What is a Dermatological Examination?
A dermatological examination is a professional assessment of the skin, hair, and nails performed by a dermatologist to evaluate their condition, establish a diagnosis, and create a personalized treatment plan.
During a dermatological examination at Polyclinic Alabdulla, the dermatologist:
- assesses the overall condition of the skin on the face and body
- examines the scalp and hair, looking for signs of hair loss, inflammation, or infection
- analyzes fingernails and toenails, checking for changes in color, shape, or thickening
- uses a dermatoscope when needed for a detailed analysis of moles and suspicious skin changes
A dermatological examination is a key step in the early detection of skin diseases and in preventing complications caused by delayed diagnosis.
When Is a Dermatological Examination Necessary?
A dermatological examination is recommended in cases of:
- the appearance of a new mole or changes in the color, shape, or size of an existing mole
- persistent redness, rashes, or skin discoloration
- acne that does not respond to self-treatment or leaves scars
- itching, burning, scaling, or thickening of the skin
- increased hair loss or scalp thinning
- changes in the nails, including brittleness, thickening, or discoloration
- suspected fungal infections of the skin, scalp, or nails
- chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, or atopic dermatitis
In addition to the above, dermatological examinations play an important preventive role and are recommended even for people without symptoms, especially if risk factors for skin cancer or chronic skin conditions are present.
Preventive Mole Examination with Dermoscopy
Preventive mole examination using dermoscopy is essential for the early diagnosis of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
Dermoscopy is a method of examining moles with a specialized device that magnifies and illuminates the skin surface, allowing dermatologists to detect structures not visible to the naked eye.
Preventive dermatological examination in Sesvete with dermoscopy is recommended for:
- people with a large number of moles
- individuals with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and light hair
- those who experienced severe sunburn during childhood or adolescence
- people with a family history of melanoma or skin cancer
- anyone who notices changes in a mole’s appearance (color, borders, size, itching, or bleeding)
At Polyclinic Alabdulla, dermoscopic mole examinations are performed by dermatologist Dr. Dora Barić.
Patients who attend a dermatological examination often require Cryotherapy — a painless treatment for the removal of warts and keratoses, which can often be performed immediately after the dermatologist consultation.
What to Expect During a Dermatological Examination at Polyclinic Alabdulla
A dermatological examination at Polyclinic Alabdulla follows several clear steps:
- Initial Consultation
- discussion of symptoms, duration of concerns, and previous treatments
- brief medical history regarding general health, medications, and family history of skin conditions
- Clinical Examination of the Skin, Hair, and Nails
- full skin assessment or focused examination of specific problem areas
- scalp and hair examination when hair loss or scalp disorders are suspected
- nail examination when fungal infections or other abnormalities are suspected
- Dermoscopy of Moles and Skin Changes
- moles and skin lesions are examined in detail using a dermatoscope
- assessment of risk factors and the need for further evaluation
- Additional Diagnostic Procedures if Needed
- skin sampling (biopsy) for laboratory analysis
- skin scraping and samples for microbiological testing
- allergy testing (patch test) if contact dermatitis is suspected
- Diagnosis, Treatment Plan, and Follow-Up
- explanation of examination findings and diagnosis
- treatment recommendations (topical treatments, systemic therapy, lifestyle modifications)
- planning follow-up visits, especially for chronic conditions and higher-risk patients
How to Prepare for a Dermatological Examination
Proper preparation helps the dermatologist establish an accurate diagnosis and saves time during the consultation. Preparation guidelines include:
- arrive with clean skin and without facial makeup
- avoid heavy makeup, self-tanning products, and concealers on the areas being examined
- if the concern involves nails, arrive without nail polish or gel polish
- bring a list of medications, supplements, and skincare products currently being used
- prepare brief notes regarding symptom duration, possible triggers (e.g., sun exposure, cold weather, certain products), and previous treatments
- if possible, bring photos of the previous appearance of moles or lesions
For patients, we recommend arriving approximately 10 minutes earlier for administrative procedures so that the majority of the appointment can be dedicated to examination and consultation.
Dermatological Examination Cost
The cost of a dermatological examination at Polyclinic Alabdulla is available in the official price list and may vary depending on whether it is a standard examination or whether additional diagnostic procedures are required.
Special Offer for Your First Dermatological Examination – 10% Off
If you have never had a dermatological examination before, book your appointment today and receive a 10% discount on your first dermatological consultation. We want to encourage you to take care of your health and the health of your skin.
Appointments can be booked by phone at: +385 1 405 9203, via email at poliklinika@alabdulla.hr, or through our contact form.
Regular dermatological examinations are important for maintaining healthy skin and for the early detection of serious conditions, including skin cancer. Proper skin care and attention can significantly contribute to overall health and appearance — book your appointment today!
