Self Skin Exams
Most Melanomas are discovered by yourself, not the doctor
Everyone should:
- Know their skin
- Self check every three months or so, including areas that do not usually see the sun
- The key is change: either a new spot or an existing spot changing size, shape or colour. Watch for a lesion that does not heal; also any spots that bleed, itch or are tender.
- Look for something that ‘stands out’ from the rest of your moles/freckles
- Either use a mirror or get someone else to check areas such as the back.
The Steps of a Self Skin Exam
Step 1
Hold your hands with the palms up. Look at your palms and between your fingers for any moles. Mark down any moles or discolourations on your a body diagram sheet. Look at your forearms then turn over your arms and examine the back of your hands, finders, spaces between your fingers, fingernails and forearms.
Step 2
Stand in front of your full length mirror. Hold up your arms, bent at the elbors, and view the backs of your forearms and elbows.
Step 3
Using the full length mirror, observe the entire front of your body. Look at your face, neck, chest, groin, and legs.
Step 4
Lift your arms over your head with the palms facing each other. Turn so that your right side is facing the mirror and look at the entire side of your body. THen turn and REPEAT on your left side.
Step 5
With your back to the mirror, look at your buttocks and the backs of your thighs and lower legs.
Step 6
Using a hand held mirror and the full length mirror, view the back of your neck, your back, and your buttocks. Some areas are difficult to see, and it is helpful to have a partner assist you.
Step 7
Hold your hands with the palms up. Look at your palms and between your fingers for any moles. Mark down any moles or discolourations on your a body diagram sheet. Look at your forearms then turn over your arms and examine the back of your hands, finders, spaces between your fingers, fingernails and forearms.
Hold your hands with the palms up. Look at your palms and between your fingers for any moles. Mark down any moles or discolourations on your a body diagram sheet. Look at your forearms then turn over your arms and examine the back of your hands, finders, spaces between your fingers, fingernails and forearms.
Step 8
Stand in front of your full length mirror. Hold up your arms, bent at the elbors, and view the backs of your forearms and elbows.
Step 9
Using the full length mirror, observe the entire front of your body. Look at your face, neck, chest, groin, and legs.
