Skin diseases have been becoming more rampant in recent years, with skin cancer earning the most prominent spot. Skin cancer has become so prevalent that it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop it in their lifetime. Furthermore, about 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States every day.
With the rise of skin cancer and other skin diseases on the rise, it’s not enough to monitor changes in your skin by looking in the mirror. The only way to truly protect yourself is to keep up with your skin checks at a qualified dermatology practice.
Your Rock Hill Dermatology Center team–Sanaya Gandhi, Mallory Hoskins, and Brittany Starnes–is more than happy to help you with a professional skin check in Rock Hill, SC. They’ve also written this piece to educate you on why skin checks are necessary.
What Is a Skin Check?
A skin check is a procedure that involves checking your skin and documenting blemishes, skin irregularities, and unusual growths from your scalp to your toes. During the procedure, every part of your body, including the hard-to-see areas on your body (behind the ear, buttocks, and between the toes) is examined to ensure nothing is missed.
You can do a skin check on yourself by physically examining your skin with your eyes and hands with the help of a mirror. However, it is still necessary to visit your dermatologist so they can expertly check your skin. Your dermatologist can also provide a skin cancer screening with advanced laboratory equipment to make sure there are no early signs of skin cancer.
What Happens During a Skin Examination in Rock Hill, SC?
Having and maintaining healthy skin should be one of your top priorities. It’s vital for the sake of your overall health to make sure your skin is in good condition. Our skin check procedures are designed to not only check your skin for signs of cancer but also help you maintain perfectly healthy skin.
Physical Examination
During the physical part of a skin examination, your dermatologist will thoroughly examine your body for moles, spots, and anything unusual on the skin, from your scalp to your feet. These moles or spots are sometimes a manifestation of something bigger going on in your body. For example, they might be a sign of an infection or a cancerous growth, which can easily be treated if detected early.
This is why periodic checks with your dermatologist are important, as well as self-checks. With regular self-checks, you will become familiar with the blemishes on your skin and find it easier to notice any skin changes. You don’t necessarily have to wait for your annual or biannual check with your dermatologist to find something wrong.
During a physical skin examination, your dermatologist might also need to photographically record and measure any unusual areas or lesions on your skin for future reference. This o⁹will help them monitor the growth of the lesion over time.
Skin Biopsy Test
A skin biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of skin or skin cells is removed from the body for further testing in the laboratory. The removed skin lesion is examined under a microscope for any signs of a skin infection, skin cancer, or a skin condition that could be present.
There are four major ways a skin biopsy is done, and they are dependent on the location, size, and appearance of the lesion.
- Punch Biopsy: For lesions that seem to go into the deep layers of skin, a punch biopsy is performed to get the skin sample. This biopsy is done with a special round blade to remove a section of the skin.
- Shave Biopsy: This biopsy is done for lesions that only involve the top layers of the skin. The skin sample is removed using a surgical blade (scalpel) and will leave nothing but a slight graze on the skin that will heal quickly.
- Curette Biopsy: The curette biopsy is used to remove the surface layer of the skin in a lesion. The curettings are then sent to the lab for further testing.
- Excisional or Incisional Biopsy: In an excisional biopsy, the entire skin lesion is removed using a scalpel. This is done for significantly large lesions. Your dermatologist will use stitches to close the hole left behind. An incisional biopsy is similar to an excisional biopsy; however, it doesn’t require complete removal of the lesion. Instead, only part of it is removed.
Skin Conditions That Prompt a Skin Check
Our skin is prone to infections and disease if it is exposed to harmful substances like harsh chemicals or excessive exposure to direct sunlight. Sometimes, however, your genetic composition may also be to blame.
Regardless of the reason, when you notice any signs of a skin condition, your first step should be to visit your dermatologist. Here are a few skin conditions and signs to look out for:
- Moles
- Eczema
- Acne
- Hives
- Actinic Keratosis
- Rosacea
- Melanoma
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Warts
Skin Cancer Risk Factors That Prompt Routine Skin Cancer Screenings
Out of all the skin complications that can happen in someone’s life, skin cancer happens to be the most dominant one on the list. There are also different types of skin cancer. Because of genetics and environmental factors, some people are more prone to skin cancer than others.
However, the chances of treating skin cancer successfully are greatly increased when the signs are caught early on. If you have one of the following risk factors, you should pay even closer attention to your skin and schedule a routine skin check.
- A lighter skin complexion
- A history of skin cancer in your family
- A higher susceptibility to sunburns
- Freckles
- Skin that tans easily
- Blond or red hair
- Green or blue eye color
- You are middle-aged
If you are in your 20s or 30, now is the time to take your skin checks seriously. However, if you are younger and have family members with a history of skin cancer, you should start as soon as possible.
Detecting skin cancer early can save your life, hence, it is essential to pay close attention to your skin. It’s also just as important to take certain precautions, like limiting your exposure to the sun and wearing sunscreen.
Pay Attention to Your Skin With a Skin Cancer Screening
Once a year, you should get a full body skin check to look for signs of skin cancer. If you have a high chance of developing skin cancer, your visits should be more frequent. Your dermatologist will recommend how regular these visits should be.
Visit Your Rock Hill Dermatology Center for a Skin Check in Rock Hill, SC
Have you noticed a suspicious blemish on your skin that you want to get checked? Are you looking for a place to get a professional skin check and a skin cancer screening? With our team of highly trained dermatologists, you will have access to the best skin care services.
At Rock Hill Dermatology Center, we provide professional skin cancer screenings and skin checks in Rock Hill, SC. You can book an appointment with us today if you notice any unusual growth, reactions, or changes on your skin. You can also contact our dermatology team if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you.
