Full skin check
A head-to-toe skin exam by a dermatologist to spot skin cancers early.
TypeExam
HowA visual exam of your skin, often with a dermatoscope.
How oftenYearly if high risk.
BeforeRemove nail polish and makeup.
WhoPeople with many moles, fair skin, sun damage or family history.
Know your own skin
Most skin cancers are found by people noticing a change. A full-body check by a clinician helps if you’re at higher risk, but regular self-checks matter for everyone.
Self-check
“What should I look for?”
New, changing or unusual spots - asymmetry, uneven border or color, growing size.
Monthly
Clinician check
“Do I need a doctor to look?”
Useful with many moles, fair skin, past sunburns or family history.
Higher risk
Change
“When should I act?”
A spot that’s changing, bleeding or not healing - get it checked soon.
Act fast
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You have many or unusual moles.
- You have fair skin or a history of sunburn.
- A family member had melanoma.
- A mole is changing - see someone promptly.
A better option if…
- You have low risk - regular self-checks are a good start.
How it’s measured
Dermatologist exam
With dermatoscope.
Mole mapping
Photos to track changes.
The full picture
What is it?
A full-body skin exam.
What type of test is it?
A clinical exam.
What does it measure?
Moles and skin changes.
Why might someone consider it?
To find skin cancer early.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with higher risk.
How is it performed?
A visual exam.
How often might it be considered?
Yearly if high risk.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether any spots need a biopsy.
What are its limitations?
Evidence for screening everyone is limited.
What should it be viewed with?
Self-checks and sun history.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Part of many routine visits.
Specialists
Optometrists, audiologists or dermatologists.
Community programmes
Some pharmacies and clinics offer free checks.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- How often should I have a skin check?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Full skin check result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Full skin check result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test