Dr. Weinstock recommends taking five to 10 minutes for this skin self-exam at least once a month. It also can help to have a partner, such as your spouse, help with places that are hard for you to see, such as your back, he says. The ACS advises you to become familiar with birthmarks, moles and blemishes so that you know what they look like and can identify any changes in them. Signs to look for are changes in size, texture, shape and color of blemishes or a sore that does not heal. The ABCD rule is a helpful guide to signs of melanoma.
Edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.
2001 AzStarNet, Arizona Daily Star and its wire services and suppliers, and may not be republished without permission. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Arizona Daily Star or AzStarNet is prohibited.