Skin health is vital to overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked until a concern arises. In regions like Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero, where sun exposure is a part of daily life, prioritizing routine skin evaluations is essential. 

Annual skin checks at Houck Dermatology detect early signs of skin cancer and other dermatological conditions.

Why Annual Skin Checks Matter

The skin is your body’s largest organ and is constantly exposed to the sun and environmental stressors. Even with daily protection, harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can silently cause changes that may develop into skin cancer, one of the most common types of cancer nationwide.

The importance of yearly dermatology exams lies in their ability to identify changes in your skin sooner rather than later. Early skin cancer detection dramatically increases the likelihood of successful treatment and can even save your life. In addition to cancer detection, annual skin checkups help your dermatologist monitor moles, freckles, and other spots for signs of abnormality or irritation.

Who Should Prioritize Regular Skin Exams?

While annual skin checks are strongly recommended for everyone, some individuals are at higher risk and should be especially diligent:

  • People with fair skin, light eyes, or a history of sunburns
  • Those with a personal or family history of skin cancer
  • Individuals with a large number of moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles
  • Residents of high-UV areas 
  • Anyone who spends significant time outdoors for work or recreation

What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Check?

Many patients wonder what happens during a skin check and what to expect when visiting. At Houck Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists create a comfortable and thorough experience focused entirely on your health.

Here’s how a typical annual skin cancer screening works:

  • Patient History: The visit begins with questions about your medical history, any previous skin cancers, changing spots, or concerns you may have.
  • Full-Body Examination: The dermatologist examines your skin from head to toe, including your scalp, nails, palms, soles, and even behind your ears, where skin cancer can sometimes hide. You’ll wear a medical gown and can request the presence of a chaperone if you’d like.
  • Use of Dermatoscope: For suspicious or unusual lesions, the provider may use a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope for a closer look.
  • Biopsy (if needed): If anything unusual is found, a simple and nearly painless biopsy may be performed immediately to test for skin cancer.
  • Education: You’ll receive advice on self-monitoring, sun protection, and when to seek care.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Between Annual Exams

While yearly checks are essential, don’t wait until your scheduled visit if you notice:

  • New or rapidly changing moles or spots
  • Sores that bleed, won’t heal, or become crusty
  • Scaly red patches or persistent rough areas
  • Moles with irregular borders, multiple colors, or asymmetry
  • Any lesion that looks different than others on your skin

If you spot any of these warning signs, contact a dermatology professional immediately.

How Often Should You Schedule Skin Exams?

The standard recommendation for adults is an annual skin check, especially for those over age 18. However, people with additional risk factors may require more frequent exams—every six months, for example. If you’ve never had a professional skin check, now is the time. It only takes about 15 minutes to potentially protect yourself from an advanced skin cancer diagnosis down the road.

Schedule Your Consultation

Your skin deserves expert attention and proactive care. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your annual skin check at Houck Dermatology and experience the benefits of preventive skin screenings firsthand. Our board-certified dermatologists proudly serve Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero, helping patients achieve peace of mind and healthier futures through early skin cancer detection.