Dermatologists in St. George, Utah
Dermatologists in St. George — skin cancer screening and treatment in the state with the highest melanoma rate in the country.
Utah has the nation's highest melanoma rate
This is the most important thing on this page. According to figures compiled by the CDC and the National Cancer Institute, Utah recorded 46.1 new melanoma cases per 100,000 people in 2023, against a national rate of 25 — and Utah has held the highest rate in the country for most of the past fifteen years. The rate has risen sharply over two decades, considerably faster than the national trend.
Three factors are generally cited: a population that is largely fair-skinned and therefore more susceptible, a culture of spending a great deal of time outdoors, and high elevation, which means less atmosphere filtering ultraviolet radiation.
Washington County sits squarely in that picture, with an outdoor-oriented population, intense year-round sun and a large share of residents who have accumulated decades of exposure.
What that means practically
Skin checks are not a cosmetic indulgence here. If you have a history of significant sun exposure, blistering sunburns, a family history of melanoma, fair skin, or many moles, a periodic professional skin examination is a reasonable thing to discuss with a doctor.
Between examinations, the widely used guide for self-checking is asymmetry, irregular borders, varied color, diameter larger than about 6mm, and — most importantly — evolution. A spot that is changing, itching, bleeding or simply new and different from your others is worth having looked at promptly rather than watched.
Medical, surgical and cosmetic
Dermatology covers three distinct areas: medical dermatology treating disease, surgical dermatology including skin cancer removal, and cosmetic procedures. Many practices offer all three. If you are seeking a skin cancer check, it is worth confirming that is what you are booking.
Utah licenses physicians through the Division of Professional Licensing, and status can be checked free in Utah's license verification tool.
Dermatologists in St. George
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Dermatology Clinic of Southern Utah
Dermatology practice on Riverside Drive in St. George providing medical, surgical, and cosmetic skin care, including skin cancer screening and treatment.
617 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT
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Southwest Skin & Cancer
Dermatology and skin cancer practice in downtown St. George offering medical dermatology, skin cancer screening and surgery, and cosmetic services.
383 S 300 E, St. George, UT
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Springville Dermatology & Medical Spa
Dermatology and medical spa practice with a St. George office, offering medical and cosmetic skin care services.
1449 1400 W, St. George, UT
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St. George Dermatology
Comprehensive dermatology practice at Ventana Medical Park in St. George, offering medical and cosmetic skin care and body sculpting, with walk-ins welcome.
230 N 1680 E, St. George, UT
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Vivida Dermatology
Board-certified dermatology and Mohs surgery practice in St. George offering medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology plus clinical research.
1490 Foremaster Dr, St. George, UT
Frequently asked questions
Why is skin cancer such a concern in Utah?
Utah has the highest melanoma incidence rate in the country. Figures compiled by the CDC and the National Cancer Institute put the state at 46.1 new cases per 100,000 people in 2023 against a national rate of 25, and Utah has held the top position for most of the past fifteen years while its rate has risen faster than the national average. The usual explanations are a largely fair-skinned population, a strongly outdoor culture, and high elevation, which reduces the atmosphere's filtering of ultraviolet radiation.
How often should I have a skin check in southern Utah?
That is a question for a doctor, since the appropriate interval depends on personal risk — skin type, history of sunburns, cumulative sun exposure, number of moles and family history of melanoma all factor in. What is clear is that this region combines intense year-round sun, an outdoor population and, in Washington County, many residents with decades of accumulated exposure. Anyone with meaningful risk factors should discuss a screening schedule with their physician rather than waiting for something to appear.
What changes in a mole should I get checked?
Change itself is the most important signal. The commonly used guide covers asymmetry, irregular or poorly defined borders, more than one color, diameter greater than about 6mm, and evolution — a spot that is growing, changing shape or color, itching, bleeding or crusting. A lesion that simply looks different from your other moles is also worth attention. Anything new, changing or that does not heal should be examined promptly rather than monitored at home over months.