full body skin screenings

When I do a full body skin screening, I am mostly looking for skin cancers. Skin cancers can look in a variety of different ways, but I am most concerned about the big, dark scary looking moles: melanoma. Melanoma is usually on sun-exposed surfaces, but it doesn't have to be! This is why we look at places the sun might not see, like in your scalp or between the toes.

When I am looking for a melanoma, I am going through a checklist in my head called the ABCDE's of melanoma. They are as follows:

Asymmetry. A mole that is not the same on both sides

Boarders, especially ones that are jagged or irregular

Color, such as a very dark color or 2 or more colors

Diameter - especially if it is bigger than a pencil eraser

Evolution. Has your mole changed?

Sometimes I like to add an extra one... "S" for "smells funny".

No, they don't actually smell! But if you have a funny feeling about it, or it seems funny to you, then it is worth it to get checked out!

How to prepare for a full body skin screening:

1. Make sure your skin is clean and makeup free. This ensures we see all your moles and can address any concerns in the office.

2. Remove your nail polish. For a comprehensive exam, your derm provider should be analyzing your nails!

3. Don't forget to shower! Aside from making you feel your best, if we need to do a same-day biopsy, we usually don't want you to get the area wet for the next 24 hours.