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When it comes to protecting your skin and your health, early detection is everything. As a dermatology provider, I treat patients from 0 to 120 years old, and I can tell you: if you have moles, a Total Body Skin Exam (TBSE) is for you. Whether you’re coming in for your very first skin check or it’s part of your yearly routine, here’s what you can expect—and why it matters so much.
Why Should You Get a Total Body Skin Exam?
A TBSE is one of the best tools we have to find and treat skin cancer early, when it’s most curable. Many types of skin cancers don’t cause pain or discomfort at first, which means you may not notice them on your own. A thorough, professional skin exam gives us the chance to spot anything unusual before it becomes a bigger concern.
Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone, at any age, and it doesn’t always appear in areas you’d expect. That’s why I recommend a TBSE to anyone with moles, or with a personal or family history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure, or other risk factors.
What Happens During a Total Body Skin Exam?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what your visit will look like:
1. We Start With a Chat
We’ll begin by going over your medical and skin history. I’ll ask you about:
- Any changes you’ve noticed in your moles or skin
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- Your sun habits and skin care routine
Feel free to point out any spots you’re worried about—your input is important!
2. You’ll Change Into a Gown
For the exam, you’ll undress down to your underwear and wear a medical gown. You’re always in control of the exam—we’ll talk through everything, and I’ll make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
Pro tip: Skip makeup and nail polish that day so I can get a clear look at your skin and nail beds.
3. Head-to-Toe Skin Check
I’ll examine your skin from your scalp to your soles using a special lighted magnifier (called a dermatoscope) to take a closer look at any moles or spots.
We check everywhere, including:
- Scalp and behind the ears
- Face, lips, and neck
- Chest, abdomen, back, arms, and legs
- Hands, feet, and between the toes
- Nails and nail beds
- Sensitive areas (only with your consent, and always respectfully)
The whole exam typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on how many moles you have and what we find.
4. We Discuss the Plan
If I notice anything suspicious, I may take a photo to monitor the spot or recommend a biopsy, which is a quick and simple procedure to collect a sample. We’ll go over what I found and talk about next steps if needed.
I’ll also share skin care tips and sun protection strategies personalized for you.
Skin Checks are Comfortable and Professional
I get it—some patients feel nervous about getting undressed for a skin exam. Please know this: I do this every day, and I approach every exam with professionalism and care. My goal is to make you feel respected, informed, and empowered.
How Often Should You Get a Skin Check?
- Once a year is a great place to start for most people.
- If you’ve had skin cancer or have a lot of moles, I may recommend more frequent checks.
- Even kids and teens with many moles can benefit from a baseline skin check—it’s never too early to build good habits.
Your Skin Is Worth Annual Exams
A TBSE is a simple, quick, and powerful way to take control of your health. If we find something early, we can treat it early. And that can make all the difference.
So, whether you’re 20 or 120, I’m here to help you stay on top of your skin health. Schedule your TBSE—it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself. To make an appointment with one of the amazing dermatology providers at Vanguard, call 719-355-1585 or schedule online anytime. I can’t wait to see you in the office!
Janette Fant, FNP-C is a nurse practitioner specializing in medical and aesthetic dermatology. She enjoys working with patients to create customized treatment regimens for skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and hair and scalp issues.
