Medically reviewed by Jane Yoo, MD, MPP, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Last reviewed 11/04/2026.

The short answer: A full-body skin check is a head-to-toe exam of your skin by a dermatologist, looking for skin cancer and spots that could become cancer. It takes a short visit, is painless, and finds cancers when they are small and easier to treat. How often you need one depends on your personal and family history, skin type and sun exposure.

What happens during the exam

1. You change into a gown. Your dermatologist will check your whole body, including your scalp, between your toes, under your nails and in places the sun rarely reaches.
2. A handheld magnifier called a dermatoscope is used to look closely at moles and spots.
3. Your dermatologist may photograph or map spots to track changes over time.
4. Anything suspicious may be sampled in a quick biopsy, sent to a lab, and discussed with you once results are back.

Who should get checked, and how often

There is no single schedule that fits everyone. Your dermatologist will recommend an interval for you. Reasons to be seen more often include:

• A personal history of melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell cancer
• A family history of melanoma
• Many moles, or unusual-looking moles
• Fair skin that burns easily, light eyes or red or blond hair
• A history of significant sun exposure or tanning bed use
• A weakened immune system, including after an organ transplant

People with skin of color can and do get skin cancer, and it is often found later. Skin cancer can show up in less sun-exposed places, including the palms, soles, under the nails and mucous membranes. Everyone benefits from a baseline exam.

Warning signs between visits

The ABCDE guide helps with moles:

• Asymmetry: one half does not match the other
• Border: edges are ragged, notched or blurred
• Color: more than one shade, or uneven color
• Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser, though melanomas can be smaller
• Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, or new symptoms such as itching or bleeding

Also watch for a sore that does not heal, a pearly or waxy bump, a scaly red patch, or a mole that looks different from your others (the “ugly duckling”). Any of these deserves a visit.

How to get the most from your visit

• Come with clean skin. Remove nail polish if you can
• Tell your dermatologist about any spots you have noticed changing
• Share your family history
• Mention prior skin cancers, biopsies or sunburns

What if something is found

Most spots checked turn out to be harmless. If a biopsy shows skin cancer, the next step depends on the type and location. Many are treated with simple procedures. For cancers on the face and other sensitive areas, Mohs surgery is often the best option.

Frequently asked questions

Does a skin check hurt? No. The exam itself is painless. If a biopsy is needed, the area is numbed first.

Do I need a referral? No, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment at our office. However, we are happy to accept referrals from other healthcare providers if you have one.

How long does it take? Usually a short visit, though it depends on the number of spots to examine.

Can I just check my own skin? Monthly self-exams are worth doing, but they miss spots on your back, scalp and other hard-to-see areas. A professional exam is more thorough.

Is a mole check the same as a skin cancer screening? In practice, they are part of the same exam.

Call to action: Book your full-body skin check with Dr. Yoo.