Dermoscopy for a Health Certificate: What to Know

A clinician uses a [Dermatoscope](/technology/dermatoscope/) to view structures beneath the skin surface that are difficult to assess with the unaided eye. The device may touch the skin or be held just above it. The examination is usually focused on a particular mole, pigmented mark, or other lesion and does not remove tissue.

Dermoscopy can support documentation and clinical decision-making, but the certificate requirement depends on the requesting organisation and the clinician's assessment. A concerning or unclear finding may need a separate appointment, monitoring, or tissue assessment.

Bring the health-certificate instructions, identification documents requested by the clinic, and a list of medicines or prior skin procedures. Wear clothing that allows the relevant skin area to be examined. Do not cover a changing mark with makeup before the visit. Tell the clinician if a spot has changed in size, shape, colour, sensation, or bleeding pattern, and mention any personal or family history of skin cancer.

A health-certificate examination should not delay assessment of a changing, bleeding, crusting, persistently itchy, or non-healing mark. Ask for prompt dermatology review if the clinician cannot confidently classify it or recommends surveillance. If removal is advised, [Mole Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/mole-removal/) is a separate treatment decision rather than part of routine visual examination.

Ask what areas will be examined, whether the report is suitable for the certificate request, which finding prompted any recommendation, and whether you need a written follow-up plan. Clarify how soon a changing mark should be reassessed and whether removal would allow laboratory examination.