What To Expect During A Skin Check?
- Author: Eli Waters Medical Centre
- Published:
As the largest organ in our body, the skin is essential to our overall health and well-being. It protects us from external elements, regulates our body temperature and helps us sense our environment. However, it’s also susceptible to various skin conditions, including skin cancer, which is why regular skin checks are crucial.
At Eli Waters Medical Centre, we recommend scheduling a skin check at least once a year. During your skin check appointment, our experienced and qualified doctors will examine your skin to identify any potential issues and provide necessary treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect during a skin check at Eli Waters Medical Centre.
Check-in and preparation
When you arrive at our clinic for your appointment, our friendly reception staff will greet you and ask you to complete some paperwork, including your medical history and any previous skin-related issues. We’ll also ask you to remove any clothing or jewellery that could obstruct the examination.
Full-body examination
Once you’re ready, our doctor will begin the skin check by conducting a full-body examination. This process involves examining your skin, from head to toe, looking for any unusual spots, moles or lesions.
Our doctors are trained to identify various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. They will also look for other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections.
Close examination of suspicious spots
If our doctor identifies any suspicious spots or lesions during the full-body examination, they will conduct a closer examination of those areas. This may involve using a dermatoscope, a tool that magnifies the skin’s surface to help identify any abnormalities or changes in colour, shape or texture.
If our doctor suspects a lesion may be cancerous, they may perform a biopsy to remove a small sample of tissue for further examination in a laboratory.
Education and advice
Once the examination is complete, our doctor will provide you with information about any skin-related issues they have identified, including their diagnosis and treatment options. If you have any questions or concerns, our doctors are always happy to provide additional information and advice.
They can also offer guidance on how to maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer, such as wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds and regularly checking your skin for changes.
Follow-up appointments
If our doctor identifies any skin-related issues that require further monitoring or treatment, they may recommend follow-up appointments. For example, if a biopsy confirms a lesion is cancerous, our doctor may refer you to a specialist for treatment.
At Eli Waters Medical Centre, we understand skin checks can be a daunting experience, especially if you’ve never had one before. However, our friendly and experienced doctors will do their best to make you feel comfortable throughout the process and answer any questions you may have.
We also offer a range of other services to help you maintain your overall health and well-being, including vaccinations, women’s health checks and chronic disease management.
Benefits of regular skin checks
Regular skin checks offer numerous benefits. Firstly, they can help identify any skin-related issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and better outcomes. Skin cancer, for example, can quickly spread and become life-threatening if left untreated, while chances of successful treatment are often higher with early detection.
Secondly, skin checks can provide peace of mind, particularly for individuals with a higher risk of developing skin cancer, such as those with fair skin, a history of sunburns or a family history of skin cancer.
Lastly, skin checks can be an opportunity to learn more about how to care for your skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Our doctors at Eli Waters Medical Centre are always happy to provide education and advice on sun protection, skincare and healthy habits.
In conclusion, regular skin checks are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and identifying potential health problems. If you’re due for a skin check or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us today. Our experienced and qualified doctors are here to help you maintain healthy skin and overall well-being.
