What is a full skin check?

A full skin check, or full skin examination (FSE), is a comprehensive clinical examination of the entire skin surface, performed to identify new, changing, or previously undiagnosed lesions.

This involves a systematic assessment of the skin from head to toe, including areas that may not be easily visible or routinely checked by patients.

During a full skin check, the dermatologist will:

• Examine moles, pigmented lesions, and other skin changes

• Assess for features suggestive of skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions

• Use tools such as dermoscopy to evaluate lesions in greater detail

• Identify any areas that may require monitoring, biopsy, or treatment

Where clinically appropriate, additional methods such as photography may be used to assist with monitoring changes over time.

A full skin check is distinct from a consultation focused on a specific concern. It is a broader diagnostic assessment, often involving multiple findings and clinical decisions across different areas of the skin.