Summary: How often you should see a dermatologist for skin checkups depends on whether your personal risk level is average, moderate or high:
- Average risk: Visit your dermatologist every 1–3 years or annually starting around age 40.
- Moderate risk: Seeing your dermatologist once a year is recommended if you have fair skin, many moles, a history of sunburns or a family history of skin cancer.
- High risk: Schedule a dermatologist appointment every 6 months or more if you’ve had melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or have a weakened immune system.
Not sure where you fall? Berman Skin Institute builds personalized screening schedules based on your skin profile, so schedule your consultation today.
Regular skin checkups with a qualified provider are important for your overall health because they can detect issues you may not have noticed. How often you should go depends on individual factors — Berman Skin Institute can create a personalized plan based on your skin’s unique needs.
How Often Should You Get a Full Body Skin Exam?
Some organizations recommend annual checkups with a dermatologist and more frequent screenings for higher-risk individuals. This is because skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, and early detection can improve the chances that your treatment will succeed. A provider can help you determine how often you should be screened.
In addition to seeing a dermatologist regularly, a monthly self-exam can help you get familiar with the moles and marks on your skin so you know when something changes and may need attention.
If you ever notice a suspicious mole or any concerning skin changes, come in for a screening right away, even if you are not due for a checkup. Early detection helps you get a diagnosis so you can start any necessary treatment.
What to Expect
When you get a skin cancer screening, your provider will speak with you about what to expect, take your medical history and ask you some questions about your health. You will change into a gown, and under bright lights, your provider will use a device called a dermatoscope or imaging equipment to examine all areas of your skin for any concerning moles or changes. Your provider will review the results of the screening with you.
Factors That Influence Skin Cancer Screening Frequency
How often you should see a dermatologist for skin checkups can depend on your:
- History of skin cancer: If you have had skin cancer or have a family history of the disease, your provider may recommend screenings more than once a year.
- Moles: When you have many moles, a dermatologist may recommend more frequent screenings, especially if your moles are atypical. This ensures early detection of any changes.
- Sun exposure history: If you have a history of excessive sun exposure or severe sunburns, you may be at higher risk of skin cancer and may need more frequent screening.
- Skin type: You may be more at risk of melanoma and other skin cancers if you have fair skin, which may warrant more frequent checkups.
- Immune system: If you have a weakened immune system, especially if you also have additional skin cancer risks, more frequent screenings can help you detect skin cancers early.
What Your Dermatologist Looks For
During a skin cancer screening, your provider will look for changes or new skin lesions and moles, as well as signs of sun damage and pre-cancerous spots. Not all of these signs mean you have cancer, but if your provider notices anything concerning, they may request follow-up tests.
FAQs About How Often You Should See a Dermatologist for Skin Checkups
Learn about dermatology visits and what to watch for between checkups with these FAQs:
What is the 2-week rule for dermatology?
The 2-week rule recommends you see a provider within two weeks of noticing a new or changing skin concern — like a mole that shifts in size, shape or color, or a sore that won’t heal. Early evaluation gives you the best chance of catching something before it can progress.
What are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer?
Knowing what to watch for between visits to your dermatologist can help you decide when to move up your next checkup. Keep an eye out for:
- A mole that’s asymmetrical or has an uneven border
- A spot with multiple colors or shades
- A lesion larger than a pencil eraser
- A mole or mark that changes in size, shape or color over time
- Sores that don’t heal within a few weeks
- Spots that itch, bleed or crust
- A pearly or waxy bump, which can be associated with basal cell carcinoma
If you notice any of these, reach out to a provider right away.
What is a red flag in dermatology?
A red flag in dermatology is any skin change that needs quick attention from a provider. Common examples include rapidly growing lesions, open sores that linger for weeks, spots that bleed without being injured, or moles that seem to change between visits. Your provider checks for these during screenings, but don’t hesitate to reach out between appointments if something concerns you.
How often should I do a skin self-exam?
Monthly self-exams are a great habit to build between your regular professional checkups. Using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror, examine your entire body — including your scalp, soles of your feet and between your toes. Look for anything new, different or changing. Getting familiar with your skin makes it easier to catch something early and bring it to your provider’s attention.
Contact Us for a Skin Checkup
If you’re wondering how often you should have a skin check, schedule an appointment with Berman Skin Institute. Our medical dermatology center offers a personalized approach to checkup frequency and proactive screening to detect skin cancer early.
