A step by step guide to help you feel prepared for your skin check at Solvera
Feeling unsure about your first skin cancer examination is common. This guide explains what may happen during a skin cancer check at Solvera Skin Cancer Institute, including your medical history discussion, preparation tips, full body skin examination, dermoscopy, clinical photography where appropriate, and discussion of findings and next steps.
Many people feel unsure before their first skin check, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the process. Often, the uncertainty comes from not knowing what will happen, what needs to be checked or whether it may be uncomfortable or awkward.
At Solvera, we aim to make the process clear, respectful and professional. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared before your appointment.
Understanding your Skin History
Your skin check usually begins with a brief discussion rather than an examination. Your doctor will ask about your medical and skin history to better understand your individual risk.
This usually includes questions about:
- Any spots or moles that have changed, bled, crusted, or become itchy or caused concern
- Past sun exposure and episodes of sunburn
- Personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma
- Your work, hobbies and time spent outdoors
- Previous skin checks, biopsies or skin cancer treatments
This context helps guide a more informed, focused and personalised skin assessment.
Getting Ready for the Examination
For a full body skin check, it is helpful to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. Your doctor will need to closely examine much of your skin, including the torso, arms and legs.
You will usually be asked to undress to your underwear. Please let your doctor know if you have a particular spot or area beneath your underwear that you would like examined. Any examination of these areas will be discussed with you and performed only with your consent.
Where possible, it’s best to attend without makeup, nail polish, or heavily tinted products, as these can obscure subtle changes on the face, nails or surrounding skin.
The Full Body Skin Check
Your doctor will perform a systematic skin examination. This is designed to assess moles, lesions and areas of sun-damaged skin, including areas that can be difficult to check yourself.
Depending on your skin type, history and clinical needs, the examination may include areas such as:
- The scalp
- Behind the ears
- The back, chest, arms and legs
- Between the toes
- The soles of the feet
- Palms and nail beds
You’ll be guided throughout the process and you’re welcome to ask questions at any point.
Looking More Closely with Dermoscopy
If a mole, spot or lesion needs closer assessment, your doctor may use a dermatoscope. This handheld device provides magnification and specialised lighting, allowing deeper structures of the skin to be examined in more detail.
In some cases, clinical photographs may be taken to help monitor certain moles or lesions over time. This can support future comparison and help identify changes at later checks where clinically appropriate.
Results and Next Steps
After the examination is complete, your Solvera Doctor will discuss the findings with you and explain recommended steps.
- If there are no concerning findings: Your doctor will discuss whether you need another routine skin check and, if so, when. The recommended interval will depend on factors such as your skin type, sun exposure, number and type of moles, family history and any previous skin cancers.
- If a mole, spot or lesion needs further assessment: Your doctor may recommend monitoring, clinical photography, biopsy, removal or another appropriate next step. Your doctor will explain why this has been recommended and what is involved.
Why Skin Checks Matter
Regular skin checks can play an important role in the early detection of skin cancer, particularly for people with higher risk factors or a history of skin cancer.
When skin cancers are found early, treatment may be more straightforward in many cases. A skin check can also help you better understand your own skin, risk factors and what changes to look out for between appointments.
Preparing for your full body skin check
You will usually be asked to undress to your underwear so your skin can be examined thoroughly and systematically. Your privacy, dignity and comfort will be respected throughout your appointment. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member at any time during your appointment.
You will not routinely be asked to remove your underwear. If you have a spot beneath your underwear or in an intimate area, please let your doctor know so it can be examined with your consent.
To help your doctor assess your skin clearly, it may be helpful to:
Wear clothing that is easy to remove
Avoid wearing makeup or heavily tinted products
Remove nail polish before your appointment where possible
Bring a list of medications previous skin cancers or biopsies
Point out any new, changing, bleeding, crusting or itchy spots
Let us know about any accessibility or comfort needs beforehand
Ready to Book?
If you are due for a skin check, have noticed a changing mole, or are concerned about a new or unusual spot, you can book an appointment online or call our reception team on (02) 8806 2207. Our doctors can assess your individual skin concerns and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
Book a skin cancer check
Medically reviewed by: Dr Tim Scrivener, MBBS, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer)
Last reviewed: July 2026
Sources:
- Cancer Council Australia: Diagnosing melanoma
- Cancer Council Australia: Early Detection of Skin Cancer Position Statement
- Cancer Australia: How is melanoma diagnosed?
- RACGP: Skin cancer: Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice
