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May is skin cancer awareness month. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. I recommend that patients perform a monthly self skin exam in addition to their regular skin checks with me. I instruct my patients to look out for the ABCDEs of Melanoma. A for asymmetry, or one half of the mole is unlike the other, B for the border becoming irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined, C for color changes, including color that is varied from one area of the mole to another, or a mole that contains mulitple colors including brown and black and sometimes white, red, or blue, D for diameter indicating a mole that is enlarging, especially one greater than 6 mm (larger than the size of a pencil eraser), and E for evolving, meaning any mole or skin lesion that looks different from the others or is changing in size, shape, or color, or becoming symptomatic (ie, tenderness, itching, or bleeding). Also any non-healing sores or new moles found during your self-exam should prompt a call or follow-up to your dermatologist. Early detection is best, as skin cancer that is caught early is highly treatable. See the video from the American Academy of Dermatology below to learn more about performing a self skin exam.
14 Comments
2/10/2022 01:03:00 am
Thank you for sharing that one of the benefits of seeing a pediatric dermatologist is that they can determine the skin health of our children. My daughter mentioned she has been experiencing acne and eczema. Maybe she can see a dermatologist so that she knows what remedy works for her best.
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8/15/2022 10:59:45 am
I noticed a really odd looking mole on my body. It's good to know that an asymmetrical mole like this might be worth looking into. It would be a good idea to ensure that I handle things properly.
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10/26/2022 02:19:05 pm
It really helped when you elaborated on regular skin checks and what kind of moles should be a concern to you. Recently, my wife told me she's worried about a mole that she found on her collarbone, so just to make sure everything's in order, we'll find a specialist to get a skin check for her. Thank you for describing how color-changing moles should be checked out every time.
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This blog post on examining your skin is such a helpful read! It's a great reminder of how important it is to regularly check our skin for any changes. The step-by-step guide on what to look for and how to do a self-exam is super practical and easy to follow. It’s amazing how a few minutes of self-checking can make such a big difference in catching potential issues early. Thanks for making it so accessible and straightforward. Everyone should take these tips to heart to keep their skin healthy!
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This blog post provides essential advice on self-examinations for skin health. It offers practical tips on how to check your skin for any unusual changes and emphasizes the importance of regular self-checks in conjunction with professional screenings. A valuable resource for maintaining vigilant skin health!
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Great article! Regularly examining your skin is crucial for early detection of skin changes and potential issues. I especially appreciate the tips on what to look for, such as new moles or changes in existing ones. Keeping track of these changes can make a significant difference in catching problems early. Thanks for the detailed guidance!
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7/29/2024 11:54:13 pm
Thank you for the valuable article on examining your skin. Your detailed guide on how to perform regular skin checks is incredibly useful for maintaining skin health and detecting potential issues early. The step-by-step instructions and emphasis on what to look for in skin changes are practical and easy to follow. I appreciate the focus on empowering individuals to take an active role in their skin health. This information is essential for promoting awareness and proactive care. Great job in making skin self-examination accessible and straightforward!
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AuthorKathryn O'Reilly, MD, PhD Archives
May 2016
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