Skin checks involve a thorough examination of the skin for any suspicious changes. This proactive approach allows for the early identification of potential issues, contributing to better health outcomes. Regular skin health monitoring is a key part of preventative care.
Why Regular Skin Checks Matter
Routine skin examinations are important for the early detection of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, with millions of cases treated annually. Detecting these cancers early significantly improves treatment success rates and survival. For instance, localized melanoma has a high five-year survival rate, which decreases considerably if the cancer advances. Early detection can also lead to less invasive and costly treatment options.
Understanding Skin Checks: Professional and Self-Exams
Skin health monitoring involves two primary methods: professional examinations by a dermatologist and regular self-exams. During a professional skin exam, a dermatologist conducts a full-body assessment, often using a dermatoscope, a specialized magnifying tool, to closely examine moles and suspicious spots. This comprehensive check includes areas difficult to see, such as the scalp, ears, between toes, and the genital area, ensuring no potential concerns are overlooked. The dermatologist may also document specific spots with notes or photographs to track changes over time.
Individuals can perform self-exams at home, ideally once a month, to become familiar with their skin’s normal appearance and identify any new or changing spots. This involves systematically checking all skin surfaces using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror for hard-to-see areas like the back, scalp, and buttocks. Both professional and self-exams are complementary and form a comprehensive strategy for monitoring skin health.
Determining Your Skin Check Frequency
The frequency of skin checks depends on several individual factors, though a general guideline for low-risk adults is an annual professional examination. Specific risk factors often necessitate more frequent checks. Individuals with a personal history of skin cancer, including melanoma or non-melanoma types, typically require professional checks every three to six months. Those with multiple precancerous lesions may also benefit from twice-yearly screenings.
A family history of melanoma, especially in close relatives, is another factor that can increase recommended screening frequency, often to at least annually. Other risk factors include fair skin, light hair and eye color, a history of severe sunburns, chronic sun exposure, and past use of tanning beds. For these individuals, professional checks every six months or more frequently may be advised. The number and presence of atypical moles also influence frequency; individuals with many moles (e.g., over 50-100) or atypical moles often need more regular monitoring. A weakened immune system, such as in organ transplant recipients, is another factor that increases skin cancer risk and warrants more frequent skin examinations.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Certain signs on the skin warrant prompt medical attention, regardless of routine check schedules. The ABCDEs of melanoma provide a helpful guide for identifying concerning moles or spots:
- A: Asymmetry, meaning one half of the spot does not match the other.
- B: Border irregularity, where the edges are uneven, scalloped, or poorly defined.
- C: Color variation, indicating multiple colors or inconsistent shades within the same spot.
- D: Diameter, with melanomas typically larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though they can be smaller.
- E: Evolving, signifying any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.
Beyond the ABCDEs, other suspicious signs include a sore that does not heal within several weeks, a new growth, or any unusual skin change that causes concern.