Video demonstrates proper self-exam for skin cancer

Schaumburg, IL – The American Academy of Dermatology recently released a video demonstrating how to conduct a skin cancer self-examination. People should use a mirror to look for any moles or spots on the front and back of arms and legs, between the toes, and in hard-to-see areas such as the top of the head, AAD advises.

The academy recommends going to see a dermatologist if moles or spots exhibit any of these signs:

• Asymmetry – Half the spot is unlike the other half.
• Border – The spot’s outer edge is irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.
• Color – The spot has a variety of colors such as shades of tan, brown, or black, or with areas of white, red or blue.
• Diameter – Melanoma spots are usually greater than 6 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a pencil eraser, although some can be smaller.
• Evolving – The spot changes in size, shape or color over time or is different from other spots on the body.