Skin self-exam

Definition

Skin self-exam means checking your own skin regularly for any abnormal growths or unusual changes. This helps you detect (and get treatment for) skin cancer or other skin problems as early as possible.

How the test is performed

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend that people should perform a skin self-exam once a month.

The easiest time to do the exam may be after you take a bath or shower. Women may wish to perform their skin self-exam when they do their monthly breast self-exam. Men may want to do the skin self-exam when they perform their monthly testicular self-exam.

Ideally, the room should have a full-length mirror and bright lights so that you can see your entire body well. It is important to examine all areas of your skin, including hard-to-see areas, such as the genitals, buttocks, scalp, and back.

When you are performing the skin self-exam, look for:

• NEW skin markings (moles, blemishes, colorations, bumps)
• Moles that have CHANGED in size, texture, color, or shape
• Moles or lesions that continue to bleed or won't heal
• Moles with ragged edges, differences in coloration, or lack of symmetry

For further information, see malignant melanoma, basal cell cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma.

How to examine your skin:

The following recommendations are from the NIC and ADD:

• Look closely at your entire body, both front and back, in the mirror.
• Check under your arms and both sides of each arm.
• Examine your forearms after bending your arms at the elbows, and then look at the palms of your hands and underneath your upper arms.
• Look at the front and back of both legs.
• Look at your buttocks and between your buttocks.
• Examine your genital area.
• Observe your face, neck, back of neck, and scalp. It is best to use both a hand mirror and full-length mirror, along with a comb, to see areas of your scalp.
• Look at your feet, including the soles and the space between your toes.
• Have a person you trust help by examining hard-to-see areas.

Why the test is performed

A skin self-exam is important to give you the best chance to detect skin problems early. The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the better chance you will have for a cure.

Special considerations

Contact your health care provider if you find any new defects in your skin, or if you see changes in size, color, or texture of old moles or skin lesions. Also call if you have a skin lesion that won't heal.

Illustrations

Skin layers

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