A short, friendly visit, not something to worry about
A full body skin exam is a calm, straightforward visit where a dermatology provider looks carefully at your skin from head to toe. Most exams take only 10 to 15 minutes and are one of the most effective ways to catch skin cancer early, when it is most treatable.
If this is your first time, knowing what to expect makes the visit easier. Below is a simple walk-through of how to prepare, what we look at, and what comes next.
How to prepare
A few small steps before your appointment make the exam more thorough and the visit easier on you.
Make a short list of concerns
Jot down any spots that are new, changing, itchy, bleeding, or just do not feel right. A list helps make sure nothing gets missed during your visit.
Bring photos if you have them
If you have taken pictures of a spot over time, share them with your provider. Even a quick phone photo with a coin or fingertip for scale is helpful.
Skip makeup and nail polish
On the day of your visit, skip foundation, heavy moisturizer, and nail polish on fingers and toes so your skin and nail beds can be seen clearly.
Know your history
Be ready to share any personal or family history of skin cancer, prior biopsies, blistering sunburns, tanning bed use, or medicines that suppress your immune system.
What to wear
Wear something comfortable that is easy to change out of. When you arrive, you will be given a medical gown to change into so the exam can be done thoroughly while keeping you covered.
- You will only have one area uncovered at a time during the exam.
- Remove nail polish from fingers and toes so your nail beds can be seen.
- Skip makeup, heavy moisturizers, or self-tanner on the day of your visit.
- If you wear a wig or hairpiece, you can leave it on and remove it briefly for the scalp check.
- A chaperone is available at any time, just ask.
Your comfort and dignity come first. You are always in control of the exam and can ask questions at any time.
What areas may be checked
A full body skin exam looks at the skin from head to toe. Your provider may use a handheld magnifier called a dermatoscope to take a closer look at any spot of interest.
Face, scalp, and ears
Your provider parts the hair to look at the scalp and checks behind the ears, the eyelids, and the lips, all common spots for skin cancer.
Neck, shoulders, and back
Sun-exposed areas like the neck, shoulders, and upper back are checked carefully, including spots you may not be able to see yourself.
Arms, hands, and fingernails
Arms, forearms, the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails are examined, since changes can show up in any of these areas.
Chest, abdomen, and trunk
The front of the trunk is reviewed for new or changing moles, including areas that are usually covered by clothing.
Legs, feet, and toenails
Thighs, lower legs, ankles, soles of the feet, between the toes, and under the toenails are checked. Spots in these areas can be easy to miss at home.
Sensitive areas, only if you want
More private areas are checked only with your permission. You are always in control of what is examined, and a chaperone is available on request.
You decide what is examined. Tell your provider if there is any area you would rather not have checked, and they will respect your wishes.
Photos of changing spots
Photos taken at home are one of the most helpful tools you can bring to a skin exam, especially for a spot that you think has changed. They give your provider a before-and-after view that the eye alone cannot reproduce.
Simple tips for at-home photos
- Use good, even lighting. Daylight near a window works well.
- Hold the phone steady and tap to focus before taking the picture.
- Include something for scale, such as a coin or your fingertip next to the spot.
- Take one wider photo to show the location on the body and one close-up of the spot itself.
- Re-take a photo of the same spot every 1 to 3 months if you are watching it.
Bring the photos on your phone or email them ahead of time. If your provider sees a spot that is changing, you may also discuss in-office tracking or a small skin biopsy to know for sure what it is.
How often exams may be recommended
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Your provider will recommend an interval based on your skin, your history, and your risk.
Most adults
A yearly full-body skin exam is a reasonable starting point for most adults, especially in Alaska, where outdoor activities and reflected light from snow and water add up over time.
Higher-risk patients
If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, many atypical moles, a weakened immune system, prior radiation, or significant sun exposure, your provider may suggest exams every 6 months or more often.
After a skin cancer diagnosis
After a diagnosis of basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma skin cancer, more frequent follow-up exams are common, especially in the first few years.
Anytime something changes
You do not need to wait for your next scheduled exam. If you notice a new spot, a changing mole, or a sore that will not heal, call to come in sooner.
Types of Skin Cancer
Learn the differences between basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma skin cancers.
Read the guideSkin Cancer Screening
More on yearly screenings, who should consider them, and what to expect.
Learn moreSchedule an Exam
Request a full body skin exam at our Wasilla or Anchorage office.
Book an appointmentIf a spot needs a closer look
Most spots seen during a skin exam are not skin cancer. If your provider does want to look more carefully at one, a few simple, low-stress options are usually discussed with you in the room:
- Watch and recheck the spot at a follow-up visit, sometimes with photos for comparison.
- Take a small skin biopsy at the same visit using a local numbing medicine, so the tissue can be checked under a microscope.
- If skin cancer is found, your team will explain the diagnosis and walk you through treatment options at a separate visit.
You will never be rushed into a decision. Questions are always welcome, before, during, and after the visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full body skin exam take?
Most full body skin exams take about 10 to 15 minutes once you are ready. Your first visit may take a little longer because we will also review your medical and skin history.
Does the exam hurt?
A skin exam itself is painless. Your provider looks at the skin and may use a handheld magnifier called a dermatoscope. If a spot needs a closer look, a small biopsy can sometimes be done at the same visit using a local numbing medicine.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear something comfortable and easy to change out of. You will be given a medical gown and your provider will only uncover one area at a time so you stay comfortable and covered during the exam.
Will my hair, makeup, or nail polish be a problem?
We recommend skipping makeup on the day of your visit and removing nail polish from fingers and toes so the skin and nail beds can be fully examined. Hair clips are fine; we will simply part the hair to look at the scalp.
Should I bring photos of changing spots?
Yes. Photos taken at home over time can be very helpful, especially for a spot that you think has changed. A simple phone photo with something for scale, like a coin or a fingertip, is plenty.
How often should I have a skin exam?
A yearly full body skin exam is reasonable for most adults. Patients at higher risk, including those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, many moles, or immune suppression, may be seen more often. Your provider will recommend an interval based on your individual risk.
Where can I have a skin exam?
Advanced Dermatology of Alaska offers full body skin exams in Wasilla and Anchorage. You can request the location that is most convenient for you when you schedule.
A note from our team
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. If you have a spot that concerns you, please schedule a visit. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.