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Wondering how to do a skin self-exam? Then read the following advice the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) gives:

• Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then right and left sides with arms raised.
• Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, upper underarms and palms.
• Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes and the soles of your feet.
• Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part your hair for a closer look.
• Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

When examining, follow the AAD's ABCD rules:

• A: Asymmetry -- one half is unlike the other half.
• B: Border irregular -- scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.
• C: Color varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown; black; sometimes white, red or blue.
• D: Diameter larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser.

Remember that to perform this exam properly, you need a well-lit room with both a full-length mirror and a hand-held one. If you find skin changes described above, consult your physician or dermatologist.

This exam should be completed once a month (for those with high risks) and once every six months (for those with a low risk).

External Resources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Skin Cancer Foundation American Cancer Society

This article was published on 1999-11-05
This article was reviewed on 2003-02-03