Wednesday, April 2, 2014

How to Perform a Self-Skin Exam




Living in the sunshine state, we are bombarded with sun exposure even on our most overcast rainy days. Because of this constant UV exposure, it is a good idea to do self-skin exams every few months.  It helps us to get to know our skin and gives us a baseline to compare changes.  You should stand in front of a full length mirror with a handheld mirror.  First start by examining the skin around your face, neck and arms and move down to your torso, chest and legs.  Checking your back can be tricky.  Using a hand held mirror along with the full-length mirror can allow you to visualize the back of the neck, the back, buttocks, and back of the thighs and legs. Also look at the hands including the palms, and soles.  A place often missed is the scalp so make sure you look through your hair for any changing moles.  Anything that is new, changing or growing should be checked.  If anything looks suspicious or has changed make sure to contact your dermatology provider right away. 

Just last month alone, the providers at Florida Skin Center diagnosed 8 Malignant Melanomas.  Don’t neglect your skin health any longer.

ABCDEs of Melanomas

 

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