Skin Self-Exam

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How is the Test 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 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

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.