While common skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis are widely discussed, rare skin diseases like argyria and peeling skin syndrome remain a mystery to most people. Perhaps even you tilted or scratched your head at the mention of argyria and peeling skin syndrome. However, your familiarity with these unusual skin conditions can be advantageous should you or someone in your life encounter them. In observance of Rare Disease Day (February 29), Buckeye Dermatology dedicates this article to rare skin conditions and their defining features, causes, and treatment options. Causes and Types ..read more

Working outdoors in Arizona requires keeping your skin healthy and protected from the harsh, unforgiving sun. With year-round warm weather and over 300 days of sunshine, cumulative sun exposure and skin damage pose serious risks for those who spend long hours outside, including a high chance of developing skin cancer. In fact, Arizona’s skin cancer rates are already above the U.S. national average. Sun Safety Tips for Outdoor Workers To defend against the sun’s UV rays and prevent skin cancer, you must take proper precautions. 1. Never go outside without your anti-skin cancer companion: sunscr ..read more

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types of non-melanoma skin cancers. Historically, the predominant treatment protocols involved invasive procedures, often causing pain, scarring, and harm to healthy tissue. But because of Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT), the future of non-melanoma treatment is far less invasive and painful.   What Is Superficial Radiation Therapy? Superficial radiation therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancers like BCC and SCC. It utilizes low-energy X-ray radiation to kill cancer cells in ..read more

If you have non-melanoma skin cancer, you want to explore the most effective treatment options to eliminate the malignant cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Two non-surgical treatments for skin cancer include superficial radiation therapy and electronic brachytherapy. Both options deliver precise radiation to kill cancer cells, although they differ in methods of radiation delivery and treatment protocols. Still, with over 99 percent cure rates and excellent cosmetic outcomes, either option is a powerful alternative to surgery. Overview of Superficial Radiation Therapy ..read more

Like how a rash can appear anywhere on your body, skin cancer – although more dangerous and unpredictable than other skin problems – can also emerge on any part of your body. Malignant lesions can even occur in “hidden areas,” including sites that rarely or never see the light of day. Nine Sneaky Places Skin Cancer May Hide Skin cancer hiding in places you never thought to check may remain undetected for years. From the top of your head to the soles of your feet, Buckeye Dermatology stresses the importance of checking everywhere for potential signs of skin cancer. Where else should you look? L ..read more

Moles are incredibly common, with most adults having between 10 and 40, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The technical term for a mole is nevus (plural: nevi), which is the Latin word for birthmark. These concentrations of pigment-producing cells in the skin usually appear during childhood and adolescence (ages 0 to 19), changing in size and color as you age. New moles may also emerge when hormone levels change, such as during pregnancy. Sun damage and genetics may also play a role. However, the main cause of moles is not well understood. The majority of moles are less than 1 ..read more

Basking in the sun’s warmth is one of life’s simple pleasures. Sunbathing stimulates vitamin D production, keeps the blues away by reducing stress and depression, and helps the body absorb calcium, among others. Soaking up the sun has many health advantages – until we overexpose ourselves. Beneath that inviting glow lies a hidden danger: the risk of developing skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma – the three main types of skin cancer. As a precaution, medical professionals constantly remind us to use sunscreen e ..read more

If you have skin cancer and can no longer undergo surgery due to advancing age or coexisting health problems, superficial radiation therapy (SRT) is a groundbreaking treatment option. This non-invasive approach addresses cancer on or close to the skin’s surface. It offers several advantages for varying dermatological and superficial cancers, making it a popular choice among patients of all ages. However, when considering skin cancer treatments for elderly patients, healthcare professionals have plenty to consider. According to the National Council on Aging, 80 percent of adults aged 65 and old ..read more

Cryotherapy, also called cryoablation or cryosurgery, is a treatment involving freezing temperatures. This minimally-invasive technique can address various conditions, including precancerous or early basal and squamous cell skin cancers. In today’s article, Buckeye Dermatology will provide detailed answers to the commonly asked questions about cryotherapy for skin cancer, and explain why more patients are choosing this option over others. 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cryotherapy for Skin Cancer Research demonstrates that most individuals seek answers to the following queries: How does c ..read more

Sitting by the pool, hiking up a mountain, or just tanning in our backyards – we Americans take having “fun in the sun” to a whole new level. Ironically, our love and appreciation for the sunny outdoors is a main reason non-melanoma is the most common cancer in our country, and why millions of us have pre-cancerous skin growths. Pre-cancer spots are premalignant changes in human skin cells. These alterations are commonly noticed as lesions or growths on sun-exposed areas, including the scalp, face, hands, and forearms. Precancerous conditions can develop into two different forms of non-melanom ..read more