What Actually Happens During a Full Body Skin Check?

Did you know that around 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70? Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, thanks largely to our intense UV radiation and outdoorsy lifestyle.

Yet, despite how common skin cancer is, many people quietly worry about a mole, freckle or spot for months (or years) before ever booking a proper skin cancer screening. Often it’s because they’re anxious about what actually happens during a full body skin check:

• Do you have to get completely naked?
• How closely will your moles be examined?
• What happens if they find something suspicious?
• Can telehealth or an online dermatologist referral help you start the process?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the skin check procedure step by step, from booking the appointment to walking out the door afterwards. You’ll learn what to expect at a skin check, what your doctor is actually looking for, and how telehealth services like ours at NextClinic fit into the picture if you need a referral or have questions from home.

Our goal is to make the whole idea of a mole check in Australia feel less mysterious and a lot less scary—so you’re more likely to book that appointment instead of putting it off “until next summer”.

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Why full body skin checks really matter in Australia

Skin cancer isn’t a niche issue here; it’s mainstream. In fact:

• Melanoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia, with an estimated ~19,000 new melanoma cases in 2024 alone.
• The good news: melanoma has a five‑year survival rate of over 94% when detected and treated early.

Cancer Council also emphasises that while there’s no formal national skin cancer screening program (like there is for bowel or breast cancer), Australians are strongly encouraged to know their own skin and see a doctor promptly if they notice new or changing spots.

A full body skin check is essentially a targeted, head‑to‑toe examination designed to:

• Find skin cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage
• Monitor high‑risk people (lots of moles, fair skin, strong family history, outdoor work)
• Reassure you when a spot is benign, instead of leaving you spiralling through late‑night Google searches

If you’ve ever typed “mole check Australia” or “is this mole normal” into your browser, a proper skin cancer screening is usually the safer next step than self‑diagnosing via photos online.

Who usually does skin cancer screening in Australia?

In Australia, a full body skin check can be performed by different types of clinicians:

1. Your GP

Many GPs are very experienced at checking skin and spotting suspicious lesions. They can:

• Examine your skin
• Perform small biopsies
• Treat some non‑melanoma skin cancers
• Arrange a dermatologist referral or referral to a skin cancer clinic if needed

2. Dedicated skin cancer clinics

These clinics may be GP‑run, but the doctors often have extra training and tools (like digital mole mapping). They typically focus on:

• Comprehensive full body skin checks
• Imaging and mapping of moles
• On‑site biopsies and minor surgery

3. Dermatologists

Dermatologists are specialist doctors focused on skin, hair and nail conditions. They’re usually involved when:

• You have a high‑risk history
• You need more complex surgery
• Your GP or skin cancer clinic is concerned about a particular lesion

You generally need a dermatologist referral from a GP (or another doctor) so that part of the cost can be covered by Medicare.

Where telehealth fits in

This is where services like NextClinic come in. We’re a 100% online Australian telehealth clinic. Our doctors can:

• Discuss your skin concerns by phone
• Take a history and assess your risk
• Provide specialist referrals (including dermatologist referrals) when clinically appropriate
• Help you understand what type of in‑person skin check you should book next

Telehealth can’t replace an in‑person full body skin check, but it can absolutely help you get to the right place, with the right paperwork, faster and with less stress—especially if you’re in a rural area or can’t get into your usual GP quickly. If you’re curious about how our telehealth model works in more detail, our blog post “Telehealth and Rural Australia: Closing the Gap” is a great place to start.

How to prepare for your mole check

A bit of preparation can make your skin check procedure smoother and more informative.

1. Gather your information

Before you go, jot down:

• Any previous skin cancers, biopsies or treatments
• Family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• Regular medications and any immune‑suppressing drugs
• A list of spots that worry you—when you first noticed them, and any changes

Your doctor will ask about known risk factors like:

• History of bad sunburns or solarium use
• Outdoor work or sports
• Fair skin, many moles, or light hair/eye colour

2. Dress (and undress) smart

On the day:

• Wear comfortable, easy‑to‑remove clothing
• Avoid heavy makeup on areas you want checked (e.g. face)
• Remove nail polish from fingers and toes so they can inspect your nails
• Skip fake tan if you can, as it may obscure subtle changes

You’ll usually be asked to strip down to your underwear. Some clinics offer a gown; if modesty is a concern, you can ask in advance.

3. Bring your questions (and your feelings)

It’s completely normal to feel:

• Embarrassed about undressing
• Worried about what they might find
• Guilty about long‑term sun exposure

Write down questions such as:

• “How often should I have a skin cancer screening?”
• “What does this particular mole look like to you?”
• “How do I check my skin at home?”

If you feel anxious, it’s okay to say that. Doctors and nurses do these exams all day; they’re not there to judge your body, just your spots.

Step‑by‑step: what actually happens during a full body skin check

Let’s walk through the skin check procedure as it typically unfolds in Australia.

Step 1: History and risk assessment

Your doctor or skin clinician will start by talking, not touching.

They’ll usually ask about:

• Any new or changing moles, freckles or spots
• Symptoms like itching, bleeding, crusting or pain
• Past history of skin cancer
• Family history of melanoma or unusual moles
• How much time you’ve spent in the sun over your life
• Whether you work outdoors or used tanning beds
• Your skin type (e.g. very fair vs easily tanned)

This helps them decide where to look extra closely, how often you’ll need follow‑up, and whether other family members might also benefit from skin checks.

Step 2: Informed consent and explaining the process

According to Healthdirect, your doctor should explain what the check involves and make sure you’re comfortable before they begin. You have the right to agree to—or decline—any part of the exam. This is called informed consent.

They might say something like:

"“I’d like to examine your skin from head to toe, including your scalp, nails, and the soles of your feet. You can keep your underwear on. If anything feels uncomfortable, tell me and we’ll adjust.”"

If you prefer a chaperone (for example, another staff member in the room), you can usually request that.

Step 3: Getting changed

You’ll be taken to a private area or curtained space and asked to undress to your underwear. Most clinics will:

• Provide a gown or sheet
• Leave the room while you get changed
• Knock before re‑entering

If you wear a headscarf, wig or hairpiece, you may be asked (with your permission) to remove it briefly so they can inspect your scalp.

Step 4: The head‑to‑toe visual exam

Now comes the main part of the skin cancer screening.

Most clinicians follow a system so they don’t miss anything. They’ll visually inspect (and sometimes gently feel) your:

• Scalp – parting your hair with a light
• Face, ears, neck – including behind the ears and under the jaw
• Chest, abdomen and back
• Arms and hands – including between the fingers and under the nails
• Legs and feet – including soles, between the toes, and nails
• Buttocks and backs of thighs

They may also look at areas where previous skin cancers were removed, to check for recurrence.

Throughout, they’re assessing any spots that stand out—dark, irregular, changing, or just “not like the others”.

Step 5: Dermoscopy – the special magnifying lens

For any mole or spot that needs a closer look, your doctor may use a dermatoscope (a handheld tool with a light and magnifying lens).

Dermoscopy allows clinicians to see structures and colours below the skin surface that aren’t visible to the naked eye, and it’s been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy for melanoma when used by trained professionals.

To you, it just feels like:

• A small device gently touched to your skin (sometimes with a bit of gel)
• The doctor looking very intently at the spot for a few seconds

It doesn’t hurt.

Step 6: Photos and mole mapping (for some patients)

If you have many moles or you’re at higher risk, the clinic might:

• Take clinical photos of certain moles to compare over time
• Use digital dermoscopy to capture high‑resolution images
• In some centres, create a full body mole map using specialised cameras

These tools help detect subtle changes over months or years—especially useful when your back or scalp are hard to monitor yourself.

Step 7: Talking through any “interesting” spots

Most people have at least a few odd‑looking moles that aren’t actually cancer. Your clinician will usually explain:

• Why they think a lesion is benign (or not)
• Whether it needs watchful waiting or a biopsy
• How to keep an eye on it yourself

They may use the ABCDE approach (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving) or the “ugly duckling” sign (a mole that looks different from your others) as teaching tools so you can spot changes later at home. Cancer Council and other organisations recommend regular self‑checks using these principles.

What happens if they find a suspicious mole?

This is what most people fear—but it’s also the whole point of going.

If your doctor is concerned about a mole or spot, they might suggest:

1. Biopsy

A biopsy means taking a small sample (or all) of the lesion to send to a pathology lab. According to Healthdirect, this is standard practice when a spot could be skin cancer.

Common types include:

• Shave biopsy – removing the top layers with a blade
• Punch biopsy – using a circular tool to take a core of tissue
• Excisional biopsy – cutting out the whole lesion with a margin of normal skin

You’ll get a local anaesthetic injection first, so the procedure itself shouldn’t be painful, though you may feel mild pressure. Afterwards, the area may be sore for a few days.

2. Referral to a dermatologist or surgeon

If the lesion is in a tricky location or looks more complex, your GP or skin cancer clinic may arrange a dermatologist referral or refer you to a plastic or general surgeon.

This is where telehealth can be handy. If your local GP has flagged something concerning but wait times are long for specialists, an online service like NextClinic may be able to help with:

• Renewing an existing specialist referral
• Issuing a fresh referral, where clinically appropriate, after a telehealth consult
• Clarifying what kind of specialist is most suitable (e.g. dermatologist vs surgical oncologist)

3. Watchful waiting and review

Not every unusual‑looking mole is dangerous. Sometimes the safest and most evidence‑based option is:

• Photographing and measuring it
• Booking a follow‑up skin check in 3–6 months to watch for change

You should be given clear instructions on what to watch for and when to come back sooner (for example, if it starts bleeding or growing quickly).

Does a skin check hurt? What about embarrassment?

Let’s tackle two of the most common fears.

“Will it hurt?”

• The visual exam itself doesn’t hurt—it’s mostly looking, plus occasional gentle touching.
• If you need a biopsy, you’ll feel the local anaesthetic sting for a few seconds, then mostly pressure.
• Afterwards, you might have mild discomfort or itchiness as the area heals, similar to a small cut or scrape.

For the vast majority of people, the discomfort is minor compared to the peace of mind of knowing what you’re dealing with.

“I’m embarrassed about my body”

Remember:

• Skin clinicians truly have seen it all—scars, stretch marks, body hair, tattoos, piercings, you name it.
• Their focus is on your moles and spots, not your body shape or grooming.
• You can keep your underwear on, and you can say no to any area you’re not comfortable having checked.

If you’re very uncomfortable, tell them upfront. Many people find that the embarrassment fades within a minute or two once the exam starts and they realise how professional and matter‑of‑fact it is.

How often should you book a skin cancer check?

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all schedule. It depends on your personal risk.

Healthdirect suggests that people at high risk of skin cancer may need a full skin check every 6 months, plus regular self‑checks. Others might need them less often, but should still see a doctor if they notice any new or changing spots.

As a rough guide (which does NOT replace individual medical advice):

• High risk (e.g. previous melanoma, strong family history, many atypical moles, immunosuppression)
  • Self‑check every 1–3 months
  • Full body skin check at least every 6–12 months
• Moderate risk (fair skin, lots of sun exposure, some family history)
  • Self‑check every few months
  • Full body skin check every 1–2 years
• Lower risk
  • Self‑check at least annually
  • Ask your GP how often you should have a full body check, and have a baseline check at least once in adulthood

Cancer Council underlines the importance of knowing your own skin and seeing a doctor promptly if you notice any changes—no matter when your last formal check was.

Also important: Healthdirect specifically cautions against relying on smartphone apps to diagnose skin cancer. These apps aren’t accurate enough to replace a doctor’s assessment.

Where telehealth fits in: online help, referrals and next steps

You might be thinking, “Okay, I get what happens in a clinic—but how does an online service actually help with skin checks?”

Telehealth can help you:

1. Decide what kind of appointment you need

A short telehealth consult can help you work out whether you should see:

• Your regular GP
• A dedicated skin cancer clinic
• A dermatologist or plastic surgeon

1. Get a dermatologist referral without an extra in‑person GP trip

If it’s clinically appropriate, our Australian‑registered doctors at NextClinic can issue a specialist referral (including dermatologist referrals) via telehealth, so you can go straight to booking your in‑person appointment.

1. Clarify biopsy or pathology results

If you’ve already had a biopsy, but you’re confused or worried about the pathology wording, telehealth can be a good way to talk through what it means and what questions to ask at your next in‑person visit.

1. Support rural and remote patients

For people outside the major cities, getting into town for every small question can be a massive hassle. Our article “Telehealth and Rural Australia: Closing the Gap” explores how telehealth is helping rural Australians access timely care—including referrals and follow‑up for things like skin cancer.

At NextClinic, our doctors typically work via phone rather than video, which many people find less intimidating and more convenient. If you’d like to understand how that works for prescriptions, check out our blog post “Can You Get a Script Without a Video Call?”—it also gives you a feel for how we approach safe, guideline‑based telehealth care.

But telehealth is not a replacement for a full body skin check

A really important point:

• No online doctor can perform a true full body skin check through a screen
• We can’t do dermoscopy, biopsies or mole mapping remotely
• We can’t safely give you a “definite” opinion on every single spot from a quick photo

What we can do is help you take action sooner—by talking through your concerns, ordering appropriate investigations or referrals, and making sure you’re headed to the right in‑person clinician with clear information.

If you have a rapidly growing, bleeding or very worrying lesion—or you feel unwell in general—don’t rely on telehealth alone. See a doctor in person urgently, or call emergency services (000) if you think it’s an emergency.

Simple checklist: getting the most out of your next skin check

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably at least half‑convinced it’s time to get your skin looked at. Here’s a quick pre‑appointment checklist you can use:

A week before

• Notice any new or changing spots, and write down where they are
• Dig out old pathology reports or letters from past skin cancers, if you have them
• If you’re high‑risk, consider taking a few photos of key moles for your own reference

The day before

• Remove nail polish from fingers and toes
• If possible, avoid fake tan or heavy makeup on areas you want checked
• Write down medications and allergies

On the day

• Wear easy‑to‑remove clothing
• Bring:
  • Medicare card and any private health details
  • Your questions and list of worrying spots
  • Reading glasses (to review written information)

During the appointment

• Tell the doctor about any family history of melanoma or skin cancer
• Point out specific moles or spots you’re worried about
• Ask:
  • “How often should I come back for a skin check?”
  • “Can you show me how to do a self‑check at home?”

After the appointment

• If a biopsy was done, note when and how you’ll get the results—and who to contact if you haven’t heard by then
• If you’ve been given a dermatologist referral, book that appointment while the motivation is fresh
• Set a calendar reminder for your next self‑check or professional skin check

If you’re still unsure about where to start, you can always use a telehealth consultation—including with us at NextClinic—to talk it through and organise the right referrals or follow‑up.

Bringing it all together: don’t wait for “later”

Let’s recap the key points:

• Skin cancer is incredibly common in Australia, but highly treatable when caught early.
• A full body skin cancer screening is a structured, respectful process—not a scary ordeal. You’ll usually:
  • Discuss your risk factors and concerns
  • Undress to your underwear in a private setting
  • Have your skin examined from head to toe, sometimes with a dermatoscope
  • Talk through any suspicious spots and next steps
• If something looks concerning, your doctor may biopsy it or arrange a dermatologist referral or surgical referral.
• How often you need a skin check procedure depends on your personal risk, but regular self‑checks and prompt review of changing spots are crucial.
• Telehealth can’t replace a hands‑on mole check—but services like NextClinic can help you access timely advice, organise referrals, and navigate the system from anywhere in Australia.

If you’ve been nervously watching a mole in the mirror, or telling yourself you’ll “get around to a skin check after this summer”, consider this your gentle nudge.

Your challenge this week: Pick one concrete action from this list and actually do it:

• Book a full body skin check with your GP or a skin cancer clinic
• Schedule a telehealth consult (with us or your preferred provider) to discuss a worrying spot or arrange a referral
• Spend 5–10 minutes doing a self‑check in good light, using a handheld mirror for tricky areas
• Talk to a partner or housemate and agree to check each other’s backs and scalps regularly

When you’re done, come back and let us know in the comments:

• Which strategy did you choose?
• Did you book a mole check, do your first proper self‑exam, or use telehealth to get a referral?
• How did it feel to finally take that step?

Your future self—sitting under a hat, sunscreen on, skin checked—will be very glad you did.

References

• Australian Skin Cancer Foundation
• Melanoma of the skin statistics | Cancer Australia
• Skin cancer | Causes, Symptoms & Treatments | Cancer Council
• Should I be checked for skin cancer? | healthdirect
• NextClinic: Online Medical Certificates, Instant Scripts and Telehealth Consults
• Telehealth and Rural Australia: Closing the Gap | NextClinic
• Early Detection of Skin Cancer Position Statement | Cancer Council
• Can You Get a Script Without a Video Call? | NextClinic

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