When Should You Visit a Skin Check Clinic To Avoid Skin Problems?
Taking care of your skin is super important. Visiting the skin check clinic like Sundoctors Australia for regular skin check ups can help catch problems early and keep your skin looking and feeling its best. But when exactly should you start getting skin checkups? And what happens during them?
Read on to learn all about skin checkups and why they matter so much.
Why Skin Checkups Are Important
Your skin is your body’s biggest organ. It covers and protects everything inside you. So you want to keep it healthy.
Skin checkups help do just that. At a checkup with your doctor, perhaps a Singapore dermatologist, they look over your entire body to spot any issues or changes. This is a big help in catching skin cancers and other problems as early as possible.
The earlier a problem gets found, the better. Treatment works much better on new, small issues versus big, advanced ones. Early treatment can stop many skin problems before they become serious.
What Age Should You Start Skin Checkups?
Doctors recommend starting skin cancer screenings at the age of 20 or 21. Screenings every 3 years are advised for people ages 20-40 who have average risk.
As you get older, checkups become even more important. The risk for all skin cancers goes up with age. Rates of melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, double every 8 to 10 years after age 40.
So doctors advise getting a full skin exam every year starting by age 40. Those at higher risk may need them even more often.
What Happens During a Skin Checkup
At your appointment, the doctor will first ask some questions about your health history. They’ll want to know if you’ve had skin issues before, or if skin cancer runs in your family.
Then comes the skin exam itself. The doctor will have you undress so they can check everywhere on your body, including your scalp, between your toes, and your private areas.
Using a bright light, they look for any unusual moles, growths, or spots. They check the size, shape, and color of spots, plus feel for changes in texture. Usually, the exam takes 10 to 15 minutes.
If the doctor finds anything worrisome during the screening, they will take a biopsy. That means using a tool to take a tiny sample of the spot. This gets sent to a lab to check for cancer cells under a microscope.
How to Make the Most of Your Appointment
To get the best results from your skin checkup, be sure to:
- Examine your own skin beforehand. Point out any odd moles or changes to the doctor.
- Don’t schedule the appointment right after a sunburn or tan. Wait at least 2 weeks so your skin is back to normal.
- Be ready to undress fully. Wear clothes that are easy to take off.
- Ask any questions. Speak up if you have concerns about your skin or family history.
- Follow all advice about future checkups and screenings.
Conclusion
Catching problems early is the name of the game. So be sure to start skin cancer screenings at age 20-21 and keep up with yearly exams throughout adulthood. Visiting the doctor regularly gives your skin the best chance to stay healthy and glowing.
