If you are like most people, you understand the importance of regularly examining your skin for any new growths, changing lesions, spots that look different than others, or moles that itch, bleed, are painful, or won’t heal.
At the same time, you may not be 100 percent sure how to perform a complete and thorough inspection.
Here are four steps patients should take when conducting their own skin check in Marietta, GA.
1. Make it Monthly
For individuals who have had skin cancer, your dermatologist will advise you how often you need to perform self-checks and have in-person skin cancer screenings.
That being said, it’s a good idea for most people to inspect their skin on a monthly basis. To help you remember and make it into a healthy habit, try to do your skin check on the same day every month, such as the 1st or 15th.
2. Use a Full-Length Mirror
When performing a skin check in Marietta, you should undress and stand in front of a full-length mirror. Then, take a close look at the front of your body, the back of your body, the left side, and the right side – with your arms raised.
3. Examine the Upper and Lower Extremities
To examine the upper extremities, bend your elbows and look at the forearms, underarms, and palms of your hands.
To examine the lower extremities, inspect the front and back of legs and feet (including soles) and in between toes.
4. Use a Handheld Mirror for Hard to Reach Areas
A handheld mirror can assist you in visualizing hard to reach areas when completing a skin check in Marietta.
Accordingly, use the mirror to look at your scalp, the back of your neck, back of your body, and in between your buttocks.
Learn More
If you would like additional guidance about skin checks and self-exams, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Johnathan L. Chappell.
