Dermatologists Offer Preventative and Reactive Care

5 Tips To Prepare For A Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer can affect anyone, but it is more common among people with light skin, many moles, and a history of sunburns. If skin cancer is caught in the early stages, it is usually very treatable. Regular skin care screenings are the most effective way to detect the condition early. If you have not had a screening in a while, you may want to make an appointment soon.

Here are a few tips to prepare for a skin cancer screening.

Write Down Your Concerns

Have you noticed any suspicious moles or patches on your skin lately? If so, you definitely want to discuss them with your dermatologist during your screening. Write down your concerns in a notebook beforehand so that you do not forget to mention them.

Do Not Wear Makeup

If you wear makeup on a regular basis, you might not think anything of wearing it to your skin cancer screening. However, it is best to leave the foundation, blush, and other cosmetics off your skin that day. They can make it difficult to detect skin cancer on your face.

To avoid issues, you should come to your skin cancer screening with a clean, make-up-free face.

Bring Your Medical Records

If you have been diagnosed with cancer in the past, remember to bring your medical records to your skin cancer screening. These records will help your dermatologist better understand your skin cancer risk and give you more accurate screening results.

Know That You Will Be Asked to Remove Your Clothes

Since skin cancer can develop just about anywhere, a dermatologist will inspect all areas of your body, including your genital areas. While removing your clothes in front of a stranger may feel uncomfortable at first, you should know that they are a professional.

Remove Nail Polish 

If you have nail polish on your fingernails or toenails, make sure to remove it prior to your skin cancer screening. Believe it or not, skin cancer can also occur on the nails. If you are wearing nail polish, your dermatologist will not be able to detect cancer on your nail beds. 

If you follow these helpful tips, you will be properly prepared for your skin cancer screening. If it has been more than a year since your last skin cancer screening and you have risk factors for skin cancer, you should schedule a screening with professionals, like Desert Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists, as soon as possible.


Share