Florida’s sunshine is part of what makes living in the Tampa Bay area so great—but with that sunshine comes a higher risk of skin cancer. At Meira Dermatology in Largo, FL, we see patients from Clearwater, Belleair, Seminole, and throughout the region who are concerned about changes in their skin. Whether it’s a new mole or a suspicious spot that won’t heal, early detection is critical.
Dr. Holly Pohler, APRN, DCNP, leads our dermatology team, which is excellent at finding and treating all kinds of skin cancer. We assist our patients stay safe and proactive about their skin health by giving them full-body skin inspections, biopsies, and information.
Why Is Skin Cancer So Common in Florida?
Florida residents are exposed to intense UV radiation year-round, whether from long days at the beach, outdoor sports, or everyday sun exposure while driving. This increases the lifetime risk of developing:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – The most frequently diagnosed skin cancer. Often appears as a pearly bump or red patch.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – Can appear as a scaly or crusted lesion and may grow deeper if untreated.
- Melanoma – The most dangerous form, melanoma can spread quickly but has a high cure rate if caught early.
At Meira Dermatology, we regularly detect and treat all three.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Some moles and pigmented lesions are not dangerous, but some can be early indicators of skin cancer. That’s why you should keep an eye on your skin for changes. Dr. Holly recommends using the ABCDE rule to monitor moles and pigmented spots:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other
- B – Border: The edges are uneven, blurred, or ragged
- C – Color: There are more than one color or uneven tones in the same spot
- D – Diameter The mole is bigger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- E – Evolving: The mole changes shape, size, color, or behavior over time
Other red flags include:
- A mole that itches or bleeds
- A spot that doesn’t heal after a few weeks
- Dark streaks under the nails or strange colors on the palms or soles
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a skin check.
What Happens During a Skin Check at Meira Dermatology?
At our Largo clinic, a full-body skin exam is a simple, non-invasive appointment. Dr. Holly or another licensed provider will carefully examine your skin from head to toe using a dermatoscope (a magnifying light) to evaluate any lesions or suspicious moles.
If anything looks concerning, we may recommend a biopsy—a quick, in-office procedure that tests the tissue for cancerous cells. If a skin cancer is confirmed, we’ll discuss your treatment options, which may include:
- Excision or surgical removal
- Topical chemotherapy creams
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Mohs surgery (when appropriate)
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care
Why Trust Dr. Holly and Meira Dermatology?
Dr. Holly Pohler has been caring for patients across Tampa Bay since 2009 and has extensive experience in medical dermatology, surgical procedures, and skin cancer detection. As a clinical preceptor and board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner, she brings both expertise and compassion to every visit.
At Meira Dermatology, our mission is rooted in faith, excellence, and a personalized approach to care. We take time to explain your results and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Have you noticed a new or changing mole? Don’t wait and wonder. Early detection can save lives. Schedule your full-body skin exam with Meira Dermatology in Largo today—serving Tampa Bay, Clearwater, Seminole, and beyond. Call us now or book an online appointment for expert care you can trust.
“Sensitive skin” is a term commonly used in skincare conversations, but its meaning is often unclear. Some people say their skin is sensitive because it reacts quickly to changes in products or the environment, while others experience persistent discomfort such as redness, burning, or irritation. This raises an important question: is sensitive skin a real medical condition, or simply a general label for various skin reactions? The answer lies somewhere in between. Sensitive skin is not always a formal diagnosis, but it is a valid and widely recognized skin concern in medical dermatology. What Does Sensitive Skin Really Mean? Sensitive skin is skin that reacts more easily than normal to things that happen outside or inside the body. Some of these reactions may include stinging, burning, itching, redness, or dryness. Some people naturally have more reactive skin, but sensitivity can also develop over time due to changes in skin health. A board-certified dermatologist near me often looks beyond the surface symptoms to check for sensitive skin. Instead of treating it as a standalone condition, dermatologists aim to identify underlying causes that may be contributing to increased reactivity. Common Causes of Skin Sensitivity There are a number of things
The Best Non-Surgical Skin Rejuvenation Options in Largo, FL If you’re looking to refresh your skin without surgery or long recovery times, you’re not alone. At Meira Dermatology in Largo, FL, we proudly serve patients from Clearwater, Belleair, Seminole, and throughout the Tampa Bay area who want to restore their glow and treat skin imperfections naturally. At Meira Dermatology, under the expert care, we offer a variety of highly effective cosmetic treatments designed to improve skin texture, tone, and overall health—with little to no downtime. Why Non-Surgical Rejuvenation? While traditional cosmetic surgery has its place, many patients today are turning to minimally invasive treatments for faster results, less discomfort, and more natural-looking improvements. These treatments often use the body’s own healing processes, advanced injectables, or gentle stimulation techniques to refresh your appearance gradually—making improvements look both natural and lasting. Our most popular aesthetic treatments include: Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy Dermal Fillers Botox® Injections Sculptra® Booty Enhancement Under-Eye PRP These treatments can target a wide range of common skin concerns, such as Fine lines and wrinkles Acne scars and stretch marks Uneven skin tone or texture Volume loss in the face or body Dark circles Enlarged pores Skin laxity or sagging
Not every skin problem can be fixed with basic skin care routines or over-the-counter remedies. Mild irritation or brief breakouts may go away on their own, but if they keep happening or get worse, it could be a sign of a serious medical problem. To deal with these issues properly, you need to be very precise in your medical care, make rigorous diagnoses, and use treatments that are based on evidence and led by dermatology expertise. Medical dermatology focuses on understanding how internal health, environmental exposure, and genetics affect the skin. This approach is essential when skin concerns become chronic, recurring, or resistant to standard care. Why Some Skin Conditions Become Stubborn Stubborn skin concerns are rarely surface-level issues. Conditions such as chronic acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, persistent rashes, and pigmentation disorders are often driven by inflammation, immune system dysfunction, hormonal changes, or underlying medical conditions. Without identifying these contributing factors, treatments may offer only temporary relief. A board certified dermatologist near me evaluates both visible symptoms and less obvious triggers, including lifestyle habits, medication use, and personal or family health history. This comprehensive approach helps explain why some skin problems don’t go away even with regular skin
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Annual skin exams are essential — and possibly lifesaving.
Meira Dermatology — Providing Expert Skin Cancer Screenings to Largo, Clearwater, Seminole, Belleair, and All of Tampa Bay
