A healthy physique and a young appearance depend on taking good care of your skin. Getting a yearly skin inspection is a key in keeping your skin in good health. When performed annually, they may aid in the early detection of skin cancers, shield you from any issues in the future, and provide you with peace of mind that your skin is healthy. This blog will go over the significance of obtaining a yearly skin checkup and why it ought to be a regular part of everyone’s health regimen. Dr. Glodny and Dr. Warner are board-certified dermatologists who regularly perform skin exams at Park Avenue Dermatology (PAD) in New York City. New and returning patients are encouraged to book a skin cancer screening today (annually).
Benefits of Annual Skin Exams
There are countless benefits to getting skin exams annually. Some of the top benefits include:
Detecting Early Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer, which is defined as abnormal skin cell growth, is the most common type of cancer. It develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin and falls under the categories of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Sun-safe practices such as limiting your exposure to UV radiation can significantly reduce your skin cancer risk, but it is still possible for it to develop. Fortunately, the early detection of potentially severe disorders like melanoma and other forms of skin cancer can be aided by routine skin examinations. Early detection is your best defense and gives you the best treatment outlook. Even situations that might be fatal can usually be averted if the symptoms are discovered and addressed on time.
As a rule of thumb Dr. Glodny recommends most patients follow up for a skin exam once per year. However, if someone does have a history of skin cancer then he often recommends skin exams as often as every 3-6 months.
Monitoring Skin Changes Over Time
To maintain healthy skin and spot any irregularities that could be cause for worry, it’s crucial to keep note of any changes that take place on your body over time. Dr. Glodny and Dr. Warner will maintain notes and take photos during routine skin exams and compare them to previous appointments so that any changes or discrepancies may be found in a timely manner. It is not an easy task to keep track of your moles, but mnemonic ABCDE can help:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color (change)
- Diameter (greater than 5mm)
- Evolution
Early Detection is Key
Although the majority of patients will have no significant findings relating to their skin exams, skipping routine checks simply raises the likelihood of later having a skin cancer that might have been avoided with earlier identification. The longer a skin cancer is present the more difficult it can become to treat. Therefore Early detection is key.
Stay On Top of Your Skin’s Health
A general strategy for remaining healthy and protected from future health hazards should include getting an annual skin inspection. Dr. Glodny and Dr. Warner are available to ensure that your skin remains healthy and stays that way. With their expertise, you can rest easy knowing that your skin is taken care of. Contact us today at (212) 752-3692 or visit us at Park Avenue Dermatology to schedule your exam with us!
