Getting a Skin Check Before Lake Season in Spicer
For residents of Spicer and the surrounding Kandiyohi County communities, lake season is more than a pastime—it is a way of life. Green Lake, Nest Lake, and the other bodies of water in the Spicer area draw families, boaters, anglers, and swimmers from May through September. But before you launch the pontoon or set up at your favorite beach spot, there is one important health step that too many Minnesotans overlook: a professional skin examination.
At Clarus Dermatology’s Spicer office, we encourage all patients—especially those who spend significant time outdoors—to schedule an annual skin check. A few minutes with a board-certified dermatologist can catch skin cancer early, when it is most treatable, and give you peace of mind heading into the season.
Why a Pre-Season Skin Check Matters
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and the incidence of melanoma—the most serious form—has been increasing steadily for decades. The good news is that when detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. The five-year survival rate for melanoma caught in its earliest stage is 99 percent.
A pre-season skin check serves two important purposes:
- Baseline assessment: Your dermatologist documents the current state of your moles, freckles, and other skin features, making it easier to identify changes in future visits.
- Early detection: A trained dermatologist can spot suspicious lesions that patients may overlook or dismiss as harmless. Many skin cancers are painless and subtle in their early stages.
What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Exam
A full-body skin examination is a quick, painless procedure that typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Here is what to expect:
- You will change into a gown, and your dermatologist will systematically examine your skin from head to toe
- The provider will use a dermatoscope—a specialized magnifying instrument with built-in lighting—to examine moles and spots more closely
- Your dermatologist will check commonly overlooked areas including the scalp, between the toes, the soles of the feet, behind the ears, and the back
- If any lesion appears suspicious, a biopsy may be performed during the same visit. This involves numbing the area and removing a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis.
Dr. Neil A. Shah and the surgical dermatology team at Clarus Dermatology provide expert evaluation and, when necessary, advanced treatment options for skin cancer, including Mohs micrographic surgery for appropriate cases.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase your risk. You should be especially diligent about regular skin checks if you have:
- A history of sunburns, especially blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence
- Fair skin, light hair, or light-colored eyes
- A large number of moles (50 or more)
- A family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma
- A personal history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions
- A history of using tanning beds
- An outdoor occupation or lifestyle with significant cumulative sun exposure
- A weakened immune system
Minnesota’s lake culture means many residents accumulate significant UV exposure over decades of summers on the water. UV radiation reflects off water surfaces, increasing exposure even when you feel cooled by the breeze.
What to Watch for Between Appointments
In addition to annual professional exams, performing regular self-checks at home is an important complement to professional care. Once a month, examine your skin in a well-lit room using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas. Look for:
- New moles or growths that were not there before
- Existing moles that have changed in size, shape, color, or texture
- Spots that look different from all your other moles (the “ugly duckling” sign)
- Sores that do not heal within two to three weeks
- Any spot that itches, bleeds, crusts, or oozes
If you notice any of these changes, do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Contact your dermatologist promptly for evaluation.
Sun Protection on the Lake
Prevention is always better than treatment. When spending time on Green Lake, Nest Lake, or any of the area’s waterways, protect your skin with:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplied every two hours and after swimming
- UPF-rated clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Shade from a boat canopy, umbrella, or bimini top during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Extra attention to protecting children, whose skin is more vulnerable to UV damage
Schedule Your Skin Check in Spicer
Do not let lake season start without making sure your skin is healthy. Clarus Dermatology’s Spicer office makes it easy for patients in Spicer, Willmar, New London, and the greater Kandiyohi County area to get expert dermatologic care without traveling to the metro.
Call (612) 213-2370 to schedule your annual skin check today. Your skin will thank you—and so will your summer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Skin cancer risk factors and screening recommendations vary by individual. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist for personalized guidance.
