When to Make Skin Checks a Regular Habit in St. Louis
Updated: 4 days ago
When Regular Skin Checks May Be Helpful
Skin cancer is one of the most common problems we see in our area. Many people in Missouri and Illinois grow up spending long days outside, and that sun exposure adds up over time. What surprises a lot of patients is that many skin cancers are found during routine skin checks, not because something suddenly hurt or looked scary.
A skin exam gives you a chance to discuss changing spots and your personal risk. Many early skin cancers can be treated effectively, but the right timing for routine exams depends on your history.
At Mid-County Dermatology at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, we provide skin examinations and help you decide whether scheduled follow-up is appropriate. A new or changing spot deserves evaluation even between routine visits.
Subtle Skin Changes You Should Never Ignore
Many skin cancers start as tiny changes that are easy to shrug off. You might notice a new spot that looks different from your other freckles or a mole that slowly starts to change. When you are busy, it is tempting to wait and see, but we would rather look at it early.
Some changes that deserve a closer look include:
A new spot that stands out from the rest of your moles
A mole that changes size, shape, or color over time
A sore that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal
A rough patch that feels scaly or keeps coming back
We often talk about the ABCDEs of melanoma in simple terms:
A is for Asymmetry: one half of the spot does not match the other half
B is for Border: the edges look jagged, blurry, or uneven
C is for Color: you see more than one color in the same spot, like tan, dark brown, black, red, or white
D is for Diameter: the spot is larger than a pencil eraser, even if it looks flat
E is for Evolving: the mole is changing in any way, such as size, color, shape, or symptoms
If you notice any of these signs, it is a good reason to see a dermatologist, even if you already had a recent exam. Some areas are especially easy to miss on your own, like the scalp, back, nails, lips, and ears. During a professional exam, we take time to check those spots carefully, since patients often cannot see them well in a mirror.
The AAD’s ABCDE guide explains melanoma warning signs. A melanoma can be smaller than a pencil eraser; size alone cannot rule it out.
St. Louis Sun, Seasons, and Your Skin Cancer Risk
Living in the St. Louis region means dealing with strong summer sun, humid days, and a lot of outdoor fun. Many of us enjoy lakes, pools, golf courses, and local parks. Water, concrete, and even light-colored surfaces can reflect sunlight back on your skin, which increases exposure without you noticing.
It also helps to remember that UV damage does not only happen on hot days. Even when it is cool, cloudy, or early in the season, the sun still reaches your skin. Spring yard work, kids' sports, and festivals can add hours of sun at a time when many people forget to protect their skin.
Choose a follow-up schedule with your dermatologist rather than relying on the season. If annual exams are recommended for your risk profile, a recurring reminder can help you keep that plan.
Who May Need Scheduled Skin Exams
Personal or family history, atypical moles, immune suppression, and UV exposure can influence your follow-up plan. An annual exam is not a universal evidence-based requirement for every asymptomatic adult.
Evidence context: The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to determine the overall benefits and harms of routine screening in asymptomatic adolescents and adults. Evaluation of a concerning lesion and surveillance after skin cancer are different clinical situations.
Discuss your individual screening needs if you have:
Fair skin that burns easily
Light eyes or red or blond hair
A history of bad sunburns, especially blistering burns
Past use of indoor tanning beds
Many moles or large moles
A personal or family history of skin cancer
Outdoor work and recreation can add to cumulative UV exposure. A previous skin cancer may justify closer surveillance, with the interval chosen according to the cancer type, treatment, and other risk factors.
Skin cancer can affect every skin tone, including on the palms, soles, or under nails. Bring a changing or unusual spot to your dermatologist’s attention regardless of your complexion.
What to Expect During a Skin Exam in St. Louis
Many people feel more relaxed about skin checks once they know what will happen. At Mid-County Dermatology, a visit for an annual exam usually starts with check-in and a brief review of your medical history and any current concerns. We may ask about your sun habits, past sunburns, and any personal or family history of skin cancer.
You are given privacy to change into a gown. We use careful draping and clear communication so you stay as comfortable as possible. If there are areas you are not comfortable exposing, talk with your dermatologist so you can make a plan that feels right.
During the exam, the dermatologist looks at:
Scalp and hairline
Face, ears, and neck
Chest, back, and abdomen
Arms, hands, and under the nails
Legs, feet, between toes, and soles
If we see a spot that looks suspicious, we may suggest a small biopsy. This is usually a quick in-office procedure using local numbing so you stay comfortable. The sample is then sent to a lab to see what it is. Many times, if a problem is found early, treatment is very straightforward and can often be managed right in the office.
Making Your Recommended Follow-Up Easier
Once you and your dermatologist agree on a follow-up interval, put the next visit on your calendar. You do not need to wait until that visit to ask about a new concern.
A few simple habits can help:
Set a reminder for the interval your dermatologist recommends.
Look for new or changing spots and record concerns to discuss.
Ask a partner to help inspect hard-to-see areas such as your back.
At Mid-County Dermatology at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, we provide medical, surgical, cosmetic, and hair dermatology care. We can help you choose a skin-exam schedule that fits your history.
Protect Your Skin Health With a Thorough Checkup
A skin exam in St. Louis gives our dermatology team an opportunity to evaluate concerns and discuss your risk. We take time to examine your skin, answer questions, and explain any recommended follow-up.
If you have a changing spot, a history of skin cancer, or questions about your risk, schedule online or call 314-994-0200 to arrange an evaluation.
Related reading
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about your skin, talk with one of our dermatologists at Mid-County Dermatology.
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