Booking your first full body skin check is one of those things people put off simply because they do not know what to expect. Will you need to undress completely? Will it be uncomfortable? Is it going to take five minutes or fifty? These are completely normal questions, and this article answers them plainly, step by step.
Camberwell Health is an accredited skin cancer clinic, and skin checks are one of the things we do most often. November is National Skin Cancer Action Week, which makes it a fitting time to demystify the process for anyone who has been putting it off.
Why a Full Body Skin Check Matters
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and early detection makes a genuine difference to how straightforward treatment is. A full body skin check is a systematic, head-to-toe examination of your skin by a doctor trained to recognise the signs of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
The key word is systematic. It is not a quick glance at the spots you are worried about. It is a structured examination of areas you might never think to check yourself, including your scalp, between your toes, your back and other spots that are genuinely difficult to see without help.
Before Your Appointment
There is no special preparation required, but a few small things make the appointment run more smoothly:
- Avoid wearing makeup, fake tan or nail polish on the day if possible, as these can obscure skin changes
- Try to remember when any spot you are concerned about first appeared or changed
- If you have had previous skin cancers or family history of melanoma, mention this when booking so your doctor has context going in
- Wearing simple, easy to remove clothing helps the appointment move efficiently
Step by Step: What Happens During the Check
1. A Chat First
Your doctor will start by asking about your skin cancer risk factors. This includes things like your history of sun exposure, whether you have had bad sunburns in the past, your family history, your skin type, and whether you have noticed any new or changing spots yourself. This context genuinely shapes what the doctor pays closest attention to.
2. The Physical Examination
You will be asked to undress to your underwear, and a gown or drape is provided for privacy throughout. Your doctor then examines your skin systematically from head to toe, including areas that are easy to miss at home such as:
- Your scalp, part by part
- Behind your ears
- Your back and shoulders
- Between your fingers and toes
- The soles of your feet
- Skin folds and less visible areas
You are welcome to ask your doctor to skip any area you are not comfortable with, though it is worth understanding that skin cancers can and do occur in less obvious spots, which is exactly why a full check is more thorough than checking the areas you can see yourself in a mirror.
3. A Closer Look at Anything of Interest
If your doctor notices a spot that needs a closer look, they may use a handheld magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. This allows a much more detailed view of the pigment pattern and structure of a mole or lesion than the naked eye alone, and it is a routine, painless part of the examination.
4. Discussion and Next Steps
At the end of the check, your doctor will talk you through what they found. Most of the time, this means reassurance that nothing concerning was identified. If something does need further attention, your doctor will explain the recommended next step, which might include monitoring a spot over time, a referral, or further investigation. Every next step is explained in plain language before you leave.
How Long Does It Take?
A thorough full body skin check typically takes longer than a standard consultation, since a proper head-to-toe examination cannot be rushed. Exact appointment length can vary depending on your skin and history, so it is worth booking the appropriate appointment type via HotDoc rather than a short standard consultation.
How Often Should You Get One?
How frequently you need a skin check depends on your individual risk factors, including skin type, sun exposure history, and whether you or your family have a history of skin cancer. Rather than following a generic rule, this is worth discussing directly with your doctor so your check-up schedule actually fits your risk profile.
What Happens If Something Is Found
Finding something during a skin check is common and does not automatically mean a serious diagnosis. Many spots flagged for a closer look turn out to be harmless once properly examined or biopsied. If your doctor does recommend further investigation, they will walk you through exactly what that involves and why.
Why Choose an Accredited Skin Cancer Clinic
Camberwell Health is an accredited skin cancer clinic, meaning our doctors have additional training specifically in skin cancer detection and management. Dr Sivarajah and Dr Hanna hold skin cancer accreditation, and skin checks here are backed by our Quality Practice Accreditation as a clinic overall.
Booking Your Skin Check
If it has been a while since your last check, or you have never had one, there is no better time than now. You can book a skin check appointment via HotDoc, call us on (03) 9882 0055, or visit us at 676 Burke Road, Camberwell. Eligible Medicare patients are bulk billed.
This article provides general information only. Please speak with your doctor about your personal skin cancer risk and how often you should be checked.