Regular skin checks for Aussies: A lifesaving habit 

Australia, with its abundance of sunny days, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts - but with this privilege comes a significant responsibility - taking care of your skin. Australia has one of the highest rates of sun-related skin conditions in the world, making regular skin checks a must. This article will guide you through how to check your skin at home, understand your skin risk, the importance of regular checks, and how telehealth plays a role in this preventive measure.

Note: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A telehealth video or photo consultation is not a substitute for a full-body physical skin examination. Telehealth can only be used to triage isolated, specific lesions. Suspicious spots will require an in-person physical assessment or further diagnostic evaluation. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP and bulk billing* is available for eligible patients during Medicare-defined periods; otherwise, private fees apply. Ensure your privacy is protected. All consultations are strictly confidential and conducted via secure, encrypted platforms to safeguard your personal health data.

How to check your skin at home?

Regular self-examination is your first line of defence against skin changes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Set a regular time:
Aim to check your skin once every three months. Use good lighting, a full-length mirror, and a hand mirror to view hard-to-see areas. Setting a recurring reminder on your phone is a great way to prompt you. It is also a good time to check for any lumps on your breasts or testicles.

Know your skin:
Familiarise yourself with the patterns of moles, freckles, and other marks on your body. Taking your own set of photos can be helpful and store them in a folder on your phone. The key is to spot any changes over time.

Follow the ABCDEs:
A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B for Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
C for Colour: Varies from one area to another—shades of tan, brown, black, purple, sometimes white, red, or blue.
D for Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of the end of a pencil), although some lesions can be smaller.
E for Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or colour.
Or EFG for Elevated, firm and growing.

Check all areas:
Don’t forget hidden areas like the scalp, between toes, soles of the feet, under the nails, genital regions, and behind the ears.

If you notice anything suspicious, consult a doctor promptly. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful management.

Am I at risk of skin-related conditions?

While skin-related conditions can affect anyone, certain factors may increase your risk:

Skin type: Fair skin that burns easily may increase risk.
Sun exposure: Prolonged or frequent exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun, especially without protection, raises the risk.
Age: Risk increases with age, but younger people are not exempt, especially with high sun exposure.
Family history: A personal or family history of skin-related conditions may increase your risk.
Immunosuppression: If your immune system is weakened (e.g., by organ transplants or certain medications), your risk is higher.
Tanning habits: Regular tanning or use of tanning beds is associated with higher risk of skin damage and related conditions (tanning beds are banned in Australia).

Even if you don’t fall into these categories, a skin check is still important for everyone, as skin-related conditions can develop in anyone.

Should I have a skin check?

Yes. Regardless of risk factors, everyone should have a skin check, especially in a country like Australia where UV radiation is intense. While self-examinations are important, professional skin checks are vital because trained doctors can detect subtle changes that may be missed at home. If you have never had one, ask your doctor how often you should have checks based on your individual risk factors.

People with higher-risk factors, such as a family history of melanoma, multiple moles, or a history of sunburns, should prioritise regular professional checks.

How often should I have a skin check in Australia?

How often you need a skin check depends on your risk level. For Australians with lighter skin tones, an annual skin check is recommended. However, those at higher risk may require more frequent checks, potentially every six months. Your GP can provide personalised advice based on your skin type, medical history, and lifestyle.

The Australian climate is unforgiving, and given the high incidence of sun-related skin conditions, regular skin checks can be an important preventive health routine.

Does Medicare Australia cover skin checks?

Yes, physical skin checks are covered by Medicare in Australia when performed by an in-person General Practitioner. Some GP practices offer these under bulk-billing* arrangements.

Note: If you are using a telehealth service to assess a specific suspicious spot, Medicare rebates (and bulk-billing*) are generally subject to the '12-month rule'—meaning you must have had a face-to-face consultation with that provider or clinic in the last 12 months to be eligible for a rebate. Otherwise, private fees apply.

When should I start getting regular skin checks?

There’s no fixed age, but earlier is better. In Australia, where childhood sun exposure can influence future risk, it’s wise to begin regular checks as a young adult. If you’ve had significant sun exposure during childhood, consider starting earlier.

People with a family history of skin-related conditions or a history of repeated sunburns may consider starting in their teenage years. For others, starting in your twenties is a good guideline.

When should I consult a doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• You notice a new mole or skin lesion
• A mole or spot changes in size, shape, or colour
• You have a sore that doesn’t heal
• You see a spot that is crusty, bleeding, or doesn’t go away after a few weeks

It’s always better to be cautious. Early assessment improves the chances of effective management.

How Hola Health may be able to help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners — from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult — talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner
• Medical certificate online  — for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists - or in-person services when needed
• Online prescriptions — at a clinician's discretion and where clinically suitable
• Pathology or imaging requests — when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician
• Mental health Care Plan — Mental Health Treatment Plans (referral to your regular GP may be recommended for ongoing care)

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest. Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.

Conclusion

Sun-related skin conditions are a significant concern in Australia, but regular skin checks—both at home and with a professional—can help identify issues early, when they are easier to manage. Knowing your risk, performing regular self-exams, and scheduling routine skin checks are simple but important steps in protecting your health.

With Medicare supporting in-person skin checks and telehealth providing quick access to medical advice, there is no reason to delay care. Stay vigilant with self-examinations and make professional skin checks a regular part of your health routine.