Skin exams are a visual inspection of the entire body for suspicious growth moles or lesions. Its recommended to have a skin exam every year, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer, a personal history of skin cancer, or have suspicious moles or skin lesions.
Early Detection is Vital
It is not uncommon for an early skin cancer to be dismissed as a stubborn acne bump or even go unnoticed because obvious symptoms are often absent. When left untreated, skin cancers will keep growing and can lead to disfigurement.
How to Prepare for the Full-Body Skin Exam
To prepare for the exam, it’s best to either come to your appointment without foundation or makeup, or to remove it at your appointment. The better the doctor can see your natural skin, the more effective the exam will be.
It is possible to have skin cancer even in areas that don’t get a lot of sun exposure, so the doctor will adjust your gown to systematically examine the skin on each area of your body. Even between your fingers and toes and the bottoms of your feet.
