Annual Skin Checks

Annual skin checks are the best way to ensure your skin is as healthy as possible. Residents of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Reston, Virginia, rely on Kunal Angra, MD, Divya Angra, MD, and the team at Sapphire Dermatology for comprehensive annual skin checks. If you’re ready to set up your visit, reach out online or by phone to book an appointment.

Why are annual skin checks so important?

Most skin conditions create visible changes in the look or feel of your skin. Performing routine skin checks is the best way to identify potential areas of concern before they develop into more serious dermatological problems. 

You can and should perform at-home skin checks. The more often you examine your skin, the more familiar you become with the moles, freckles, and other unique aspects of it. This allows you to more easily detect when something has changed. 

Having a dermatologist assess your skin for abnormalities is a great way to fully understand the current state of your skin health. Your dermatologist has the training and experience needed to tell the difference between harmless skin conditions and those that might be a sign of skin cancer or another dermatology issue. 

Your dermatologist documents the results of your annual skin checks in your personal record. This living document becomes a valuable resource over time, making it easy to track changes. 

What happens during annual skin checks?

Having an annual skin check is a simple and straightforward process. You begin by changing into an exam garment. When your dermatologist returns, they begin checking your skin from head to toe.

A comprehensive skin check covers your entire body. Some of the areas of focus include:

• Scalp
• Ears
• Shoulders
• Armpits
• Back
• Genitals
• Between the toes

Your dermatologist may use special lights or magnifying tools to check areas of skin that show irregularities. Of course, if you have questions about a specific area, let your doctor know. 

I have darker skin. Do i still need skin checks?

Many people with more highly pigmented skin assume they don’t need to take the same precautions as those with lighter skin tones. In reality, skin cancer and other skin issues affect skin of color at significant rates. 

If you have additional questions about skin checks, call the office to schedule a visit, or book online in just moments.