What makes squamous cell carcinoma different from other skin cancers — and why should it never be underestimated? In this video, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — is explained in a clear and practical way. As part of the REMEMBER Series, essential medical education is delivered in under 5 minutes, focusing on what truly matters for awareness, prevention, and early recognition. In today’s Remember Series episode, Dr. Maria Azizian reviews who is at risk, where SCC most commonly appears, how serious it can be, treatment options, and why prevention plays such a critical role. This short educational format is designed to provide concise, surgeon-led medical insight without overwhelming detail — helping viewers better understand common skin cancers and when to seek evaluation. All images in this video are purchased through Canva. #skincancer, #squamouscellcarcinoma, #skin, #skincare
Are those tiny white bumps on your face milia… acne… or something else? In this video, Dr. Maria Azizian, board-certified general surgeon and founder of Mindful Medical Care, a dedicated skin clinic, explains exactly what milia are, why they form, how they differ from traditional cysts and acne, and when you should consider removal. She breaks down the science in clear, practical terms — including what’s actually inside milia, why they feel hard, why squeezing doesn’t work, and what safe treatment options look like. If you’ve ever struggled with stubborn white bumps that won’t go away, this video will give you clarity and guidance on what to do next. #acne, #milia, #skincare, #dermatology
Is chocolate actually healthy — or could it be a hidden trigger your body has been trying to tell you about? In this video, Dr. Maria Azizian, a board-certified general surgeon and IFM-certified functional medicine physician, takes a deeper look at chocolate in a way most people don’t discuss. From cacao compounds to the differences between white, milk, and dark chocolate, you may start to see why the same food can feel completely different from one person to another. Before you assume chocolate is simply “good” or “bad,” there are a few important things most people miss — and they may change how you think about it. #chocolatehealth, #darkchocolate, #foodsensitivity, #functionamedicine
Are you feeling itchy but there’s no rash, no bites, and nothing visible on the skin — yet the sensation just won’t go away? In today’s video, Dr. Maria Azizian explores one of the most confusing and often overlooked symptoms patients experience: itching without a rash, also known as pruritus. She looks at how medications, liver function, thyroid balance, nerve-related causes, and other underlying factors can contribute — even when the skin looks completely normal. Dr. Azizian discusses how conventional and functional medicine perspectives come together when evaluating unexplained itching, and why looking beyond the surface can make a meaningful difference when symptoms persist. #pruritus, #itching, #skincare, #functionalmedicine
Why does your skin keep breaking out, getting red, or flaring — even when you’re using prescription creams and doing everything “right”? If you’re dealing with chronic skin issues like adult acne, rosacea, hives, eczema, psoriasis flare-ups, or persistent rashes that keep coming back, the problem may not be on your skin at all. In today’s video, Dr. Maria Azizian, a board-certified general surgeon and IFM-certified functional medicine physician, explains how gut health can play a major role in chronic skin inflammation. She discusses the gut–skin connection and how issues such as microbiome imbalance, yeast overgrowth, and various gut bacteria can quietly drive ongoing skin problems — even when standard labs look “normal.” This video explores why topical treatments and medications often help temporarily but don’t always lead to lasting improvement, and why addressing gut health is frequently a key part of calming chronic skin conditions.
Why are melanoma cases increasing — and does that mean melanoma is becoming more dangerous? In this video, Dr. Maria Azizian, a board-certified general surgeon and IFM-certified functional medicine physician, breaks down the latest Medscape Medical News article on rising melanoma diagnoses in 2026. She explains what’s driving the increase, how early detection and modern screening tools affect the numbers, what this truly means for patients and the general public, and how to interpret these headlines without unnecessary fear. #MelanomaAwareness, #SkinCancerPrevention, #MelanomaFacts, #skincancer Reference: Lyles A. Melanoma cases projected to increase in 2026. Medscape Medical News. January 26, 2026.
Do you have a deep, persistent itch on your upper back that just won’t go away — even though there’s no rash? In this video, Dr. Maria Azizian, a board-certified general surgeon with a special focus on skin conditions and functional medicine, discusses notalgia paresthetica — a nerve-related condition that causes chronic, hard-to-reach itching and is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. #chronicitch, #notalgiaparesthetica, #neuropathicitch, #skinconditions
What is the deadly skin cancer that is made worse by indoor tanning? Tanning beds are often seen as harmless or cosmetic, but growing research shows they can damage your DNA and increase the risk of a cancer that can spread to other organs and become life-threatening. In this video, Dr. Maria Azizian, MD, FACS, board-certified general surgeon and skin cancer specialist, reviews the latest data on what tanning beds really do to your skin, how they increase the risk of skin cancer, and why that risk rises the more you tan. #tanningbeds, #skincancer, #uvdamage
References Gerami P, et al. Molecular effects of indoor tanning. Sci Adv. 2025. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Media Centre IARC News (indoor tanning devices; melanoma risk increased when use starts early). 2009. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer. Updated 2025.
Have you ever discovered a raised or bumpy mole on your skin and felt that sudden wave of worry — what is this and should I be concerned? These types of moles often appear out of nowhere, change with time, or get irritated, leaving many people anxious and unsure what to do. In this video, Dr. Maria Azizian, MD — board-certified general surgeon and Institute for Functional Medicine–certified physician — explains what these common bumpy moles really are, why they form, and which important questions you should be asking about them. She also walks through how doctors evaluate these moles and when they should be removed, giving you clarity and confidence about what matters most for your skin. This video answers the questions patients ask every day in clinic — and the ones many people are too afraid to ask. #SkinCancer, #MoleCheck, #Dermatology, #Melanoma