We typically recommend you start having routine skin exams by the age of 35. However, if you have a family of skin cancer, a history of tanning, or have lesions that are concerning, you should go ahead and make an appointment.

Pediatricians are excellent resources for evaluating worrisome lesions. However, if your child’s pediatrician has any concerns, your child has an abnormal birthmark, or you want a second opinion, one of our dermatology professionals would be happy to evaluate your child.

For patients who don’t have a history of skin cancer or abnormal moles, we recommend an in-office skin exam once a year. Those who have numerous concerning lesions or a history of skin cancer may need to come more often.

Having a skin exam isn’t just for worrisome lesions. A dermatology professional can also check hard-to-see areas, such as your scalp, back, and other difficult-to-assess locations. Moreover, dermatology professionals have a trained eye and can identify lesions that may have concerning features even if the lesion looks “normal” to you.

Monthly self-skin exams are a great idea. See this guide on how to conduct a home self-skin exam. However, it is still important to be evaluated at least once a year by a dermatology professional.

While ultraviolet radiation does play a large role in the development of skin cancer, skin cancers can also arise in skin that has not had much, or any, sun exposure such as the scalp, groin, or bottom of the feet. There is also a genetic component that can predispose otherwise unlikely individuals to skin cancer.

Yes. While melanoma can develop out of a pre-existing mole, it statistically appears more often in a new site, or “de novo.” Melanoma can also affect your eye, nails, or other parts of your body where you don’t think of having moles.

After a bath, stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit area. Use a hand mirror to look at hard-to-see places, such as your scalp, groin, back, and backs of legs.

Start at the top of your scalp and work your way down. Look under your arms, in between your fingers, and check your fingernails for dark spots. Be sure to check under your breasts, in any skin folds, in your groin and buttock, and all the way down your legs.

Sit down to check the bottoms of your feet, in between your toes, and don’t forget to check for dark spots under your toenails.

Typically, you will be chaperoned to a private patient room and be given a gown or drape. You may undress to your level of comfort. For many people, this means removing all clothing except for undergarments. However, some people prefer to remove undergarments as well.

Your dermatology provider will carefully and intentionally review all areas of your body, including your scalp, face, ears, eyelids, lips, neck, chest, abdomen, back, arms, legs, hands and feet, including nails. You may request an exam of the breasts, groin, and buttock or you may decline.

Your provider will point out and discuss any concerning lesions as well as answer any questions you may have about what something is, what changes to watch out for, and what skin care regimen is appropriate for your skin type and needs. Be sure to ask your provider when you need to come back for another evaluation.

While you may wear makeup, even light makeup can obscure what your dermatology provider sees on exam. Therefore, we encourage you to remove your makeup prior to your appointment and reapply if desired before leaving.

Your dermatology provider will never pressure you to undress or expose yourself in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. However, it is important to undress for a thorough exam, as concerning lesions can affect any area of the skin, including hard-to-see or non-sun-exposed places.

Yes. While darker skin types have more natural protection, they are not exempt from getting skin cancer. A little known fact is that the famous reggae singer Bob Marley died at the age of 36 from a melanoma under his nail that metastasized.

Call us at one of our offices to schedule with a dermatology provider.