A Full Body Skin Exam (FBSE) is a comprehensive visual inspection of the entire skin surface, typically performed by a dermatologist. The primary purpose of this examination is the early detection of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the more aggressive melanoma. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, as skin cancers are most treatable in their initial stages. Determining the correct frequency for this screening is a highly personalized decision, depending on an individual’s unique risk profile and medical history.
Establishing Baseline Frequency
For the general adult population considered to be at low risk, the recommended frequency for a professional skin examination is typically once a year. This annual check-up helps identify any new or changing growths that may have gone unnoticed during routine self-checks. A low-risk profile describes individuals with no personal history of skin cancer, no immediate family history of melanoma, and minimal lifetime exposure to intense sun or tanning beds.
For certain individuals who maintain a very low-risk profile—such as those with naturally darker skin tones or extremely limited sun exposure—a full body skin exam may be recommended less frequently, sometimes every one to two years. Your primary care provider or dermatologist can help establish this baseline schedule. Scheduling a professional exam helps establish a baseline map of your skin’s unique moles and blemishes for future comparison.
Factors Dictating Personalized Examination Schedules
Numerous factors can elevate an individual’s risk, necessitating more frequent surveillance, such as semi-annual or quarterly examinations. A personal history of any type of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma) is a primary indicator for increased screening frequency. Individuals who have survived melanoma, for instance, may require check-ups every three to six months for several years following their diagnosis.
Increased screening frequency is also necessary for individuals with:
- A strong family history of melanoma in a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child).
- The presence of numerous moles (more than 50) or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).
- Fair skin that burns easily.
- A history of frequent tanning bed use or multiple blistering sunburns, particularly during youth.
- A compromised immune system due to medication or underlying health conditions.
What Happens During the Skin Exam
The professional full body skin exam is a systematic, head-to-toe visual inspection that is quick and non-invasive. You will be asked to change into an examination gown so the dermatologist can carefully inspect every area, including hard-to-see spots like the scalp, between the toes, the palms, the soles of the feet, and the genital area.
The clinician often uses a handheld magnification device called a dermatoscope to visualize subsurface structures and patterns within moles and lesions that are not visible to the naked eye. If a suspicious lesion is identified, a small tissue sample, or biopsy, may be taken in the office for laboratory analysis. The entire examination typically takes less than 20 minutes and is generally painless.
Monitoring Skin Health Between Professional Visits
Performing a self-examination monthly is a complementary practice to professional visits for skin cancer detection. You should use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror in a well-lit room to methodically check all skin surfaces, including the back of your neck, your scalp, and the soles of your feet. Taking photographs of existing moles can help you track subtle changes over time.
While performing a self-check, focus on the “ABCDE” guidelines for identifying suspicious lesions:
- Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other.
- Border irregularity: The edges are uneven, notched, or blurred.
- Color variations: Look for shades of tan, brown, black, or patches of white, red, or blue.
- Diameter: Pay attention to growths larger than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: Note any changes in size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
If you identify a spot meeting any of these criteria, contact your dermatologist immediately for an unscheduled professional evaluation.