The Skin Check Guide: What To Look For (and When to Schedule an Appointment)
Early detection is one of the most important factors in successfully treating skin cancer. Knowing what to look for during a skin check can help you catch potential concerns early—when they’re most treatable.
If you missed it, review the ABCDEs of melanoma, a simple guide dermatologists use to evaluate moles for warning signs like asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, large diameter, and evolution.
This guide builds on that foundation with a practical approach to performing a skin self-exam at home.
What to Look for During a Skin Check
When performing a monthly skin check, start with the ABCDEs—but don’t stop there. Dermatologists also recommend watching for:
- The “Ugly Duckling” mole: A spot that looks different from the rest
- New growths or spots: Especially ones that appear suddenly
- Changes in sensation: Itching, tenderness, or pain
- Non-healing spots: Anything that bleeds, scabs, or won’t heal
- Anything unusual: If something feels “off,” trust your instincts
You don’t need to diagnose a condition yourself—you just need to notice changes.
How to Do a Skin Self-Exam at Home
Performing a full-body skin exam once a month can help you become familiar with your skin and spot changes early.
Here’s how to check your skin effectively:
- Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror
- Examine your entire body, including:
- Scalp (use a comb or ask for help)
- Back and buttocks
- Underarms
- Between fingers and toes
- Soles of your feet
For a step-by-step visual guide, the Skin Cancer Foundation self-exam resource is a helpful reference.
The more familiar you are with your skin, the easier it is to notice subtle changes over time.
When to See a Dermatologist
It’s important to schedule a professional skin check if you notice any of the following:
- A mole that stands out as an “ugly duckling”
- Any spot that meets the ABCDE criteria
- A lesion that bleeds, changes, or doesn’t heal
- A new or evolving growth
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to have it evaluated. Early detection can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Why Regular Skin Checks Matter
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and highly treatable cancers when caught early. Performing regular at-home skin checks and scheduling routine dermatology visits are simple but powerful steps in protecting your long-term health.
If it’s been a while since your last exam, consider scheduling a full-body skin check with one of our board-certified dermatologists.
Early detection is one of the most important factors in successfully treating skin cancer. Knowing what to look for during a skin check can help you catch potential concerns early—when they’re most treatable.
If you missed it, review the ABCDEs of melanoma, a simple guide dermatologists use to evaluate moles for warning signs like asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, large diameter, and evolution.
This guide builds on that foundation with a practical approach to performing a skin self-exam at home.
What to Look for During a Skin Check
When performing a monthly skin check, start with the ABCDEs—but don’t stop there. Dermatologists also recommend watching for:
- The “Ugly Duckling” mole: A spot that looks different from the rest
- New growths or spots: Especially ones that appear suddenly
- Changes in sensation: Itching, tenderness, or pain
- Non-healing spots: Anything that bleeds, scabs, or won’t heal
- Anything unusual: If something feels “off,” trust your instincts
You don’t need to diagnose a condition yourself—you just need to notice changes.
How to Do a Skin Self-Exam at Home
Performing a full-body skin exam once a month can help you become familiar with your skin and spot changes early.
Here’s how to check your skin effectively:
- Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror
- Examine your entire body, including:
- Scalp (use a comb or ask for help)
- Back and buttocks
- Underarms
- Between fingers and toes
- Soles of your feet
For a step-by-step visual guide, the Skin Cancer Foundation self-exam resource is a helpful reference.
The more familiar you are with your skin, the easier it is to notice subtle changes over time.
When to See a Dermatologist
It’s important to schedule a professional skin check if you notice any of the following:
- A mole that stands out as an “ugly duckling”
- Any spot that meets the ABCDE criteria
- A lesion that bleeds, changes, or doesn’t heal
- A new or evolving growth
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to have it evaluated. Early detection can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Why Regular Skin Checks Matter
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and highly treatable cancers when caught early. Performing regular at-home skin checks and scheduling routine dermatology visits are simple but powerful steps in protecting your long-term health.
If it’s been a while since your last exam, consider scheduling a full-body skin check with one of our board-certified dermatologists.
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