Learn More About Skin Checks
Receiving routine skin checks is key to early detection and prevention of skin conditions. At Florida Dermatology Specialists, we offer this and other skin health services to our patients.
Skin Checks Explained
A skin check, also called a full body skin examination, is a routine visit where one of our clinicians can examine your skin for any signs of skin cancer or other abnormalities. This head-to-toe exam is essential for identifying skin cancer as early as possible, minimizing long-term skin damage and ensuring a successful treatment. Patients at risk for skin cancer should receive regular full body skin exams, particularly those who spend a lot of time in the sun or notice any changes in the skin.
How Skin Checks Work
During your skin check, you’ll be asked to remove your clothing and change into a gown so that every area of the skin can be examined. Some patients prefer to keep on their undergarments for the examination. While this is perfectly acceptable, patients are encouraged to self-examine those areas on a routine basis to watch for any signs of skin cancer that their dermatologist won’t be able to see. It is best to come without makeup, nail polish, or product in your hair so all parts can be thoroughly examined. Hair should be worn loose, as well. During the exam, your dermatologist will look over your skin to identify signs of skin cancer. If nothing is found, this exam only takes a few minutes. However, if a suspicious growth is discovered, we may recommend a skin biopsy to determine whether the growth is cancerous.
