What is a full body skin exam?
Our certified providers are specifically educated to care for and treat conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. Given there are more than 3,000 known diseases that come under the practice of dermatology, anyone is at risk. Although a skin exam is mostly done to screen for skin cancer, a skin exam will also help identify any unique changes to your skin that highlights other treatable health issues including skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
A full body skin exam requires every inch of your skin to be examined, not only the areas exposed to UV rays. Skin cancer is not always found on the skin that gets the most sun. Melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer, can develop without any exposure to harmful UV rays. It is critical to have a full body exam at least yearly.
Preparing for a skin exam
The following tips will help make the most of a full-body skin exam:
- Make note of any new, changing, itching, bleeding, growths, or lesions
- Know your family history, especially if someone in your family has had a melanoma.
- Share previous skin cancers, precancerous lesions, or any abnormal moles that have been removed in the past.
- Bring a complete list of medications with dosage
- Remove all nail polish from fingernails and toenails
Early detection of any condition is always important, resolving the condition before it becomes an issue is what we strive to achieve. If our provider sees anything suspicious, they will discuss the concerns and explain what the next steps will be. If you need a skin exam, please call our offices for an appointment.