Why You Should Schedule a Yearly Skin Exam With a Dermatologist

Everyone should undergo an annual skin exam with a dermatologist, especially if they are at high risk. Your visit will help you understand how your skin is developing and identify significant problems that could lead to skin cancer or other concerns. During your appointment with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher or a member of our team at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in San Antonio or Live Oak, TX, we can review your skin care needs with an annual skin exam.

What happens during a skin exam?

A skin exam will include a review of various tissues around your skin, including the areas that are routinely exposed to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

Dr. Boucher can review many spots around your body that are traditionally hard to see on your own. These include areas on your back, buttocks, and scalp. A dermatologist will also use a dermatoscope to check the outside surface of your skin and some of the layers underneath it to determine if your skin is bearing any issues.

If something looks suspicious, the dermatologist may require a biopsy. A small portion of a suspicious tissue will be removed and then tested in a lab to identify if there is a problem, like skin cancer in the area. The proper identification and early detection of skin cancer and other concerning growths are critical, as it is easier to treat these problems when found early enough.

Treat skin cancer before it becomes worse

The main reason why you have an annual skin exam with us at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in Live Oak or San Antonio, TX is that it helps us detect and identify skin cancer and other threats before they can spread. Skin cancer can be worrisome, as cancerous cells can quickly spread throughout the body. Some could enter other organs and cause failure or other concerns in these areas.

Skin cancer is easier to treat if it is found sooner rather than later. The stress that treatment may impose on your body will also be minimal if you treat skin cancer early.

Remove unsightly moles and lesions

Annual skin exams can also help you clear moles, lesions, and other spots that might be bothersome. These areas could be worrisome to you, as they might look unattractive. Sometimes, they might protrude from the rest of your body and become even more unsightly.

A skin exam can identify the right way to remove moles and lesions. Sometimes, these parts can be removed by treating the skin from one angle or degree. An exam will see what spots are easier to treat while ensuring the area can recover in less time.

Contact us today to schedule an annual skin exam in San Antonio, TX

It’s important to schedule an annual skin exam with Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher to ensure your skin health. You can ask us about our team approach to managing your skin at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in San Antonio and Live Oak, TX. Contact us to schedule an appointment at either one of our locations in the San Antonio area.