Dermatology: Do a Self-check for skin cancers

Skin cancer is one of the few cancers we can see with the naked eye. Till yet, many people don't know how to be their own hero when it comes to skin cancer, including what to look for on their skin or when to see a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. One in five persons develops skin cancer, and one person dies every hour from melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease.

To test our skin, use a mirror to examine our entire body, front, and back. Then, raise your arms and look at our right and left sides, Bend elbows and carefully check our forearms, underarms, and palms. Look at the backs of our legs and feet, between toes, and the soles of our feet. With nail polish remover, check fingernails and toenails, as well. Use a hand mirror to check the back of our neck and scalp, and part our hair for a closer look. We have to check our back and buttocks with a hand mirror. Ask a partner to help check our back and other hard-to-see areas. While performing a skin self-exam, keep in mind that skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin, not just in areas that are exposed to the sun.

In case we observed any new spots on our pores and skin, scalp or nails, spots that look different from other spots on our body, or spots which can be converting, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to consult a dermatologist.

One dermatologist explained that the ABCDEs of checking for melanoma.

•        A (Asymmetry): One half of a spot is unlike the other half.
  
•        B (Border): The spot has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined edge.
  
•        C (Color): Colors vary from one area of the spot to another, from shades of tan, brown or black, for instance, or areas of white, red or blue.
  
•        D (Diameter): diagnosed, melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) but can be smaller.
  
•        E (Evolving): The spot looks different or is changing in size, shape or color.

If you have any of these signs or notice an existing mole start to change in any way consult a medical professional.

When detected early, skin cancer, including melanoma, is highly treatable, making it imperative to check your skin regularly. For examining our skin it takes few minutes but it could save our lives.

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