Look systematically from head to toe and make sure that you do not miss any areas. Do it the same way every time. To help you look at difficult areas this examination can be done with the aid of spouse or friend. Basal cell carcinomas may appear as a rough patch of skin with a central ulcer and may intermittently bleed. Take a close look at all moles because this is where melanoma begins.
Common moles are usually symmetric.
Draw an imaginary line through the center of the mole. If one side is noticeably different from the other, the mole is asymmetric and may be a problem. An irregular border that seems to be notched or indistinct is a warning sign. Common moles are usually one color. Multiple hues or colors are a warning sign.