1
2
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X

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 treat skin cancer (or other skin abnormalities) 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 is after you take a bath or shower. Women may wish to perform their skin self-exam at the same time that they perform their monthly breast 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 very important to be able 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 (e.g., moles, blemishes, colorations, bumps)
  • Moles that have CHANGED their size, texture, color, or shape
  • Moles or lesions that won't heal or that continue to bleed
  • 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:

  • Observe and examine 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 partner, friend, or relative 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 abnormalities of your skin early. The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the better chance for a cure.
Special considerations:
You should contact your health care provider if you find any new abnormalities on your skin, or if you see changes in size, color, or texture of old moles or skin lesions. You should also call if you have a skin lesion that won't heal.
Review Date: 2/8/2002
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com