I have a confession to make: I’ve never had a skin check. I’m a few days out from turning 23, and while I have one scheduled and on the books, I have never been for a skin cancer check or a full-body scan. The reason? I just didn’t know about it. Despite going to dermatologists for my acne since I was 14, no one has ever suggested I go in for a yearly skin check. It was only when my dad was diagnosed with skin cancer that I realized the appointment was long overdue.
While most people know that a skin check is necessary for diagnosing skin cancer, it’s less clear what exactly a skin check is and what you should expect. Doing anything for the first time is nerve-wracking, especially when it’s a doctor’s appointment. If you’re unsure what to expect at your next skin check, we’ve got you covered with insight from the pros.
Featured Experts:
- Daniel Schlessinger, MD is a dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Joel Schlessinger, MD is a dermatologist in Omaha, NE
What should patients expect at a yearly skin check? How do they differ based on the provider?
“One of the most misunderstood aspects of a total skin check is that it will take quite a bit of time and be difficult,” begins Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, “This couldn’t be further from reality as dermatologists usually can study an entire patient in about 4-5 minutes, unless there are spots or areas of concern that lead to questions, and this simple activity could save your life if you have a mole or skin cancer that is changing.”
“Personal practice style varies, but most of the time at a skin check, patients are asked to change into a gown and the doctor, plus/minus an assistant, will carefully look at the skin,” continues Dr. Joel Schlessinger, “Often, a dermatoscope (a tool that magnifies the skin to allow a better examination of any suspicious moles) will be used to see if there are any moles or areas of concern that need to be removed. Sometimes photographs of questionable moles or areas of concern are taken. Normally an examination from start to finish should be less than 15 minutes including questions.”
At what age should you start getting skin checks?
“This depends on the family history and any ‘pre-existing’ moles of concern,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, “If there is a family history of melanoma, very often children will be evaluated before they are twelve. Depending on the results and numbers of moles, skin checks are usually done every few years. If moles are removed and found to be unusual, this may lead to skin exams on a yearly basis.”
What are questions you should ask your dermatologist during your skin check?
“During your skin check, your board-certified dermatologist will determine if there is anything that has to be done in the office,” begins Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD, “But you should also ask them how they would like for you to care for your skin between skin checks. For example, ask for a particular cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer or sunscreen that fits your complexion and skin type. If you or a family member have had skin cancer before, you should also ask them if you should see them more frequently to keep an eye on any changing moles.”
Why are skin checks important?
While we all know that laundry list of doctor appointments we need to make and often put off, skin checks are one such treatment you should not postpone. “I can’t tell you the number of times that a patient comes in concerned about a particular spot, only to find a melanoma hiding on their body in a place they cannot see, such as their back or the bottom or their foot,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “The problem has only gotten worse after the introduction of AI phone apps that very frequently get the diagnosis flat out wrong. A board-certified dermatologist is best equipped to determine which spots on your body are most concerning.”
