Regular skin checks are essential for early detection of changes in moles and skin lesions. Increased awareness of your skin can help reduce the risks of skin cancer and melanomas. Point’z of Interest offer a specialised skin health check to help you identify potential issues early.

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Skin health checks are an opportunity to get those lumps, spots or moles checked out prior to visiting the GP. The practitioner is fully certified via MASCED PRO in Early Detection of Melanoma and Skin Cancer, our skin health check service uses the Map My Mole app to assess the area and give thorough feedback from qualified dermatologists on the moles and skin lesions sent.

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It’s very common especially in times of change for your skin to change and new moles may arise or fade. These changes are typically through adolescence, puberty, pregnancy, menopause and can occur with the aging process. However, sometimes moles, freckles and skin lesions can appear, and these are not normal. These can give a person cause for concern.

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The aim of this service is to check any areas a patient is concerned about and give an initial opinion on the area's health and what the possible steps are to go forward.  We know it’s often difficult for people to see problem areas such their backs etc, maybe their shy or live alone and just need them looking at before they go to the doctor worrying that their wasting nhs resources or wasting the doctors time over eczema, a new skin rash, pimple, spot, mole or lump. For some they may just be frightened of what it can be and need support to make the first step. That’s what this service is there to help with. and help to advise them about next steps. 

 

 

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What happens at a skin health check appointment?

At the skin health check the practitioner will do an initial consultation asking you some medical health questions and lifestyle questions regarding my skincare routines and assess your concerns.

Next, you will be asked to identify the mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) that you would like checked, and the practitioner will use a specialized dermatoscope to capture close up photography and videos images of the moles or lesions.

The images and information will then be sent securely via the App to a Dermatology Specialist for analysis and to check for signs of malignant melanoma, with a comprehensive report being sent back to the patient containing their findings and recommendations on next steps via post or email usually within 4 working days (this is often much quicker).

Any significant findings such as your mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) is/are at risk, you will be advised to speak to your GP or a dermatologist, this report can help speed that process up. 

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Please be aware for any formal diagnosis and prospective treatments would require a GP or a Dermatologist and the practitioner may suggest that and where applicable will try to help to facilitate this.

THIS IS NOT A FORMAL MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BUT AN INITIAL SKIN SCREENING CHECK.

While such apps can be useful tools they should not replace professional medical evaluations, although the dermatoscopes are very high resolution the dermatologist report can only go by a picture.

A biopsy and examination under a microscope are the only true way to rule out melanoma and sometimes confirm it. Users should consult with healthcare providers for a thorough assessment if they notice any concerning changes in their skin.

 

 

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How much does the service cost?

The service fee is £50 for the first two moles or lesions, with an additional £20 for each subsequent mole within the same consultation.

For more than four moles, consult your GP. The skin health checking Service is run by MapMyMole, the fee that you pay for this service is paid to MapMyMole. This fee is for the dermatologist consultation and MapMyMole application fee.

 

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How do I know if I need it?

Our bodies and moles are always changing, and we can’t guarantee that a mole that has been considered normal will always remain so. It’s important to be aware of any changes to the mole/pigmented lesion.

Here at Point’z of Interest Therapie’z we follow the ABCDE rule for identifying moles, pimples, spots, lumps, lesions and freckles that may need to be further checked. 

 

The ABCDE rule is a guide for identifying potential signs of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It helps recognize characteristics that may indicate a mole or skin lesion could be malignant.

 

To use the ABCDE rule in self-checking can be a great way to track for health, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist for a professional evaluation if you notice any concerning changes that ABCDE identifies.

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• Asymmetry: Melanomas are often asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of a mole, the two halves may not match in shape. Benign moles are usually symmetrical.

• Border: Melanomas typically have uneven, irregular borders. They may appear scalloped or notched. In contrast, benign moles usually have smooth, even borders.

• Colour: Melanomas may exhibit multiple colours or shades, such as brown, black, red, white, or blue. Benign moles are generally a single colour.

• Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimetres (about the size of a pencil eraser). Benign moles are usually smaller, though size alone is not a definitive indicator.

• Evolving: Melanomas tend to change over time. Any changes in size, shape, colour, or texture of a mole, or if it starts to bleed, itch, or become painful, should be evaluated.

The ABCDE rule is a useful tool for monitoring your skin and identifying potential issues early, if you have any concerns in the above areas, a skin health check might be an idea for you. 

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Please note: We are unable to assess moles located in intimate areas (e.g., genitals, nipples), on the eyelids, or the tips of ears, additionally, for individuals under 18, please consult your GP for any skin-related issues.

 

Here are some useful tips to help reduce your risk of melanoma.

• Regular Checks: Monitor your skin every few months for any changes, you should check your skin frequently.  The more aware you are of your skin, the more likely it is that you will spot any changes.

• Sun Protection: Use sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 and high UVA protection, this must be reapplied every 2-3 hours unless in contact with fluid in which case reapply more frequently.

• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Limit sun exposure between 11am and 3pm, especially from March to October and where possible cover up the body and keep to shaded areas.

 

Disclaimer: the Skin Health Check service doesn’t provide a diagnosis of skin cancer.  It is not 100% guaranteed.

No claims, promises, or guarantees are being made as to the results of this skin health check and therefore accept full responsibility for the outcome of said skin check.

The information provided is not intended to be a replacement for medical treatment and patients are advised to always consult a qualified medical professional such as a GP or consultant before adopting any of the suggestions or taking part any treatment advised.