Have you scheduled your full body skin exam this year? It is an exam that could save your life. While you may think you know your skin well enough to detect gradual changes in moles or lesions, it can be very difficult to not only see all parts of your body by yourself but also determine which spots are suspicious if you don’t have the medical training. A board-certified dermatologist carries years of specialized training in detecting cancerous lesions on your skin. A full-body skin check is nothing to be intimidated about; it is quick, painless, and extremely important.
To put your mind at ease, a full-body skin check doesn’t take hours to perform. In fact, it is typically a 15 to 20-minute process that involves one of our dermatologists looking at each body part from head to toe. (Remember that skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body!) Because of their trained eye in detecting skin cancer, our dermatologists can quickly scan your body and take note of the moles or lesions that look concerning. We may use a special magnifying glass to take a closer look at your skin and/or take photographs of moles that we’d like to monitor over time.
It is very important that you come ready to discuss any specific changes in your skin that you have noticed over the past year or less. Your skin history is a valuable component of your full body exam. Other conditions can also be discussed and noted during this appointment such as acne, eczema, rosacea, or warts.
After your exam, we will discuss any follow-up appointments you may need. If there is a suspicious lesion, we may recommend a biopsy or skin excision. This can sometimes be performed at the same appointment if time allows. Depending on the findings of your skin check and your skincare history, we will suggest a timeframe for your next full-body exam.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting approximately one in five people. If not detected early, skin cancer can spread and be fatal. Letting your dermatologist take a careful look at your skin each year can truly save your life. To schedule your full body skin exam with Olansky Dermatology in Atlanta, please contact our office today.
