Skin Checks

What Is a Skin Check?

A skin check, or full-body skin exam, is a head-to-toe evaluation performed by a dermatologist to detect early signs of skin cancer, abnormal growths, and other skin disorders. It’s non-invasive, quick, and can literally save your life.

Skin exams are especially important because many serious skin conditions, including melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, may start silently. You might not feel discomfort or pain until the condition has progressed. But with regular monitoring, changes can be spotted and addressed early—when treatment is most effective.

Why Early Detection Matters

When it comes to the health of your skin, early detection is key—in fact, it can even save your life. Noticing changes as soon as they occur can greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer or dealing with complications from other serious conditions.

Beyond regularly examining your skin at home, it’s vital that you visit a dermatologist for annual skin checks. When an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Gurgen evaluates your skin regularly, it becomes easier to identify subtle changes in moles, freckles, or unusual spots. Any abnormalities can be tested or biopsied quickly, revealing any cause for concern early—when intervention is most effective and least invasive.

Who Should Get Skin Exams?

While everyone can benefit from regular skin checks, they are especially critical for individuals with:

• A personal or family history of skin cancer

• Numerous or atypical moles

• Fair skin, light eyes, or a tendency to burn easily

• A history of frequent sun exposure or tanning bed use

• Visible skin changes such as new growths, discoloration, or persistent irritation

For most people, annual skin checks are sufficient. However, if you are considered high-risk, Dr. Gurgen may recommend more frequent exams to ensure any issues are addressed promptly.

What Happens During a Skin Exam?

A skin check is simple, thorough, and typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll be asked to change into a gown so Dr. Gurgen can examine your entire skin surface—from your scalp to the soles of your feet. With a trained eye, he’ll look for any signs of concern, such as:

• New or changing moles

• Lesions that don’t heal

• Red, scaly patches

• Unusual pigmentation or asymmetry

• Irregular borders or color changes in existing spots

If anything appears suspicious, Dr. Gurgen may use a dermatoscope—a special magnifying tool—to examine it more closely. In some cases, a small biopsy may be recommended to rule out or confirm a diagnosis.

This proactive approach not only helps detect skin cancer in its earliest stages, but it also allows patients to address cosmetic or chronic skin issues before they worsen.

What Conditions Can Be Detected?

Skin exams don’t just focus on cancer. A comprehensive skin check can also identify a wide range of dermatologic conditions that benefit from early intervention:

• Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: These are the three major types of skin cancer, each with different levels of severity and risk.

• Actinic Keratoses: Precancerous lesions caused by sun damage that may evolve into cancer if untreated.

• Psoriasis, Eczema, and Rosacea: Chronic conditions that can flare unexpectedly and may improve with early dermatologic support.

• Cysts, Warts, and Benign Growths: Often harmless but sometimes uncomfortable or cosmetically concerning.

By detecting these conditions early, Dr. Gurgen helps you avoid unnecessary complications, discomfort, or scarring.

What Sets Dr. Gurgen Apart?

At our clinic, we understand that your skin is personal. It’s tied to your comfort, your appearance, and your peace of mind. That’s why Dr. Gurgen offers more than just clinical precision—he offers care that is patient-focused, clear, and compassionate.

• Experience You Can Trust: Dr. Gurgen brings years of experience in skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Advanced Tools: We use the latest dermatoscopic technology to detect changes invisible to the naked eye.

• Comfortable, Private Exams: We maintain a respectful, judgment-free environment where your questions are always welcome.

• Clear Communication: You’ll always know what we’re looking for and what happens next—no surprises.

Your skin deserves thoughtful attention from someone who truly listens. That’s the kind of care you’ll find here.

Staying Proactive Between Visits

Dr. Gurgen encourages every patient to take an active role in monitoring their skin between professional exams. Monthly self-checks can help you become familiar with your skin’s usual appearance and detect early changes.

When performing self-exams, look for the ABCDEs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.

• Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.

• Color: Varied colors such as brown, black, red, white, or blue.

• Diameter: Spots larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

• Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.

If you notice any changes, contact Dr. Gurgen’s office for a prompt evaluation.

Your Skin Deserves Attention—Schedule a Free Consultation

You take care of your heart, your eyes, and your teeth. Why not your skin? Routine skin checks are an easy, effective way to stay ahead of serious conditions and maintain your skin’s health for years to come.

Whether it’s been a while since your last exam, or you’re simply looking for expert insight into a changing spot, we’re here for you. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gurgen today, and take a confident step toward protecting your skin—and your peace of mind.