Your Skin Check Matters: What Happens During an Annual Skin Exam
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Your skin has a long memory.
Years of sun exposure can eventually show up as brown spots, fine lines, uneven texture, and other changes. More importantly, some skin cancers can develop quietly, without pain or an obvious warning sign.
That's why an annual skin exam, also called a full-body skin exam or skin cancer screening, is an important part of taking care of your skin. It gives your dermatologist the opportunity to spot changes that may be subtle, easy to overlook, or worth monitoring over time.
What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Exam?
The process is straightforward.
You'll change into a gown, and your dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe, including areas that can be difficult to check yourself, such as your scalp, back, ears, and feet.
Your dermatologist may also use a dermatoscope, a small handheld device that provides magnification and specialized lighting to take a closer look at certain moles or spots.
The exam itself is generally quick and painless. What matters is taking the time to look carefully.
What Is Your Dermatologist Looking For?
We're looking for anything that's new, changing, or unusual.
A mole that's looked the same for years is different from one that's recently changed in size, shape, or color. We also look for spots that stand out from the others around them.
The ABCDEs of melanoma can be helpful to keep in mind:
A: Asymmetry. One half doesn't look like the other.
B: Border. The edges are irregular or poorly defined.
C: Color. The spot contains multiple colors or develops a new color.
D: Diameter. A spot larger than about 6 millimeters can be more concerning, although melanoma can be smaller.
E: Evolving. The spot is changing.
That last one is particularly important. If a mole you've had for years suddenly looks different, it's worth having it evaluated.
Skin Cancer Doesn't Always Look Like a Mole
One of the biggest misconceptions about skin cancer is that it always looks like a dark, irregular mole.
It doesn't.
Depending on the type, skin cancer can appear pink, red, skin-colored, shiny, scaly, or crusted. It can even resemble a small sore that doesn't heal.
If a spot is growing, repeatedly bleeding or crusting, or simply isn't healing normally, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
You don't need to figure out what it is first.
What If Something Looks Suspicious?
A suspicious spot doesn't automatically mean skin cancer.
Depending on what your dermatologist sees, the next step may be monitoring the area, photographing it for comparison at a future visit, or performing a skin biopsy.
A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. It's a way to get a clearer answer when a spot needs further evaluation.
Your dermatologist can explain why a biopsy is recommended and what to expect.
Your Skin Exam Is About More Than Skin Cancer
A full-body skin exam can also reveal signs of other skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, infections, and unusual growths.
It's also a good opportunity to talk about sun damage.
Years of UV exposure can contribute to skin cancer risk, but they can also affect the appearance of your skin, leading to brown spots, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, rough texture, and loss of elasticity.
Here in Dallas, cumulative sun exposure is something we see often.
Your dermatologist can talk with you about protecting your skin and, if you're interested, options for improving visible sun damage. Depending on your skin and goals, that might include prescription skincare, laser treatments, or other cosmetic treatments.
How Often Should You Get a Skin Exam?
Despite the name, an annual skin exam isn't necessarily the right schedule for everyone.
Some people benefit from yearly exams, while others may need to be seen more often based on their personal and family history, number and type of moles, previous biopsies, sun exposure, and other risk factors.
Your dermatologist can recommend a screening schedule that's appropriate for you.
And if you've noticed a changing or concerning spot, don't wait for your next routine appointment.
What Should You Watch for at Home?
While you don't need to obsess over every spot, you do want to be familiar enough with your skin to notice when something changes.
Pay attention to anything that's new, growing, changing, bleeding, repeatedly crusting, not healing, or noticeably different from your other moles or spots.
If you're unsure, have it checked.
Take a Closer Look at Your Skin
An annual skin exam is a simple way to stay proactive about your skin health. Sometimes everything looks reassuring. Other times, a spot needs to be monitored, biopsied, or treated. Either way, knowing what's happening with your skin is valuable.
And if you notice a new or changing spot between visits, don't wait for your next annual exam. When it comes to your skin, it's always better to have a question answered than to wonder about it.
If it’s been a while since your last skin exam, We’d be happy to take a closer look and help you stay on top of your skin health. Call (214) 420-3376 to schedule your visit.