Prevention is a crucial part of any cancer-fighting plan, with sunscreen, avoiding peak UV hours, and more good sun-protection practices representing the first and best line of defense against basal and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as melanoma. The next important piece of the puzzle is routine self-checks, which should be performed monthly. This gives you a chance to notice whether there are any moles or other lesions that are unusual, growing, or changing.

Suspicious spots should be noted and then shown to a dermatologist, who can identify them, perform tests as necessary, and recommend a course of action. An annual full body scan with a qualified dermatologist is a sure way to get an experienced set of eyes watching for anything of concern, as well as an opportunity to point out oddities and get questions answered. Of course, full body scans can also be scheduled if needed at other times.

A full body scan is a close visual examination of all of a patient’s skin, from the scalp to the soles of the feet. It also typically involves looking at a patient’s nails, since problems with nail growth can indicate underlying infections and lesions can develop beneath the nails themselves.

Your dermatologist may also use a magnifying glass and light in order to more closely and clearly look at specific lesions. If anything suspicious is discovered, testing—possibly including a biopsy—can be performed.

The entire full body scan typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Since your dermatologist will need to be able to see all of your skin unobstructed, you will need to arrive at your appointment free of any makeup or other cosmetics that cover the skin. Ideally, you would also refrain from applying any nail polish prior to your appointment—or remove any nail polish that is already on.

A scalp examination requires that the hair be loose and not held in place with hairspray, gel, pomade, or other products.

Basically, you want all of your skin to be as accessible and natural as possible.

Since a full body scan requires checking everywhere, plan to wear loose and comfortable clothing and shoes to your appointment. You will change out of these and into an exam garment provided by Hudson Dermatology for the duration of your full body exam.

The primary goal of a full body scan is to detect signs of potential skin cancer, but there are other medical dermatology conditions that may be noted or discussed, including acne, chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema, vitiligo, pre-cancerous actinic keratoses, benign moles, warts (including genital warts), molluscum contagiosum, hair loss, and more.