Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Schedule a Skin Check

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outside, spring is the perfect time to schedule a full-body skin exam.

Many people wait until they notice a concerning mole or spot, but annual skin checks are one of the best ways to catch skin cancer early—before it becomes more serious.

Why Schedule a Skin Check in Spring?

Spring is an ideal time because:

• You can address concerns before increased summer sun exposure
• It is easier to establish a “baseline” before skin changes throughout the season
• You may notice spots more easily after winter, when skin has had less sun exposure
• If treatment is needed, it can often be done before summer vacations and outdoor activities

What Happens During a Skin Check?

A skin exam is quick, simple, and could be lifesaving.

During your appointment, a board-certified dermatologist will:

• Examine your skin from head to toe
• Look for suspicious moles, spots, or growths
• Compare existing moles and identify any changes
• Discuss your risk factors and sun habits
• Recommend monitoring or treatment if needed

Many patients are surprised by how easy and comfortable the process is.

Who Should Get an Annual Skin Exam?

Everyone can benefit from a skin check, but it is especially important if you:

• Have fair skin or a history of sunburns
• Spend a lot of time outdoors
• Have many moles
• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have noticed a new or changing spot

Even if you do not think you are “high risk,” it is still important to know what is normal for your skin.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

One way to monitor your own skin between visits is to remember the ABCDEs of melanoma:

• A: Asymmetry
• B: Border irregularity
• C: Color variation
• D: Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
• E: Evolving or changing over time

If you notice a spot that looks different from the rest or has changed recently, schedule an appointment.

Common Areas People Forget to Check

Skin cancer can appear anywhere, including places that do not get much attention, such as:

• Scalp
• Ears
• Back
• Bottoms of the feet
• Between the toes
• Under the nails

That is one reason professional skin exams are so valuable.

Skin Checks Save Lives

When found early, many forms of skin cancer are highly treatable. A skin exam only takes a few minutes, but it can make a major difference.

If you have never had a skin check—or it has been more than a year—spring is the perfect time to schedule one.
At APDerm, our board-certified dermatologists provide full-body skin exams and personalized skin cancer screenings across New England.