Annual skin exam Orland Park at Fine Skin Dermatology: Our offices are conveniently located in Orland Park, Joliet, Burr Ridge, and New Lenox.
Skin cancer and other related skin problems are common. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports that there are more than 5 million patients in the U.S. diagnosed with skin cancer every year. While they may look like deadly diseases, skin cancer and other skin problems can be treated when detected and attended to very early.
One of the best ways to detect and treat skin problems is the annual skin exam in Orland Park.
This helps your primary care physician find any signs in your skin that require monitoring and treatment. This article aims to provide everything you need to know about this annual routine, including what you should expect before and during the procedure.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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- WHAT IS AN ANNUAL SKIN EXAM?
- WHY ARE ANNUAL SKIN EXAMS IMPORTANT?
- WHO SHOULD GET AN ANNUAL SKIN EXAM ORLAND PARK?
- WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE EXAM
- WHAT THE DOCTOR LOOKS FOR
- FOLLOW-UP CARE
- BETWEEN ANNUAL EXAMS
- WHEN TO SCHEDULE ADDITIONAL EXAMS
- INSURANCE AND COST CONSIDERATIONS
- SCHEDULE YOUR ANNUAL SKIN EXAM AT FINE SKIN DERMATOLOGY ORLAND PARK
What is an Annual Skin Exam?
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An annual skin exam is a procedure whereby a certified dermatologist examines and evaluates your skin. During this procedure, the specialist checks your skin from head to toe to identify skin concerns and other problems. In addition, you should expect important skin-related questions so that the dermatologist will know which areas of your skin require more attention.
Going for an annual skin exam is vital for maintaining healthy skin as it allows your physician to promptly recommend the best melanoma treatment if cancer or any skin problem is identified. The procedure typically takes about 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t interrupt your day’s activities. However, you may take longer if any issue that requires further checks is detected.
Why Are Annual Skin Exams Important?
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Annual skin exams are important for many reasons, and we’re here to list them. The following are reasons why you shouldn’t miss an annual skin checkup.
Peace of mind: Some signs and symptoms of skin diseases can take away your joy and peace of mind. However, knowing for certain that your skin is in perfect condition can relieve you and those around you. It will make you enjoy your life to the fullest.
Early detection of skin problems: Early detection of any skin issue is instrumental for successful treatment. During an annual skin exam Orland Park, the dermatologist checks your whole body for signs of underlying skin problems and provides possible solutions.
Promotes skin health: During an annual skin exam, the expert provides valuable advice and guidance on how to take care of your skin. The session also provides you the opportunity to learn more about your skin and how your lifestyle can affect it.
Monitor skin changes: Sun exposure, aging, and other factors can affect your skin. At first, you may not notice these changes because they’re not visible. However, an annual skin exam allows the specialist to track these changes and help you detect if they’re harmful.
Managing severe skin conditions: Annual exams are vital for patients with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic skin conditions that need intensive care. The procedure allows the dermatologist to monitor the condition’s progress and offer treatments or therapies to improve it.
Who Should Get an Annual Skin Exam Orland Park?
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Everyone is required to go for an annual skin exam to protect their skin. However, this procedure is especially crucial for the following individuals.
If Your Family Has a History of Skin Cancer
You should consider going for annual skin exams if you or any of your close relatives have a history of skin cancer and other chronic skin problems.
Individuals Who Spend More Time Outdoor
You need this procedure if you spend significant time outdoors either for work or sports. Excessive sun exposure from frequent outdoor activities can affect your skin.
Those With Fair Skin
Individuals with fair skin or light hair tend to burn easily, which can cause issues if not properly managed. Seeing your dermatologist Orland Park for an annual skin exam will help them provide a skincare routine to maintain healthy skin.
People With Many Moles
Those with many moles, especially those of irregular size and shape, are more prone to cancer and other severe skin problems. Therefore, proper monitoring via annual skin exams is needed to manage their skin condition.
What to Expect During the Exam
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For those who are planning to go for an annual skin exam or already have an appointment with the dermatologist, here is what you should expect before and during the exam.
Before the Exam
The first step is to contact the skin expert in Orland Park to schedule an appointment. A day is fixed when you can visit the clinic for the exam. Before reaching the venue, you should note your questions and concerns about any changes you notice in your body. We advise you to avoid makeup and remove nail polish to allow the physical to carry out the exam seamlessly.
During the Exam
You should expect that the dermatologist will screen every part of your body, from your head to your feet. Therefore, you’re required to wear a loose-fitted or medical gown throughout the procedure. During this period, you can ask questions or share your medical history to help the specialist streamline their assessment. If the dermatologist notices any spot or irregular change in your skin, they may perform a skin biopsy to determine the skin problem.
What the Doctor Looks For
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The physician assesses your whole body during a skin exam for any changes or abnormalities that could lead to skin problems. This will also enable them to determine the severity of the issue and what treatment will be most effective. The following are the exam issues the doctor looks for:
- If there are new moles or changes in the existing ones.
- They look for unusual growth in the skin.
- If there are critical changes in the skin due to excess sun exposure.
- The doctor looks for dark spots, discolorations, or patches on the skin.
- Signs of any severe skin conditions.
Follow-Up Care
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After a general skin exam, strict adherence to the follow-up protocol is essential for the skin and addressing any issues identified during the procedure. Below are some follow-up tips:
- Always monitor your body for signs or changes.
- Minimize your sun exposure, even when you stay outdoors a lot.
- Go for follow-up appointments to enable the doctor to monitor your skin’s progress.
- Adhere to the dermatologist’s instructions and recommendations.
- Use only recommended skin care products from reliable vendors.
- Report any changes in your skin to your physician.
Between Annual Exams
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What you do between annual skin exams is important in protecting your skin. Beyond the follow-up care, ensure to take proper care of your skin by eating the right food and avoiding anything that will be detrimental to it. We also advise that you perform monthly self-examinations to observe if there are changes in your skin or body system.
When to Schedule Additional Exams
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Extra visits to the dermatologist may be needed even after your annual skin assessment procedure. Here are some instances when you need to see the dermatologist for an additional skin exam.
- When you notice changes in skin like new moles, unusual growth, or any severe skin condition after an annual exam.
- You can schedule additional exams at the recommendation of the specialist.
- When there are increased risk factors such as more sun exposure and issues affecting your immune system.
- Individuals with a family history of skin cancer must look beyond the annual skin exam to schedule additional visits.
Insurance and Cost Considerations
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The cost of an annual exam varies based on the health care center and location. However, many health insurance plans cover the full or at least a part of the payment, especially when it’s a part of a routine physical exam or recommended by a certified dermatologist. So, before scheduling the exam, it’s best to confirm with your insurance provider about the coverage details and requirements.
Schedule Your Annual Skin Exam at Fine Skin Dermatology Orland Park
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Skin checks are crucial for early detection of skin conditions and effective treatments.
The dermatologists at Fine Skin Dermatology use the latest technology and personalized care to keep your skin in perfect condition.
With our annual skin exam routine, we thoroughly examine your skin to check for signs of skin problems.
We also provide measures to treat them effectively and prevent further issues.
Prioritize your skin health by booking your annual skin exam with us today!