How To Do A Skin Self-Exam

Follow the steps below to find suspicious moles or skin lesions that a dermatologist should examine.


1. Examine your entire body front and back in the mirror. Then look at your right and left sides with your arms raised.

2. Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms and palms.

3. Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and on the soles of your feet.

4. Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look.

5. Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.


Source: American Association of Dermatology

Melanoma: Recognizing The Signs

In examining moles and lesions on the skin, use the ‘ABCDEs’ and ‘Ugly Duckling’ Sign to identify possible melanomas.