Taking preventive measures to protect the health of your skin is critical. From scheduling regular screenings with your dermatologist to performing self-exams on your body, there are important steps you can take against the threat of skin cancer. Here are three suggestions to put into effect right away. 

How to Check Your Body for Skin Cancer

1. Understand the Signs

Before you begin, you need to have a thorough understanding of what types of skin changes might be present. If you have moles, inspect them for alterations in texture, color, thickness, and size. The majority of melanomas are not perfectly symmetrical; if your mole appears “imperfect,” have a dermatologist take a look. It may also appear multicolored and bigger than a pencil eraser. Other signs to look for include painful, itchy, scabby, or bleeding sores or spots, open sores that don’t heal, and growths that change or have any type of discoloration.

2. Gather Your Supplies

To perform a comprehensive exam at home, make sure you have everything needed to do the job methodically and accurately. Find a room with a bright light so that you don’t miss anything.

Set up in front of a full-length mirror so that you can easily check every area of your body. You’ll also need a hand mirror to make it easier to see some areas, along with a blow-dryer and a pair of chairs. Keep a pencil handy so that you can use the eraser end to compare it to the size of any moles you might have.

3. Perform the Exam

Start by checking your face carefully. Pay attention to areas that you might normally overlook, such as the backs of your ears and your lips. Then use your blow-dryer to expose your scalp section by section so that you can easily check it.

Next, look over your hands in their entirety, including between fingers and under nails. Move on to your arms, taking care to check the armpits as well. Follow by examining the torso, chest, and neck. Use your hand mirror to check your upper and lower back, shoulders, and bottom thoroughly.

Finish by sitting down and propping a leg on the other chair. Check the genitals, all parts of your legs, and feet and ankles. Make note of anything you need to share with a professional.
 

Are you concerned about a recent finding on a self-exam at home? Let the caring and compassionate team at Del Campo Dermatology & Laser Institute in North Miami, FL, help you every step of the way. Proudly serving patients throughout Aventura, Golden Beach, Sunny Isles, and Bal Harbor, Dr. Roberta Del Campo is a board-certified dermatologist who offers skin cancer treatment, chemical peels, body sculpting, and other services to benefit your health. Visit the website for more information on the practice or call (305) 705-6675 to schedule an appointment.