Comprehensive Skin Checks
Early Detection is Key—Protect Your Skin Health with Regular Screenings
Regular skin checks are essential for early detection and prevention of skin cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide. Dr Matulich and her team specialise in thorough, comprehensive skin checks, offering a proactive approach to identifying any changes or abnormalities in the skin. By performing routine checks and practising sun safety, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious skin conditions, including melanoma. Our practice provides expert care to help you stay informed, confident, and protected.
- Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long sleeves, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses when spending time outside.
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Know Your Skin Type: People with fair skin, freckles, and light eyes may be more susceptible to sun damage, so extra caution is advised.
Practice Regular Skin Checks: Monitor your skin monthly for any new or changing spots, moles, or lesions, and schedule professional checks annually.
The ABCDE guide is a simple way to assess moles and other skin lesions for signs of melanoma. Look for these indicators during skin checks:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- C – Colour: Uneven colouring, with shades of black, brown, or other colours.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
- E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or colour, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Performing monthly skin self-exams can help you spot potential issues early. Here’s a simple guide to follow at home:
- Examine Your Face and Scalp
- Inspect Your Upper Body
- Check Your Arms and Hands
- Look at Your Legs and Feet
- Use a Mirror for Hard-to-See Areas
If you notice any new or changing moles or lesions, contact Dr Matulich Dermatology for a professional evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular skin checks help detect early signs of skin cancer, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
It’s generally recommended to have a professional skin check once a year. High-risk individuals may benefit from more frequent checks.
A dermatologist examines your skin from head to toe, looking for any abnormal moles, spots, or lesions.
While not all skin cancers are preventable, practising sun safety and avoiding tanning beds can reduce risk.
Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for further evaluation. Early detection is essential for effective treatment.
Yes, skin checks are non-invasive and safe for all skin types.
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the most common types of skin cancer.
No, while sun-exposed areas are at higher risk, skin cancer can develop anywhere, including areas not typically exposed to sunlight.
Use the ABCDE rule for guidance. Abnormal moles may exhibit irregular shape, uneven colour, larger size, or recent changes.
Treatments depend on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgical removal, cryotherapy, or topical treatments.