What is a total body skin exam?
A total body skin exam looks for skin cancer at every location on your body, not just areas typically exposed to the sun. While skin cancer is often found in areas that get a lot of sun exposure, melanoma often appears in areas that do not get sun and that are hard for you to examine on your own. Plus, if you have skin cancer in a sun-exposed area, it may have spread to other areas.
The doctors ask you to remove all of your clothing and put on a hospital gown. They then look at predictable areas, such as your nose, cheeks, arms, back, chest, and legs. You’ll also have less accessible areas, such as your armpits, between your toes, anus, genitals, and scalp, examined.
Why is a dermatologist the best person to perform a total body skin test?
Dermatologists are the only medical specialists trained to detect, diagnose, and treat skin conditions. They have training and experience with skin cancer that’s more extensive than your primary care provider. A dermatologist is most likely to catch a suspicious growth or dangerous mole in its earliest stages.
How often should I have a total body skin exam?
The frequency of your total body skin exams depends on your particular health circumstances. The dermatologists at McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery recommend a schedule based on:
- Your medical history and family history of skin cancer
- Your history of sun exposure and tanning bed exposure
- Previous skin cancer history
- Current skin condition
The doctors will also take into consideration any previous precancerous episodes or suspicious moles that have been removed on a precautionary basis in order to determine how often you should come in. Some people are at a greater risk and benefit from more frequent screenings.
How can I avoid getting skin cancer?
A regular total body skin exam goes a long way in detecting skin cancer in its earliest stages. To further protect yourself, follow these steps:
- Always wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher
- Wear protective clothing and sunglasses
- Avoid the sun between 10am and 6pm
These steps can help reduce your risk of skin cancer, especially basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer.
For your total body skin exam, call one of the offices of McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery or book an appointment online.
