How to perform a skin self-exam

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Early detection of the disease—and other potentially dangerous skin problems—can mean faster, more effective treatment.

The best way to catch skin issues, including skin cancer, is to visit a dermatologist regularly for a full-body, comprehensive skin exam. This is especially important if you have a history of skin cancer.

Between these check-ups, it’s wise to perform skin self-exams at home. Though only a healthcare professional can diagnose skin cancer, self-exams can make you aware of changes in your skin, so you can report them and receive care if needed.

Here’s how to get started.

Choose a well-lit room with a full-length mirror for the exam. To begin, look at your body from the front, back, and both sides. Make sure to check your arms, legs, torso, face, and neck. You’ll need a hand-held mirror for areas that are harder to see, such as your back, buttocks, genitals, ears, and the back of the neck and legs. Don’t forget spots such as the underarms, soles of the feet, between fingers and toes, and under breasts.

Note that skin cancer can develop on the scalp, whether you have hair or not. It's not unusual, since the head is so frequently exposed to the sun. Use a hair dryer or a comb to part your hair for a better view of your scalp in the mirror.

You can enlist the help of a family member or close friend to search these areas of your body, too.  

Watch for the appearance of any new spots, along with changes to existing moles, spots, freckles, or birthmarks. Be aware of areas that bleed, itch, or crust over. As you’re examining your skin, also look out for the ABCDEs of melanoma, a potentially deadly type of skin cancer:

• Asymmetry: One half of the spot is different from the other. 
• Border: The spot’s outline is irregular, bumpy, or not clear and defined. 
• Color: The spot is different colors in different places. 
• Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters or about the size of a pencil eraser (though skin cancer can be smaller than this). 
• Evolving: The spot has changed its shape, size, or color since the last time you looked. 

Contact your dermatologist right away if you observe these signs or other skin issues that concern you.  

As you examine yourself, it’s a good idea to jot notes in a notebook or health tracker app. You can also take pictures of certain areas. The back, for example, is a large area of skin that may be frequently exposed to the sun, making it a common location for melanoma. Having photos can help you track any changes.

Make sure your photos are taken in good light and all filters are off. Get images from different angles, if possible, and make sure they’re in focus. You may want a friend or family member to help you.

Many experts recommend monthly skin self-exams, unless your healthcare provider advises that you do it more frequently. That's in addition to regular skin checks by a dermatologist. Block out time in your calendar for these checks. If you discover a skin issue between dermatologist exams, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and concerns.