If you have noticed a new spot or a change on your skin, booking a dermatology appointment is a smart move. A lot of people feel anxious before that visit, mostly because they do not know what will happen or what they should bring.

This guide gives you a simple, practical checklist to help you prepare. You will know what to document, what questions to ask, and what “next steps” might look like after the exam.

Have a quick refresher on what changes tend to be most important, see beginning signs of skin cancer.

First, do not wait for “perfect certainty”

Many people delay a visit because the spot is subtle or not painful. That is common. Dermatology visits are not only for obvious or dramatic changes. They are also for anything that feels new, persistent, or different from your baseline.

If your spot is changing, not healing, repeatedly scabbing, or simply stands out, it is appropriate to get checked.

For a more visual overview of common appearances, check what does skin cancer look like.

What to do before your appointment

1) Take clear photos (and do it the right way)

Photos can help you explain what changed, especially if the spot looks different day to day.

Use this quick method:

Take a photo in bright natural light
Take one close up photo and one photo from farther away to show location
Include a reference point (ruler, coin, fingertip) next to the spot, not on top of it
Save the date in your notes

If the spot is on your scalp, back, or another hard to reach area, ask someone to help you.

2) Write down a short timeline

Bring a simple timeline so you are not trying to remember details in the room:

When you first noticed it
Whether it changed in size, color, border, or texture
Any symptoms (itching, tenderness, bleeding, crusting, stinging)
Anything that triggers it (shaving, friction, sun exposure)

3) Make a “skin context” list

These details help the dermatologist assess your overall risk:

Any personal history of skin cancer, precancerous lesions, or biopsies
Family history of melanoma
Significant sun exposure history or tanning bed use
Immunosuppression (medications or conditions that weaken immune response)

4) Bring product and medication info (if relevant)

If your skin is irritated or reacting, it can help to note:

New skincare products started in the last 1 to 2 months
Prescription creams used on the spot
New medications that increased sun sensitivity

5) Avoid covering the area on the day of the visit

A few practical tips:

Do not apply heavy makeup over the spot if it is on your face
Avoid self tanning products for a few days before
If the spot is on a nail, remove nail polish so the nail can be examined clearly

What to expect during the appointment

Most visits include:

A visual exam of the spot
A closer look with a dermatoscope (a handheld magnifier with light)
Questions about your timeline and symptoms

Depending on your situation, the dermatologist may recommend a full skin exam.

Questions to ask your dermatologist

Going in with questions keeps the conversation clear and helps you leave with a plan.

About the spot itself

What do you think this is most likely to be?
What signs would make you more concerned?
Do you recommend monitoring, treatment, or biopsy?

If they recommend a biopsy

What type of biopsy is this (shave, punch, excision)?
Will you do it today or schedule it?
How long do results typically take?
What should I do for aftercare?

About follow up

How should I track this area going forward?
Should I schedule a routine full skin exam?
How often should I return for checks based on my risk factors?

What happens if a biopsy is recommended

A biopsy sounds intimidating, but most are quick in office procedures. The goal is to confirm what the spot is so you have a clear path forward.

Depending on the location and the dermatologist’s assessment, you might have a biopsy that same day, or you might schedule it soon after.

What to do after your appointment

Before you leave, make sure you know:

The plan (monitor, treat, biopsy, or follow up visit)
The timeline (when to expect results or next steps)
What changes should prompt you to call sooner

If you are asked to monitor the spot, continue with photos and notes every 2 to 4 weeks.

If you are diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer

If a diagnosis comes back as basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, your dermatologist will discuss treatment options based on the type, size, and location of the lesion.

For some patients, Image-Guided SRT (IGSRT) may be an option. GentleCure utilizes IGSRT, which is a non-surgical approach that can be used for certain common skin cancers. If you receive a diagnosis, you can ask your doctor whether IGSRT is appropriate for your case.If treatment conversations come up and you want to be ready, see questions about IGSRT for your first appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wait to see if it goes away?

If a spot is changing, not healing, returning in the same place, or looks different from other marks on your skin, it is worth getting checked rather than waiting indefinitely.

What should I bring to my dermatology appointment?

Bring photos (if you have them), a short timeline of changes, and notes about symptoms. Also bring relevant medical history, including prior biopsies or skin cancers.

What if I feel embarrassed because it is probably nothing?

Dermatologists see a wide range of concerns every day. Getting clarity is the point of the visit. It is always better to check than to guess.

Can a dermatologist diagnose skin cancer just by looking?

Often they can make a strong assessment, but a biopsy is the standard way to confirm a diagnosis.

Will I get a full body exam?

It depends on the visit type and your situation. Many dermatologists recommend a broader exam when there is a concerning spot or increased risk factors.

Key takeaways

Preparing for a dermatology visit is mostly about clarity. Bring photos, a timeline, and a short list of questions. Your goal is to leave with a plan, whether that is monitoring, treatment, or a biopsy.