How to Do an At-Home Skin Check

In between your visits with us, did you know you can keep an eye on your own skin by checking yourself from the comfort of your own home? Here’s how to perform an at-home skin check: Examine your body in a full-length mirror. Check the front and back of your body, and use a handheld mirror to see your blind spots. Don’t forget to stand to the side and raise your arms to get a complete look at your entire body.  

Areas to make sure that you check:

Bend your elbows and look closely at your underarms, forearms, and palms.

Check the backs of your legs, in between your toes, and the soles of your feet.

Take a look at your scalp and neck (don’t forget to use your handheld mirror!).

Don’t forget to evaluate your back, buttocks, and private areas. Now that you’ve completed your skin self-check, you’re probably wondering what you should do if you spot a mole. The truth is, not every mole is worrisome. There are some stark differences between regular moles and skin cancer. When in doubt, follow ABCDE guidelines for what could mean that you have a form of skin cancer.

Your mole may be cancerous if the following occurs:

A is for Asymmetry: The mole is not the same size on both sides. 

B is for Border: The borders are jagged, uneven, and irregular. 

C is for Color: Color is inconsistent. 

D is for Diameter: The size of the mole is 6mm or more. However, melanoma doesn’t always start out small but may grow over time.

E is for Evolving: Your mole may be cancerous if it changes size, shape, or color over time.  

At-home skin checks are a great first step, but it’s always important to follow-up with a board-certified dermatologist to get a thorough second glance. Don’t leave it to guesswork because your health depends on it.  Book your skin check with us to make sure your skin is healthy and cancer-free. You deserve that peace of mind!