Get ready for your dermatology appointment with this guide to skin self-exams, documenting moles, preparing questions, and understanding screening results.
Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas. The average adult has 10-40 moles. A self-exam should take 10-15 minutes and cover every surface including between your toes and your scalp.
Photograph any moles or spots that concern you
Place a ruler or coin next to the spot for scale. Take photos in natural light with your phone camera. Comparing photos over 3-6 months is the most reliable way to detect subtle changes in size or color.
Apply the ABCDE rule to evaluate suspicious moles
A = Asymmetry, B = Border irregularity, C = Color variation, D = Diameter over 6mm (pencil eraser size), E = Evolving shape or color. Melanoma detected early has a 99% five-year survival rate versus 32% when found late.
Note any new spots, itchy patches, or non-healing sores
A sore that does not heal within 3 weeks warrants evaluation. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer, often appears as a pearly bump or a flat, flesh-colored lesion. About 3.6 million cases are diagnosed annually in the US.
Documents and History to Prepare
Compile your history of sunburns and tanning bed use
Five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15-20 increases melanoma risk by 80%. Any indoor tanning before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%. Be honest with your dermatologist about your exposure history.
List your family history of skin cancer
Having a first-degree relative with melanoma doubles your risk. About 10% of melanoma cases are familial. If multiple family members have been diagnosed, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling.
Bring a list of current skincare products and medications
Retinoids, certain antibiotics, and some blood pressure medications increase sun sensitivity. Your dermatologist needs to know about supplements too, as high-dose biotin can interfere with lab test results.
Note any previous biopsies or skin procedures and their results
Bring pathology reports if you have them. A history of atypical moles means you should have full-body exams every 6-12 months instead of annually. Past melanoma increases your risk of a second melanoma by 9 times.
Day-of Visit Preparation
Remove all nail polish from fingers and toes
Melanoma can develop under nails and appears as a dark streak. About 3.5% of melanoma cases are subungual (under the nail). Clear nails allow your dermatologist to examine these often-overlooked areas.
Skip makeup, heavy lotions, and self-tanner on exam day
Cosmetics can hide skin changes and make it harder to evaluate color and texture. Arrive with clean, bare skin. Self-tanner in particular masks mole borders and makes color assessment nearly impossible.
Wear loose, easy-to-remove clothing
A full-body skin exam takes 10-15 minutes and requires you to change into a gown. Wear a two-piece outfit rather than a one-piece dress or jumpsuit to make the process quicker.
Style your hair to allow scalp examination
Avoid tight braids or heavy styling products. About 6% of melanomas occur on the scalp, and these tend to be more aggressive with a lower survival rate. Part your hair in sections so your doctor can see your entire scalp.
Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist
Ask how often you should have full-body skin checks
For average-risk adults, annual exams are standard. High-risk patients (fair skin, history of sunburns, family history) may need checks every 3-6 months. People with more than 50 moles are at higher risk and need closer monitoring.
Ask about your specific skin type and sun protection needs
The Fitzpatrick scale rates skin types I-VI. Types I-II (fair, burns easily) need SPF 30-50 daily. Even type V-VI skin (dark, rarely burns) needs sun protection, as melanoma in people of color is often diagnosed later and has worse outcomes.
Discuss any chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or rosacea
About 31 million Americans have eczema and 50 million have acne. Bring a log of flare-ups noting triggers, duration, and what treatments you have tried. This helps your doctor adjust your treatment plan more precisely.
Ask about mole mapping or dermoscopy if you have many moles
Digital dermoscopy magnifies moles 10-70 times and stores images for comparison. Total body photography creates a baseline map of all your moles. These tools detect melanoma 20-30% earlier than visual inspection alone.
Post-Visit Follow-Up
Follow biopsy care instructions if any spots were sampled
Keep the biopsy site covered with petroleum jelly and a bandage for 24-48 hours. Results typically take 7-14 days. Most biopsied spots are benign, but about 1 in 5 suspicious moles biopsied turns out to be atypical or cancerous.
Call for biopsy results if you have not heard back in 2 weeks
Do not assume no news is good news. Call your doctor's office directly. If results show atypical cells, your doctor will discuss whether further excision is needed, which is typically a minor office procedure.
Implement the sunscreen routine your dermatologist recommended
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to exposed skin, using about 1 ounce (a shot glass full) for your body. Reapply every 2 hours outdoors. Daily sunscreen use reduces melanoma risk by 50%.
Set a reminder for monthly self-exams between appointments
Monthly self-exams catch 53% of melanomas before they spread. Pick a consistent day each month, such as the first of the month. Use a body map diagram to track changes and note the location of any new or changed spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a skin cancer screening?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual full-body skin exams for everyone, though your dermatologist may adjust frequency based on risk. If you have fair skin, a history of sunburns, more than 50 moles, or a family history of melanoma, screenings every 6 months may be warranted. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation.
What does a full-body skin exam involve?
The dermatologist examines your entire skin surface in a well-lit room, including your scalp, between toes, and under nails. The exam takes 10-15 minutes. They use a dermatoscope (a magnifying instrument with light) to closely inspect suspicious moles. You will be in a gown, and a chaperone can be present if you prefer.
What are the ABCDE signs of melanoma?
A is for Asymmetry (one half does not match the other), B for Border irregularity (ragged or blurred edges), C for Color variation (multiple shades of brown, black, red, or blue), D for Diameter larger than 6mm (pencil eraser size), and E for Evolving (changing size, shape, or color). Any one of these warrants an immediate dermatologist visit.
Should I remove makeup before a dermatology appointment?
Yes, arrive with a clean face and no nail polish on fingers and toes. Makeup conceals discolorations, rashes, and lesions that your dermatologist needs to see. Skip self-tanner for at least a week before your appointment since it alters skin color and makes it harder to assess moles accurately.
Does insurance cover dermatology checkups?
Medical insurance typically covers dermatology visits for specific complaints (suspicious moles, rashes, acne) with your standard specialist copay of $30-$75. Purely cosmetic consultations (wrinkle treatment, skin brightening) are not covered. A preventive skin cancer screening is covered by most plans but may require a referral from your primary care doctor depending on your insurer.