Melanoma Biopsy Results Can Differ, Worrying Patients

THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 -- Joann Elmore is a doctor, so when her dermatologist said her skin biopsy indicated possible melanoma, she knew just what to do -- get a follow-up biopsy to verify.

But she got two polar-opposite diagnoses, leaving her anxious and uncertain. One pathologist declared it benign, while the other called it suspicious for invasive melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Antibiotics Improve Treatment of Skin Abscesses

WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 -- New research might change the way doctors treat skin abscesses in children and adults, medical experts say.

Giving an antibiotic when draining the infection significantly improves recovery, a new report suggests.

Study Highlights the Beauty Industry's Ugly Side

MONDAY, June 26, 2017 -- When you purchase a new eye shadow or shampoo, you expect those products will be safe and that they won't cause skin breakouts -- or worse.

But new research found that's not always the case. And, because cosmetics are woefully underregulated in the United States, and there's no solid system in place to catch when personal care products are harmful, it's possible you'll never hear about a problem with a product, the study suggested.

With Summer Sun Comes Heightened Skin Cancer Risk

SUNDAY, June 11, 2017 -- Summer beckons, and with those sunny skies comes a warning to protect yourself from skin cancer.

"Skin cancer, like all types of cancer, is capable of destroying healthy tissue and spreading to distant body sites," said Dr. C. Blake Phillips, a fellow in the University of Alabama at Birmingham department of dermatology.

Have Scientists Created a Safe, Sun-Free Tan?

WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2017 -- Many people would love to have a natural-looking golden tan, but know that soaking up the sun raises their risk of skin cancer. Now scientists say they've developed a way to tan without exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

In laboratory tests, the researchers used the technique to increase pigmentation in human skin samples. And while science done at this early stage sometimes doesn't pan out in humans, the researchers remain hopeful.