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If you've ever noticed a bump under your skin that seems to just... stay there, you may have wondered whether it's something to worry about. For many people, that lump turns out to be a cyst. Cysts are incredibly common, and while they're usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable, unsightly, or prone to infection. Understanding what they are and what your options look like can help you make an informed decision about your skin health. What Exactly Is a Cyst? A cyst is a clo

Summer is here, and if you are anything like most of us, a beach trip is either already on the calendar or being actively planned. The sound of the waves, the feel of the sand, the chance to finally unplug, it is hard to beat. But while you are packing your sunscreen and beach towels, it is worth taking a few minutes to think about how to protect your skin while you are out there soaking it all in. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin damage, premature aging, and skin ca

If you've ever avoided a backless dress, skipped the pool, or felt self-conscious at the gym because of breakouts on your back, you're far from alone. Back acne, commonly called "bacne," affects a huge portion of the population, and yet it's one of those things people rarely talk about. The good news? It's very treatable, and understanding what's causing it is the first step toward clearer skin. What Causes Bacne? Back acne forms the same way facial acne does: oil, dead skin

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The good news? It's also one of the most treatable when caught early. The challenge is knowing what to look for, especially since many early warning signs can be easy to dismiss as a "harmless spot" or "just a mole." Here are the top 10 signs of skin cancer that deserve a closer look. These are the 10 signs of skin cancer to look for: 1. A Mole That Changes Over Time Stable moles are generally nothing to worry about.

Walk down any beauty aisle, or scroll through your social media feed for about five minutes, and you'll find no shortage of skincare products making bold promises. Plump, glowing, youthful skin, all for $29.99. So what's the difference between those products and the ones you'd find in a dermatologist's office? The answer comes down to science, formulation, and what's actually getting into your skin. It Starts with the Ingredients The biggest difference between medical-grade a

June is Acne Awareness Month, and what better time to talk about something that affects millions of people every single day? If your skin tends to flare up when the temperature rises, you're not imagining it. Summer and acne have a complicated relationship, and understanding why can make a real difference in how you manage your skin all season long. First Things First: Acne Is Normal Before we dive into summer skin tips, let's just say it plainly: acne is incredibly common, a

If you've been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, your dermatologist may have mentioned superficial radiation therapy, or SRT. It's a treatment that's been around for decades but has seen a real resurgence in recent years, and for good reason. For the right patients, SRT offers a highly effective way to treat skin cancer with minimal disruption to daily life and a side effect profile that's genuinely hard to beat. Here'

At Specialists in Dermatology, we're proud to have a team of providers who bring exceptional experience, global perspective, and genuine passion to patient care. This week, we're shining a spotlight on one of our own: Don Valmores, Family Nurse Practitioner. A Journey That Spans Continents Don's path into healthcare began early. He started his nursing career at just 20 years old in the Philippines, a testament to his drive and dedication from the very beginning. In 1999, he m

If you've been dealing with sun spots, redness, or uneven skin tone and wondering if there's something beyond your skincare routine that can actually make a difference, IPL laser might be exactly what you're looking for. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) has become one of the most popular non-invasive treatments in medical aesthetics, and for good reason. It addresses a wide range of skin concerns in relatively little time, with minimal downtime. But like any cosmetic treatment, it'

When you walk into Specialists in Dermatology in Tucson AZ, you're not just seeing a provider, you're benefiting from a career that spans four countries, nearly four decades, and more specialties than most clinicians ever touch. Xiangping Fang, NP-C, DCNP brings a depth of experience and a warmth of perspective that is genuinely rare in any healthcare setting. A Career Built on Curiosity and Commitment Xiangping Fang began her journey in healthcare over 37 years ago as a Regi

Most people have moles. In fact, the average adult has between 10 and 40 of them scattered across their body. The vast majority are completely harmless, just clusters of pigmented skin cells that have been there since childhood. But occasionally, a mole starts to look a little different. Maybe it's bigger than you remember. Maybe the edges aren't quite as clean. Maybe the color seems uneven. That's when questions start to arise: Is this a dysplastic nevus? Could it be melanom

June is Acne Awareness Month, and if there's one thing worth saying right out of the gate, it's this: if you've dealt with acne, you're in very good company. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans every year. It doesn't discriminate by age, skin tone, or lifestyle. Teenagers get it. Adults get it. People with meticulous skincare routines get it. Acne is not a reflection of your hygiene, your diet choices, or your will

May is Melanoma Awareness Month. You probably saw the social media posts, the ribbon graphics, maybe even a news segment or two. And now that June is here, those posts have quieted down. The ribbons are gone. The conversation has moved on. But here's the thing, melanoma hasn't. Skin cancer doesn't check the calendar. It doesn't slow down in the summer, take a break in the fall, or hibernate in the winter. In fact, for many people, the months after Melanoma Awareness Month are

If you've ever noticed a red, raw, or irritated rash developing in a skin fold, under the breasts, in the groin, between the thighs, or under the arms, you may be dealing with intertrigo. It's more common than most people realize, and the good news is that it's very treatable once you know what you're dealing with. What Is Intertrigo? Intertrigo is a skin condition that develops in areas where skin rubs against skin. The friction, combined with heat and moisture that gets tra

If you've ever crossed your legs during a sneeze, made a mental map of every bathroom before leaving the house, or quietly avoided the trampoline at your kid's birthday party, you're not alone. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of people, and yet it's one of those things most of us quietly manage rather than actually treat. The good news? There's now a treatment that's non-invasive, requires no downtime, and delivers real, lasting results. It's called Emsella, and it'

When it comes to sunscreen, the number on the label isn't just marketing, it reflects a meaningful difference in how well your skin is protected. If you've ever grabbed a lower SPF product thinking "some protection is better than none," you're not wrong. But the gap between SPF 15 or SPF 20 and SPF 30 is larger than most people realize, and it matters every single day. What SPF Actually Measures SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen blocks UVB rays, the

If you've been researching options for skin resurfacing, whether for scars, uneven texture, sun damage, or discoloration, you've probably come across a lot of different laser treatments. It can feel overwhelming trying to sort through the options. So let's break it down, and explain why CO2 laser therapy stands out from the crowd. What Is CO2 Laser Therapy? CO2 laser therapy is one of the most powerful and effective skin resurfacing treatments available today. It uses a carbo

If you've been dealing with dull skin, stubborn dark spots, fine lines, or uneven texture, you're probably not imagining things, your skin really does need a reset. Enter the PCA chemical peel: one of the most effective, professionally trusted treatments available for achieving noticeably smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. But what exactly is a chemical peel, and why are so many people swearing by them? Let's break it down. What Is a Chemical Peel? A chemical pee

When most people picture melanoma, they imagine a suspicious mole on sun-damaged skin, the kind you might find on your back, shoulders, or chest after years of outdoor activity. But there's a type of melanoma that doesn't follow those rules. It shows up in places you'd never think to look, it affects people of all skin tones equally, and it's frequently caught too late because most people simply don't know it exists. It's called Acral Lentiginous Melanoma, ALM for short, and

When you visit a dermatologist for a skin check, you may notice them reaching for a small handheld device before examining a mole or spot on your skin. That tool is called a dermatoscope, and if your dermatologist is using one, that's a very good sign. Most patients have never heard of a dermatoscope, let alone understand what it does. But for anyone concerned about skin cancer, it may be one of the most important pieces of equipment in your doctor's exam room. Here's what yo