Confidence. Comfort. Caution: Why Annual Skin Exams Are Essential

We often take our skin for granted. We put it through the wringer with sun exposure, cleaning products, pools, perfumes, make-up, detergents, and more. We scratch it when it itches. We simply roll our eyes when we bump a table corner and get a bruise or a scratch. It’s one of our most essential lines of protection, and yet we often give it very little respect.

It might be hard to believe that a tiny little mole, a dry patch, or an abnormal spot, could end up putting you through a myriad of treatments…even hospitalization or death. It may sound fatalistic, but it’s painfully true. This is why annual skin exams are so important to include in your health maintenance routine. These visits are just as crucial as yearly physicals, pap smears, dental cleanings etc. Don’t worry though, we do have GOOD news to share. Most skin cancers are very treatable when caught early!

So, what should you expect at your annual skin exam?

Your dermatologist, just like any physician, will need to know your medical history. You should come prepared to give details about your medical background and family medical histories, and should have a list of medications, dosages, and allergies handy. If you are using any dermatologic medications or creams, you should bring those with you.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll be taken to an exam room while the dermatologist reviews your chart. You’ll be given a gown and asked to undress to your comfort level. If you have any specific concerns or questions, this waiting period is a good time to get those fresh on your mind as this will likely be one of the first questions your doctor asks. Your provider will want to know about any spots, moles, rashes, persistent acne, or discomforts you experience.

Before you leave, your dermatologist will discuss good habits that you should practice for healthy skin maintenance. They will also assess your individual risk for skin cancer and let you know when or how often they’d like to see you back in the office based on these risks and the findings of your exam.

Remember, there’s no need to fear a skin exam! The risks of NOT being proactive are far greater than the risks of a simple full body check or even biopsies and treatments. We also want to make sure you are comfortable. Annual skin exams, like many yearly checkups, can feel vulnerable. At Ducharme Dermatology we want to help you feel safe and comfortable during every appointment. Our front desk and nursing staff are compassionate, understanding, experienced, and respectful and look forward to being part of these important visits for you. Dr. Erin Ducharme is a board-certified dermatologist with years of experience and a passion for helping her patients. Using state of the art technology and skilled techniques, Dr. Ducharme and our team are committed to keeping you and your skin safe and healthy.

Rashes, acne, warts, and other skin conditions can hinder confidence and be uncomfortable, and early detection of skin cancer saves lives! Contact us today to schedule your annual exam and have peace of mind about the health of your skin.

Your dermatologist will then thoroughly examine your skin from head to toe and will make notes about any spots or areas that need additional treatment or monitoring. To determine whether any questionable or larger moles need to be treated, removed, or monitored they will use a dermatoscope to take a closer view of each spot. This device uses light and precise magnification so your provider can closely examine any lesions of concern. If a mole or spot does not seem like it needs urgent treatment, but they want to monitor it, they may take photos and/or measurements so any changes can be noted at your next visit.

If they determine a concerning mole needs to be removed and biopsied, they can perform that procedure the same day. There’s no need to panic! Most of the time, this is simply a precaution, and most moles will come back typical. However, if there are any atypical or cancerous cells, this ensures they are caught quickly, and you can start treatment ASAP.

To perform a simple biopsy, the area will be injected with a local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, your dermatologist will shave or scrape the spot on your skin and will prepare the specimen to be sent off for evaluation. You will typically hear back from the dermatopathologist within 10 to 14 days of your appointment, and if additional treatment or appointments are recommended based on the results, they will schedule those during that call.

There are many other treatments your physician can perform or begin in the same appointment as your exam if timing allows, such as cryotherapy on pesky warts, laser treatments on small burst blood vessels, and prescribing medication or injections for rashes, psoriasis, eczema, or acne. If additional treatment is needed for skin conditions, your dermatological team will create an individualized treatment plan and our front desk staff will get you scheduled for future appointments.