Regularly checking your skin is crucial for identifying potential skin cancers early when they are most treatable. The best time to do a skin self-exam is after a bath or shower, when your skin is clean and dry.
Here's how to perform a thorough skin self-exam:
1. Start with a visual inspection:
- Familiarize yourself: Begin by learning the usual look and feel of your moles, birthmarks, and other skin markings. This will help you notice any changes.
- Check for symmetry: Look for spots that lack symmetry. A symmetrical spot will have a mirrored image on both sides.
- Examine borders: Look for moles or spots with irregular borders.
- Observe the color: Pay attention to moles or spots that have multiple colors.
- Feel for diameter: Check for any moles or spots larger than 6mm.
2. Don't forget hard-to-see areas:
- Use a mirror: Use a full-length mirror to examine your back, legs, and feet.
- Get a helping hand: Ask a friend or family member to check the areas you can't easily see, like your back and scalp.
3. Pay attention to any changes:
- New spots: Note any new moles, birthmarks, or skin growths that appear.
- Changes in existing spots: Look for any changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of existing moles or birthmarks.
- Itching, bleeding, or crusting: Notice any spots that are itchy, bleeding, or crusting.
4. Know when to seek professional help:
- If you notice any suspicious changes: Contact your doctor or dermatologist immediately.
- For a comprehensive skin check: Schedule a regular appointment with a dermatologist for a professional skin cancer screening.
5. Maintain healthy habits:
- Limit sun exposure: Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily.
- Avoid tanning beds: These emit harmful UV rays that can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
- Be mindful of environmental factors: Take precautions in areas with higher levels of ultraviolet radiation, such as beaches, mountains, and snow.
By following these steps, you can play a vital role in maintaining the health of your skin and detecting skin cancer early.
