Annual Full Body Skin Checks: Why You Need One & What to Expect

December 2024

Welcome to another edition of Derm Deep Dive, where we tap into the expertise of our board-certified dermatologists to explore key topics in skincare. This time, we’re speaking with Dr. Joan Sisto, a board-certified dermatologist passionate about skin cancer prevention, to discuss the critical role of annual full-body skin checks in detecting and preventing skin cancer—and what you can expect during your appointment.

Dr. Sisto brings her extensive expertise to our Portsmouth, Stratham, and York locations. A graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, she completed her dermatology residency at Montefiore Hospital, serving as Chief Resident in her final year. Committed to giving back, Dr. Sisto has participated in numerous free skin cancer screenings on the Seacoast of New Hampshire and southern Maine, volunteers at Portsmouth’s Families First and Salvation Army Soup Kitchen for many years. She also has participated in Medical Missions to Honduras though Cape Cares. Join us as we delve into her insights on the importance of comprehensive skin exams and how they can help protect your skin health.

Skin Cancer Awareness Starts With Skin Checks

Early detection of skin cancer makes a significant difference in the effectiveness of treatment. Skin cancer is usually visible but often goes undetected, especially in places on the body that are harder to see, like the back or neck. Skin cancer detection and prevention starts with skin checks.

It can be a little daunting to go in for a skin check, so let’s dive into how it works, what to expect, and what you can do at home to practice good skin health and skin cancer awareness.

The 4-1-1 on Skin Checks

What to Expect From Your Dermatologist

We understand that it can be intimidating to come in for a full-body skin check. At Optima our team strives to make the appointment as easy and stress-free as possible, and part of that comfort starts with being very upfront and clear about what to expect during the skin check.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens during a routine skin full body skin check:

Skin checks typically take 10-20 minutes depending on your needs. Your provider will first ask if you have any specific questions or concerns, as well as for your medical and family history to understand if you’re at a higher risk for certain skin cancers.

For higher-risk patients, your provider will pay close attention to regions of the body that are susceptible to that type of skin cancer and will continue monitoring for that cancer over time with future scheduled appointments.

Your provider will conduct a head-to-toe exam, making note of any areas on your skin that we should keep an eye on or anything that may need to be tested further.

Often, patients express concerns about moles or other birthmarks, if your dermatologist is concerned about a spot, they will take biopsies of those areas and test them to resolve any worries about skin cancer. At Optima Dermatology, we go out of our way to dispel your fears and create a comfortable environment.

Doing a Skin Check at Home

You can – and should – conduct skin checks at home once each month. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you conduct effective at-home skin checks:

Use a full-length mirror in a brightly lit space to examine the front, back, right, and left sides of your body. Raise your arms to view hard-to-see places.

Examine your underarms, forearms, the palms of your hands, and your fingernails.

Look at the soles of your feet, your toenails, the spaces between your toes, and the backs of your feet and legs.

Examine your neck and scalp using a small hand mirror, being sure to part your hair for a better look at different areas of your scalp.

Check your back and buttocks, also using a hand mirror.

It’s often helpful to follow the ABCDE rule for at-home skin checks:

A – Asymmetry: One side of the mole is not like the other.

B – Border: There is an irregular or poorly defined border around the mole.

C – Color: The mole is multiple shades of color (usually brown), but can also be pinkish or even black.

D – Diameter: A mole diagnosed with Melanoma is typically the size of an eraser head or larger, but it can be smaller.

E – Evolving: Your mole either looks very different from other moles on your body or has changed in appearance from when you first noticed it. These evolutions can include color, size, or shape.

For more specific direction, I recommend you also keep an eye out for:

Moles or birthmarks that grow, thicken, or change in color or texture, especially if larger than a pencil eraser.

Dark spots or skin growths that are new or changing, particularly those with tan, brown, black, or multi-colored hues.

Sores or spots that itch, bleed, crust, scab, or fail to heal.

Conducting at-home skin checks is an excellent habit that can help you notice new or changing areas on your skin. However, these checks should not replace your annual full-body skin exam with a dermatologist. A professional skin check is a crucial step in detecting skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The good news is that when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Combining regular at-home checks with annual dermatologist visits is the best way to ensure early detection and timely treatment.

As Dr. Sisto often advises her patients: “We’re living longer than ever, so it’s important to take good care of our bodies.” Just as you care for your eyes with sunglasses and regular eye exams, your teeth with brushing, flossing, and dental visits, and your cardiovascular health with exercise and social connections—your skin deserves that same level of care. Your dermatologist is here to help you protect and maintain your skin health.

If you have concerns about your skin or are ready to schedule your annual skin check, make an appointment with Optima Dermatology today. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide expert care for your skin health.