Full Skin Check with Dermoscopy
A thorough, head-to-toe examination of your skin.
A full skin check is a careful examination of your skin, moles and other lesions. Dermoscopy allows the doctor to look more closely at anything that may need further assessment or monitoring.
Most skin changes are harmless, but it is always sensible to have a new, changing or unusual lesion checked.
Full Skin Check: €160
Head-to-toe examination of the skin
Assessment of moles and other skin lesions
Dermoscopy where appropriate
Clear advice on any recommended next steps
What to Expect
Your doctor will begin by asking about any particular areas of concern, changes you have noticed and your relevant medical and family history.
Your skin will then be examined systematically from head to toe. A dermatoscope may be used to assess individual moles or lesions in greater detail.
The examination is carried out in a private and professional setting. Your comfort will be respected throughout, and only one area of the body will need to be uncovered at a time.
Before Your Appointment
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Avoid make-up where possible
Remove nail polish if you would like your nails examined
Make a note of any particular spots or changes that concern you
Bring previous photographs of a changing lesion, if available
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
To make an appointment or discuss any of our services,
please phone: 01 547 5693 | 087 4526463
What is Dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is a quick, painless and non-invasive way of examining the skin. It uses a small handheld instrument called a dermatoscope, which combines magnification with specialised lighting.
This allows the doctor to see colours, structures and patterns beneath the surface of the skin that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Dermoscopy can help the doctor assess whether a mole or lesion appears harmless, should be monitored or needs further investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dermoscopy painful?
No. The dermatoscope is simply placed on or held close to the skin. The examination is painless and non-invasive.
How often should I have a full skin check?
This depends on your individual risk factors, medical history and the findings from your examination. Your doctor will advise you if regular checks or follow-up monitoring are recommended.
Does a skin check replace checking my own skin?
No. It is still important to become familiar with your own skin and to seek medical advice if you notice a new or changing mole between appointments.
Book a Full Skin Check
A full skin check with dermoscopy costs €160.
To make an appointment or discuss the service, please phone 01 547 5693.
Who Should Consider a Full Skin Check?
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but it can be particularly helpful to arrange a skin check if you have:
Fair skin that burns easily
A history of significant or blistering sunburn
A large number of moles
Unusual or atypical-looking moles
A personal history of skin cancer
A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
Significant sun exposure through work, travel or outdoor activities
A new or changing mole or skin lesion
Is a Full Skin Check the Same as Mole Mapping?
No. Although both services assess the skin, they work differently.
Full Skin Check with Dermoscopy
A full skin check is a medical examination carried out by a doctor. The skin is examined in real time, with a dermatoscope used to look closely at individual moles and lesions. You receive an assessment and advice on the next steps during your appointment.
Dermoscopy does not automatically create a permanent photographic record of every mole on your body.
Mole Mapping
Mole mapping uses standardised photographs to create a digital baseline of the skin. These images are stored and compared with new photographs at future appointments, making it easier to identify new moles or changes over time.
It can be particularly helpful for people with a very large number of moles, atypical moles or an increased risk of melanoma.
Dermoscopy and mole mapping can complement each other. Your doctor can advise whether ongoing photographic surveillance or specialist mole mapping is appropriate for you.