A detailed clinical examination in which complaints involving the skin, hair, and nails are evaluated through visual inspection and dermoscopy, with further investigations planned when necessary.
Indication
- Evaluation of newly appearing or changing moles (nevi) and skin spots
- Skin complaints such as itching, redness, dryness, rash, and blistering
- Follow-up of chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Evaluation of hair loss, dandruff, and complaints related to the hair root (alopecia)
- Suspicion of nail discoloration, thickening, or fungus (onychomycosis)
- Skin infections (bacterial, viral, fungal) and suspicion of sexually transmitted disease
- Skin cancer screening (risk assessment for melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell carcinoma)
Preparation
- Avoid applying heavy creams, makeup, or scented products to the skin the day before the examination
- If there is a suspicious spot or area, nail polish should be removed so that it remains visible
- Share a list of medications, creams, and supplements being used
- Bring any previously taken skin photographs or pathology reports with you
- Family history (skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema) and previous skin conditions are noted
How it's performed
- The physician asks in detail about the onset, duration, and course of the complaints
- The entire body skin, scalp, nails, and mucous membranes are visually inspected under appropriate lighting
- Suspicious moles and lesions are evaluated more closely with dermoscopy (a lighted magnifier)
- If needed, Wood's lamp examination, scraping for fungus, or a bacterial swab is performed
- To aid in diagnosis, a skin biopsy, allergy test, or laboratory work-up may be planned
- The diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up interval are discussed with the patient
Post-procedure
- For acute complaints, follow-up within 2-4 weeks after treatment is recommended
- For people with multiple moles or higher risk, annual or 6-month full-body skin screening is performed
- In chronic conditions (psoriasis, eczema), the plan is updated during flare-ups and remission periods
- For suspicious lesions, comparison via dermoscopic photography (mole mapping) is performed
- In those with a family history of skin cancer, regular monitoring is planned after the first examination
Risks
- The examination is medically safe and non-invasive
- A transient pressure sensation may be felt during dermoscopy
- If a skin scraping or swab is taken, mild redness may occur
- Additional investigations (biopsy, blood tests) may be needed for definitive diagnosis of some findings
- It is important to re-evaluate lesions that may be missed at an early stage through follow-up
FAQ
Is preparation required for a dermatologic examination?
Generally, no special preparation is needed. Avoiding heavy creams or makeup and ensuring the area of complaint is visible is sufficient. For nail complaints, removing nail polish is recommended.
How often should a full-body skin screening be performed?
An annual screening may be sufficient for individuals at general risk. For people with multiple moles, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma, an examination every 6 months may be recommended. The frequency is determined by the physician.
Is dermoscopy painful?
No, dermoscopy is a painless examination. It is performed by gently placing a small device on the skin and takes only a few minutes.
Can children be brought for a dermatology examination?
Yes; many childhood skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, congenital nevi, and fungal infections are evaluated by a dermatologist.
Related Information
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