Melanoma prevention: how to do a skin self-examination

A – Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.
B – Borders: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
C – Color: Varied from one area to another (shades of tan or brown, black, red, white, or blue).
D – Diameter: Diameter of 6mm or larger (size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolution: Looks different from the rest, or is changing in size, color, or shape.

To perform a self skin exam, find a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, raise your arms and examine your body front and back, then your right and left sides. Next, bend your elbows, looking carefully at your forearms, the back of your upper arms, and your palms. Then, examine the back of your legs and your feet, including the spaces between your toes and the soles. Using your hand mirror, examine the back of your neck and scalp, while lifting and parting your hair. Finally, using the hand mirror, examine your buttocks. In addition to regular self skin exams, you should also have a skin exam by your primary care physician or a dermatologist each year.