How To Do A Skin Self Exam

Recommended by the National Cancer institute: The best time to do a skin self examination is after a shower or bath. A skin self-examination should be done in a well-lighted room with a full length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It's best to begin by learning where birthmarks, moles, and blemished are located and what they usually look like. Anything new-a change in the size, texture, or color of a mole, or a sore that does not heal-should be noted.

Check all areas of the skin, including the back, scalp, buttocks, and the genital areas.

• Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arm and look at the left and right sides.
• Bend your elbows and look carefully at the palms, the forearms including the undersides, and the upper arms.
• Examine the back and the front of the legs. Also look between the buttocks and around the genital area.
• Sit and closely examine the feet, including the soles and spaces between the toes.
• Look at the neck and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move hair so that you can see better.
• By checking your skin each month, you will become familiar with what is normal. See Also Mole Inspection andMore on Cancer Remedies