Full-Body Skin Exams
Expert Skin Cancer Screenings for Patients in Little Rock, Central Arkansas, and Beyond
FAQS
At the Dermatology Group of Arkansas, our team strongly recommends routine full-body skin exams at our Little Rock practice as a proactive step in protecting your long-term health. Skin cancer can be life-threatening, but when detected early, treatment is often highly effective and outcomes are significantly improved.
Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, can develop and spread quickly if left undiagnosed. A thorough full-body skin exam allows our dermatologists to identify concerning lesions early and begin prompt treatment—often before the cancer has a chance to reach the lymph nodes or other vital organs.
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Schedule a full-body skin exam at Little Rock’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Detect skin cancer early for the best outcomes—book your screening today! Call us at 501-227-8422.
What Is Skin Cancer and How Does It Develop?
Full-body skin exams are highly recommended for all adults, especially those who have a high risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer occurs when there’s an abnormal, uncontrollable growth of skin cells because of DNA damage. This disease is usually caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun or artificial sources.
Skin cancers form outside of the body and are visible in most cases. They represent the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the world—but fortunately, they are also the most preventable. With that in mind, patients should take a proactive approach toward prevention. Full-body skin exams—both at home and with a dermatologist—can help you detect skin cancer at an early, treatable stage.
What are Full-Body Skin Exams and Why Do They Matter?
Full-body skin exams are comprehensive head-to-toe evaluations performed by a dermatologist to identify suspicious moles and skin lesions before they become a serious problem. As the risk of skin cancer increases with age and UV exposure, routine skin cancer screening helps catch changes early—especially melanoma, the most dangerous form. With regular full-body skin exams, our team can spot new growths, evolving moles, precancerous changes, and signs of skin cancer on the face, scalp, ears, neck, trunk, and extremities. If we see anything concerning during your full-body screening, we’ll outline the next steps for skin cancer treatment right away.
The name basically says it all. A full-body skin exam involves a dermatologist making a thorough examination of your skin from head to toe, particularly keeping an eye out for concerning spots or lesions that could indicate the presence of skin cancer. A full-body skin exam will help you to identify visible signs of skin cancer before you develop any symptoms of it. This can make it much easier to treat the disease.
Early action can make a critical difference–prioritize your skin health with comprehensive full-body skin checks.
What to Expect During a Full-Body Skin Exam
During a full-body skin exam, your dermatologist examines the skin from scalp to soles using bright clinical lighting and magnification as needed. We review your personal and family history, risk factors for skin cancer, and any spots you’ve noticed. We assess moles with the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) and check other skin lesions such as rough patches, non-healing sores, new growths, and pigmented spots. Many patients describe full-body skin exams as quick, comfortable, and reassuring.
Patients will need to remove their clothing in order for the dermatologist to be able to fully see as much skin as possible during their full-body skin exam. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. Avoid heavy makeup, nail polish on fingernails or toenails, and self-tanner the day of your appointment, since these can obscure findings. Bring a list of medications and note any spots that worry you so we can review them together during your full-body skin exam.
During your full-body skin exam, our dermatologist will visually examine all visible skin, noting any spots that should be tested or biopsied.
A full-body skin exam at the Little Rock area’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas takes around half an hour—and can allow a dermatologist to detect signs of skin cancer and other problems for life-saving results.
Who Should Get a Full-Body Skin Exam?
Common Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but certain factors raise the risk of skin cancer: a history of blistering sunburns, frequent tanning or indoor tanning, fair or freckled skin, light eyes or hair, a high number of moles, atypical or dysplastic moles, a personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers, immune suppression, and significant outdoor or occupational sun exposure. If any of these apply, full-body mole checks are especially important.
How Often to Schedule a Full-Body Skin Check
Most adults benefit from annual full-body skin cancer screenings. If you have increased skin cancer risks—such as many or changing moles, a previous cancerous mole, or a history of melanoma—your dermatologist may recommend visits every 3 to 6 months. Between appointments, perform monthly self-checks and schedule a visit sooner if you see changes.
Sometimes full-body skin exams for skin cancer prevention may be recommended annually or every four to six months for patients who:
- Have a personal history of melanoma, other forms of skin cancer, or precancerous skin lesions such as actinic keratosis.
- Have first-degree relatives who have a history of melanoma.
- Have many moles or freckles or a history of atypical moles.
- Have light skin, hair, and eyes.
- Had many blistering sunburns during childhood.
- Have had one or more severe sunburns.
- Have used tanning beds in the past.
- Have a history of significant sun exposure.
- Have severe sun damage.
- Have moles that look different from the others in size and shape.
- Have a weakened or suppressed immune system.
How Can Regular Full-Body Checks at Home Protect Your Skin Health?
While our dermatologists can diagnose and treat many conditions found during a full-body skin exam for skin cancer prevention, you are often the first to notice changes in your skin. New spots, growing moles, or changes in color or shape are usually easiest to catch during everyday life.
Monthly self-checks help support a thorough full-body skin cancer screening. By using a mirror or asking a partner to examine hard-to-see areas, you can better monitor your skin between visits. Pairing these self- exams with professional full-body skin examinations and smart sun protection helps lower your risk of skin cancer.
What to Look for During a Full-Body Skin Exam
When performing a full-body mole check at home, watch for:
- Moles or spots that change in size, shape, or color
- Lesions that bleed, itch, or do not heal within a few weeks
- Asymmetrical spots or moles with irregular borders
- Areas with multiple or unusual colors
- Growths larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
Even with careful self-monitoring, it can be difficult to distinguish harmless spots from potentially cancerous ones. That’s why routine visits with a dermatologist for a professional full-body skin exam and full-body skin cancer screening are essential for early detection and peace of mind.
How Do You Prepare for a Full-Body Skin Check?
To get the most out of a full-body skin exam, there are several steps you can take beforehand. Examine your skin and make notes or take pictures of any unusual spots or new changes on your skin to bring to your appointment. Don’t wear any makeup or jewellery to a full-body skin exam, and remove nail polish from your fingers and toes so that they can be thoroughly examined. Take off any bandages, braces, or other coverings on your skin. It’s best to wear your hair loose so your scalp can be examined as well. Prepare any questions you might have, as the full-body skin exam is the perfect opportunity to ask them.
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Meet Your Doctors
Meet Your Doctors
Frequently Asked Questions About Full-Body Skin Exams
Why Choose Dermatology Group of Arkansas for Your Comprehensive Skin Check
Our board-certified dermatologists provide thorough full-body skin checks for patients from Little Rock and surrounding areas with dermoscopy and biopsy when indicated. If a diagnosis is confirmed, we coordinate advanced skin cancer treatment—ranging from excision to Mohs micrographic surgery referrals—so you receive seamless care.
We welcome patients from Little Rock, Benton, Conway, Hot Springs, and Pine Bluff. Whether you need a first-time full body skin scan or an ongoing full body mole check, we make scheduling simple.
What Comprehensive Dermatology Services Are Available to You in Little Rock?
After a comprehensive full-body skin exam, our dermatology team offers personalized medical care for conditions such as skin cancer, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, and other chronic or acute skin concerns. We focus on effective treatment plans that relieve symptoms, restore skin health, and support long-term wellness.
In addition to medical dermatology, such as full-body skin exams and skin cancer treatments, we provide a full spectrum of cosmetic treatments designed to enhance your natural appearance. Options include neuromodulators like BOTOX® to soften dynamic wrinkles, Juvéderm® other types of dermal fillers to smooth lines and restore facial volume, advanced laser skin resurfacing to improve tone and texture, and skin rejuvenation treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling for a brighter, more youthful complexion.
Contact Us Today
Early detection saves lives. Schedule your comprehensive full-body skin exam at Little Rock’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas by calling 501-227-8422 today to request an appointment.