Regular skin checks are an important part of looking after your health, especially in Mandurah where sun exposure is a part of everyday life. Whether it’s your first skin check or you’ve had them before, knowing how to prepare can help your appointment go smoothly and ensure your doctor gets the most accurate results possible.
At Brecken Health Mandurah, we offer comprehensive skin checks to help detect and monitor any changes early. Here’s what you need to know before your next appointment.
Why Skin Checks Matter
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with around two in three Australians diagnosed by the age of 70. The good news is that early detection makes a big difference. When caught early, most skin cancers can be successfully treated.
A professional skin check allows your doctor to examine moles, freckles, and other marks on your skin for signs of change or concern. Even if you regularly check your own skin, a trained GP or skin specialist can spot things you might miss.
Before Your Skin Check Appointment at Brecken Mandurah
Taking a few simple steps before your skin check will help your doctor get the clearest view of your skin.
1. Avoid Makeup, Fake Tan and Nail Polish
On the day of your appointment, come with clean skin. Try not to wear makeup, fake tan, or nail polish, as these can make it harder to see the natural colour and texture of your skin.
If you usually wear foundation or body makeup, please remove it beforehand so that moles and freckles are clearly visible. Similarly, remove any nail polish so your doctor can check your nail beds, which can also show signs of skin changes.
2. Wear Comfortable, Easy-to-Remove Clothing
Skin checks are thorough, and your doctor may need to examine most areas of your body. Wearing loose, simple clothing makes it easier and quicker to undress when needed.
You’ll be given privacy to change, and a gown or covering will be provided. Your comfort is always a priority, and you can let your doctor know if there are any areas you prefer not to have checked.
3. Don’t Worry About Shaving or Hair Removal
Body hair won’t interfere with your skin check. There’s no need to shave or wax before your appointment unless you’d like to for personal comfort.
4. Make a Note of Any Spots or Moles You’re Concerned About
Before your appointment, take a moment to check your skin and note down any spots that look new, have changed shape or colour, or are itchy, bleeding or not healing.
It can help to write down their location or take photos for reference. Bring this list to your appointment so your doctor can focus extra attention on those areas.
During Your Skin Check
Skin checks take around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many moles or marks need to be examined.
Your doctor will:
- Ask about your medical history, family history of skin cancer, and how much sun exposure you get
- Use a dermatoscope, a small magnifying tool with light, to look closely at your skin
- Examine your entire body, including often-overlooked areas like the scalp, behind the ears, soles of the feet, and under the nails
If your doctor notices anything suspicious, they may take a photo for comparison or recommend a biopsy to confirm if further treatment is needed.
After Your Appointment
If everything looks normal, your doctor will let you know when to come back for your next routine check. For most people, an annual skin check is recommended, but if you have a history of skin cancer or spend a lot of time outdoors, you might need more frequent visits.
If a mole or spot needs to be monitored, your doctor might take digital images to compare at your next appointment. If a biopsy is performed, you’ll be contacted with results and next steps.
After your appointment, it’s a good idea to:
- Keep an eye on your skin for any new or changing spots
- Book your next annual check so it doesn’t slip your mind
- Continue using sunscreen and protective clothing daily
Tips for Monitoring Your Skin at Home
Between professional skin checks, you can keep an eye on your own skin using the ABCDE method to identify changes:
- Asymmetry – one half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- Border – edges are uneven, blurred, or irregular
- Colour – multiple shades of brown, black, red, white or blue
- Diameter – larger than 6mm
- Evolving – changing in size, shape or colour
If you notice anything that fits these descriptions, book a skin check appointment promptly.
Book Your Skin Check in Mandurah
At Brecken Health Mandurah, our experienced GPs offer detailed skin checks in a relaxed and professional environment. Whether you need your first check or a follow-up, we’re here to help you stay on top of your skin health.
Book your Mandurah skin check online or call our friendly team today.