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Contents
  • The Visual Inspection
  • The Power of Touch
  • Special Tools of the Trade

The Art of the Skin Exam: How Doctors Decode Your Skin

The Art of the Skin Exam: How Doctors Decode Your Skin

More Than Skin Deep

A thorough skin examination is a crucial medical skill. It involves more than just looking at your skin - doctors use specific techniques to gather important health information.
Contents
  • The Visual Inspection
  • The Power of Touch
  • Special Tools of the Trade

The Visual Inspection

Doctors start by carefully looking at your skin in good lighting. They may use a magnifying lens to get a closer look. They're searching for any unusual spots, changes in color, or patterns in how skin problems are distributed across your body. This visual inspection can reveal a lot about potential skin conditions or even internal health issues.

The Power of Touch

Feeling your skin is just as important as looking at it. Doctors use their hands to assess skin texture, temperature, and firmness. They may apply gentle pressure to check for swelling or to see if a rash blanches (turns white) when pressed. These tactile clues help distinguish between different skin conditions.
A thorough skin examination is a medical procedure where doctors visually and tactilely assess the skin to identify any unusual spots, changes in color, or underlying health issues.

Special Tools of the Trade

Sometimes, doctors use additional tools for a more detailed exam. A Wood's lamp (special UV light) can make certain skin conditions more visible. Dermoscopy uses a handheld device to magnify and illuminate skin structures below the surface, which is especially helpful for examining moles and other growths.

FAQs

Do I need to remove all my clothes for a skin exam?

A full-body exam is ideal, but your comfort is important.

How long does a thorough skin exam take?

Usually 10-20 minutes, depending on findings.

Will the doctor take photos during the exam?

Sometimes, to track changes in specific spots over time.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding the skin exam process helps you be an active participant in your health care.
Curious about what a skin exam might reveal? Chat with Doctronic to learn more about skin health assessments.
Additional References
  1. Cox NH. Palpation of the skin--an important issue. J R Soc Med 2006; 99:598.
  2. Argenziano G, et al. Dermoscopy improves accuracy of primary care physicians to triage lesions suggestive of skin cancer. J Clin Oncol 2006; 24:1877.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.