recent decades—but there is some good news: Melanoma is highly treatable when caught early. And knowing the myths from the facts can help you protect your skin. Here are some things to keep in mind. You can’t get melanoma from tanning beds. FACT: Melanoma can be caused by both natural ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and artificial UV light from tanning beds. There is no such thing as a safe tan. Only light-skinned people get melanoma. FACT: People with fair skin may be at higher risk—but anyone can get melanoma. In fact, people of color are often diagnosed later, when their disease is more advanced. That’s because many mistakenly believe that they can’t get skin cancer. You can’t get melanoma twice. FACT: Not only can melanoma strike more than once, your chances of getting the disease are higher if you’ve had it (or other types of skin cancer) before. So it’s even more important to be vigilant about protecting your skin. You can only get a harmful mole on parts of the skin exposed to the sun. FACT: Melanoma can form anywhere on your body, even in between your fingers or on the soles of your feet. Check your entire body regularly—and call your doctor if you notice any moles that look unusual or that bleed or itch. myth myth myth myth Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; Melanoma Research Foundation; National Cancer Institute ++ Warts ++ Rosacea ++ Hair loss To make an appointment with Dr. Quintero, call 830-626-5551 .