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All-Over Skin Check Question

wellnessmom4 posted:

Hi. I posted this on the skin cancer board but then thought it might be more appropriate to post it here. How long should a good all-over skin check take by a dermatologist or P.A.? I have dozens of freckles, moles, and keratoses on my body (with new ones coming up all of the time it seems), so a few years ago I started getting an annual skin exam at the dermatologist's office. I've seen two different P.A.s there and with both of them it seems the exam is so cursory and quick that I wonder if it's even worthwhile. I would appreciate hearing from others on this board or especially from a professional in this field about what a good skin check should consist of. I may need to try another dermatologist's office, but I do like the practice and really have no idea if I'm getting a good exam there or not! Thanks...

3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:All-Over Skin Check QuestionHi. I posted this on the skin cancer board but then thought it might be more appropriate to post it here. How long should a good all-over skin check take by a dermatologist or P.A.? I have dozens of freckles, moles, and keratoses on my body (with new ones coming up all of the time it seems), so a few years ago I started getting an annual skin exam at the dermatologist's office. I've seen two different P.A.s there and with both of them it seems the exam is so cursory and quick that I wonder if it's even worthwhile. I would appreciate hearing from others on this board or especially from a professional in this field about what a good skin check should consist of. I may need to try another dermatologist's office, but I do like the practice and really have no idea if I'm getting a good exam there or not! Thanks...

Mohiba K Tareen, MD responded:

Dear Wellness,

I would ask if you could actually see the dermatologist for your skin check (instead on the PA) at least once.

If you have no concerning lesions, research from the American Academy of Dermatology shows that a complete skin check can be as quick as 90 seconds.

When I do a skin check, I block 15 minutes so that I can do a complete exam ( I check everywhere- including between all of the toes and the private area) and answer all of my patients' questions.

I hope that helps

Report This| Share this:All-Over Skin Check QuestionDear Wellness, I would ask if you could actually see the dermatologist for your skin check (instead on the PA) at least once. If you have no concerning lesions, research from the American Academy of Dermatology shows that a complete skin check can be as quick as 90 seconds. When I do a skin check, I block 15 minutes so that I can do a complete exam ( I check everywhere- including between all of the toes and the private area) and answer all of my patients' questions. I hope that helps <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">

wellnessmom4 replied to Mohiba K Tareen, MD's response:

When you do the skin check, do you use any sort of magnification (like when examining the face) or do you typically just go with the naked eye? When I examine my face carefully, I see a few questionable little spots (new ones), but I think the P.A. wouldn't notice them unless I point them out (which I will do at my next exam). I will ask if I can see one of the dermatologists this next time so I can compare the exams, too.

Thank you so much for sharing how you do the skin check and about how long it typically takes. It gives me an idea of "normal."

Report This| Share this:All-Over Skin Check QuestionWhen you do the skin check, do you use any sort of magnification (like when examining the face) or do you typically just go with the naked eye? When I examine my face carefully, I see a few questionable little spots (new ones), but I think the P.A. wouldn't notice them unless I point them out (which I will do at my next exam). I will ask if I can see one of the dermatologists this next time so I can compare the exams, too. Thank you so much for sharing how you do the skin check and about how long it typically takes. It gives me an idea of "normal."

Mohiba K Tareen, MD replied to wellnessmom4's response:

My pleasure!

I do use dermoscopy, which is not magnification, but a special dermatologic technique that allows you to see deeper skin structures.

Many derms use dermoscopy and it has been shown to increase the accuracy of exams

Report This| Share this:All-Over Skin Check QuestionMy pleasure! I do use dermoscopy, which is not magnification, but a special dermatologic technique that allows you to see deeper skin structures. Many derms use dermoscopy and it has been shown to increase the accuracy of exams <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">

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Mohiba K Tareen, MD

Mohiba K Tareen, MD is a board certified dermatologist who has an innovative practice in Roseville, Minnesota. Tareen Dermatology ( www.TareenDermato...More