When to see a dermatologist for a mole

At what age should I start going to see a dermatologist? There is no set age that anyone should start seeing a dermatologist and the answer can vary depending on your skin concerns, family history and skin type/color.

A good rule of thumb is to establish care with a dermatologist in your 20s-30s. This allows your dermatologist to have a baseline examination of your skin and can make recommendations based on your examination. A dermatologist can also help prevent and reverse sun damage, so starting earlier can be beneficial and decrease your risk of skin cancer in the future.

If I have a history of skin cancer how often should I have a skin check from a dermatologist? Depending on the type of skin cancer you had and how long ago it was diagnosed and treated, your dermatologist will likely want to see you every 3-6 months for the first few years after your diagnosis.

You should also perform monthly self-examinations and see your dermatologist sooner than your regular appointment if you find anything you are concerned about.

If I’ve been going to annual skin checks