A skin check by a dermatologist is a thorough visual examination of your skin from head to toe. This examination helps identify suspicious growths, moles, or lesions that may indicate skin conditions, including various types of skin cancer. The dermatologist inspects all areas of the skin, even those not typically exposed to the sun.
Why Regular Skin Checks Matter
Regular skin checks are a proactive measure for maintaining skin health and can significantly improve outcomes. Early detection of skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, is a primary benefit. When identified in their initial stages, treatment is often more effective and less invasive. This early intervention can prevent the cancer from growing or spreading, which can lead to more complex treatments and poorer prognoses. Annual full-body skin exams are recommended, especially for individuals with a higher risk of skin cancer.
What to Expect During Your Skin Check
Your skin check begins with a review of your medical history, including current medications or allergies. You will then be asked to remove your clothing and put on a medical gown for a complete examination. The dermatologist will inspect your skin from the top of your scalp down to the soles of your feet, paying close attention to areas difficult for you to see, like your back, buttocks, and between your toes.
A small, handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope is used to examine moles and spots. This tool allows the dermatologist to view patterns within a lesion, helping to distinguish between normal and abnormal growths. While thorough, the examination takes about 10 to 15 minutes, though it may take longer if several suspicious spots require closer inspection. During the examination, you can point out any specific spots or concerns you have noticed.
What Dermatologists Look For
During a skin check, dermatologists identify skin concerns, focusing on signs of skin cancer. For moles, they use the “ABCDEs” criteria to assess for melanoma: Asymmetry (one half of the mole does not match the other), Border irregularity (uneven, notched, or blurred edges), Color variation (different shades of tan, brown, black, or even red, white, or blue within the same mole), Diameter (melanomas are larger than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, though they can be smaller), and Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching).
Dermatologists also look for signs of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Basal cell carcinomas appear as shiny, pearly, or translucent bumps, open sores that do not heal, or flat, scar-like patches. These can be pink, red, white, or, in individuals with darker skin tones, brown or glossy black. Squamous cell carcinomas present as red, scaly patches, elevated growths with a central depression that might bleed, or open sores that do not heal or reappear. They can also resemble warts.
Preparing for Your Appointment and Next Steps
To prepare for your skin check, perform a self-examination beforehand and note any new, changing, or unusual spots you want to discuss. Avoid wearing makeup, nail polish on fingers and toes, and excessive hair products, as these can obscure areas the dermatologist needs to examine. Wearing loose hair and removing jewelry will allow for a comprehensive inspection.
After the examination, your dermatologist will discuss any findings and recommend next steps. If a suspicious spot is identified, a biopsy may be performed, which involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. You will also receive advice on sun protection, such as regular sunscreen use and sun avoidance, and guidance on how often you should return for future skin checks based on your individual risk factors. Regular self-examinations between professional appointments are encouraged to monitor for any new or changing spots.