What Happens During A Skin Check With A Dermatologist?

What Happens During A Skin Check With A Dermatologist? So, you have an appointment with a dermatologist and they’re going to do a “skin test“. I’m sure you have a ton of questions! “What is a skin check?” “How should I prepare for it?” “What even is a dermatologist?!”

Don’t worry! Many people get nervous before seeing a specialist, but after reading this article, hopefully, you’re nerves are relaxed!

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a certified medical doctor. They will either be a DO or MD and be licensed with their state medical board. To become a dermatologist they had to go through many years of schooling.

They had 4 years at an undergraduate college, 4 years at medical school, and then residency. Their residency was 1 year as an intern and then 3 years in specializing in dermatology.

Dermatologists may work with nurse practitioners or physician assistants who have shorter lengths of clinical training. These practitioners can also see patients on their own. The office will also have nurses or certified medical aides to improve patient care.

What is a skin check?

When the dermatologist comes into the room they will examine your whole body. They will even look at your scalp and between your toes! If you have a history of skin cancer or risk factors they may even look at your mouth and eyelids.

Some doctors will check your genital areas. Some may choose to skip it due to the low risk of skin cancer in those regions. If you have a concern about your genital areas, be sure to mention it to your dermatologist during your appointment.

Additionally, during your appointment, the dermatologist makes use of something called a dermatoscope. It is a tool that is like a magnifying glass with a flashlight. This allows the doctor to get a better look at your skin.

Who needs a skin check?

The short answer is everyone! Experts recommend a skin check every year by a dermatologist or other medical professional. You should especially consider this if you have risk factors for skin cancer.

You should also inspect your own skin for changes from your scalp to your toes about every 3 months!

How to prepare for the appointment

Look at your body and make note of any areas of concern. An area of concern can be remembered with the acronym: ABCDE. A is for asymmetry, meaning your skin, mole or blemish, doesn’t look the same throughout.

One-sided may be lopsided compared to the other. B is for the border. Is the border regular or does the mole reach out towards other areas of skin? An irregular border is another area of concern.

C is for color, is the area the same color or are there different shades of brown or red visible? The less regularity the more concerning. D is for diameter. If the mole or blemish is larger than 1/4 inches in diameter, this may be concerning.

Finally, E, which stands for evolution. A mole that has changed quite a bit is something you should mention to your doctor.

What are risk factors for skin cancer?

Things that increase your risk for skin cancer are those you can’t control. If you have a lighter complexion with red or blonde hair or blue or green eyes your risk is increased. If you burn easily when in the sun or freckle after exposure your risk is also increased.

Also if you have certain types of moles or large moles those can increase your risk. As with all cancers, your risk increases with age. Finally, family history or personal history of skin cancer increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

But, there are lots of things you can do to decrease your risk! This includes wearing protective clothing like hats or sunglasses when in the sun, as well as using sunscreen! Additionally, ending behaviors like the use of tanning beds and smoking will help decrease your risk.

What Happens During A Skin Check With A Dermatologist? –
What happens if he finds something concerning?

If the dermatologist finds an area of skin they are concerned about they may do a few things. If you have few risk factors and only a few of the ABCDE criteria the doctor be conservative.

They may take a picture of the area or document details and follow up with you in a few months. If the dermatologist is more concerned they may take a skin biopsy. A biopsy is when the doctor takes a sample of your skin.

They will make sure the area is numb and then remove a small sample. The results of the biopsy make take 7-10 days to return.