Skin Checks / Exams

Skin Checks

When it comes to skin health, prevention is key. Skincare routine and habits should include regular skin checks. Skin checks are vital because they allow for the early detection of skin cancer which can greatly reduce one’s chances of developing more serious and potentially life-threatening forms of the disease.

What Are Skin Checks?

Skin checks are simply exams of the skin where a medical professional looks for signs of abnormal skin growth or lesions. Normally, moles, freckles, or other discolorations could indicate something more serious and thus require a more thorough examination and/or diagnostic testing.

People should know and be aware of any spots on their skin that are new or different from their other spots, so they can determine if it is something that should be monitored or have further examination.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are many forms of skin cancer, but the most common forms are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common kind of skin cancer and usually appears as a raised, waxy, and/or pearly-colored bump on the skin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common kind of skin cancer and usually appears as a hard, scaly, or crusty bump.

Melanoma: This is the most lethal type of skin cancer and usually appears as a flat or raised, pigmented area. In addition, this type of skin cancer can present itself as a mole or any kind of spot on the skin that is darker than its surroundings.

Who Is At Risk for Skin Cancer?

Anyone can be at risk for developing skin cancer, but some people are at a higher risk than others. These people include those with fair skin, those who have had sun exposure for a long time, those with a family history of skin cancer, and those with a history of working in the sun or tanning frequently.

Importance of Regular Skin Checks

Regular and thorough skin checks, whether done by yourself or with a healthcare provider, can greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer. When one regularly checks their skin, they can spot changes in moles or potential new lesions that may warrant further examination. This makes it easier to detect the early signs of skin cancer and get appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Skin checks are also beneficial to people with dark skin tones since it is more difficult to spot skin changes. Thus, many of them may not realize they may be at risk.

When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is the best medicine. Regular skin checks can help spot potential issues before they become serious. If you notice any new or different spots on your skin, make an appointment with one of our providers at Fiore Dermatology for a more thorough examination. This can help you avoid any further complications and reduce the risk of skin cancer.