What to Expect During a Full-Body Skin Exam: Prevention and Early Detection

A skin exam does not physically prevent skin cancer from forming. However, the US Preventive Services Task Force notes that detecting skin cancer early is clearly associated with a lower risk of dying from the disease.

However, it’s natural to wonder or feel a little nervous about what happens during a professional skin check.  

At Idaho Skin Institute, Dr. Earl Stoddard and our team make your comfort our priority. We provide comprehensive medical dermatology services across Chubbuck, Burley, and Twin Falls, Idaho.

Here’s what you can expect during a skin exam.

How should you prepare for your skin exam?

Arriving prepared helps us perform the most accurate evaluation possible. The American Cancer Society recommends arriving with a bare face, clean nails, and loose hair.

Cosmetics and nail polish can easily hide dangerous spots, such as melanoma under a nail or basal cell carcinoma on the scalp. Removing these barriers gives us a clear, unobstructed view of your skin. 

We also suggest doing a quick self-audit at home before you arrive. Note any new or changing moles, freckles, or skin tags so you can point them out to us during your visit. 

What happens during the visual check?

We understand that a full-body check can make you feel vulnerable. To protect your modesty, you will change into a medical gown but can leave your undergarments on.

Our providers will explain each step and ask permission before checking sensitive areas. We only reveal one small section of skin at a time. We carefully check sun-exposed areas and hidden spots, such as the soles of your feet.

You are always in control of your exam. If you want us to skip certain private areas, simply let us know.

Why choose Idaho Skin Institute for your screening?

Not all skin checks are performed the same way. In a 2022 survey of 124 US dermatologists in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, only 69.4% reported usually performing full-body skin exams.

At Idaho Skin Institute, we take skin cancer screening seriously. Dr. Stoddard and our highly trained team customize every exam to your specific risk factors and comfort level. If we find a suspicious spot, we offer advanced treatments right in our offices, including specialized Mohs surgery.

Protecting your skin health starts with a simple, comfortable visit. Contact us today to schedule your skin exam at our Chubbuck, Burley, or Twin Falls office.