How to Skin Check with AAD - Proud to sponsor our local cancer centers

Have you noticed a new spot on your skin, maybe an irregularly-shaped freckle or mole, that wasn’t there in the past? This could be an early warning sign of skin cancer. Skin cancer can happen to anyone, and it’s estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will succumb to skin cancer in their lifetime. Our expert team at Seacoast Dermatology is here to help check for early signs of skin cancer, but you can also perform your own skin cancer check following guidelines set by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

How to perform a self-check for skin cancer

Early skin cancer detection can save lives.  The AAD has provided 5 simple steps for you to follow when giving yourself a skin check at home. It’s important to note any spots you find on your body, including freckles, moles, and age spots. The steps to perform a self-check include:

Examine your body

Use a full-length mirror so examine your entire body. Be sure you look at the front and back of your body, as well as the sides of your body with your arms raised.

Look at your hands and arms

Make sure to examine the front, back, and sides of your arms and hands. Don’t forget your palms!

Check your legs and feet

Look at your legs from all angles, and check the tops and bottoms of your feet. It’s also important to check in between your toes.

Examine your neck and scalp

Closely examine the front and sides of your neck and scalp. Using a hand mirror and a wall mirror, examine the back of your neck and scalp. Remember to part your hair to get a closer look at your scalp.

Check your back and buttocks 

Last but not least, inspect your back and buttocks using a hand mirror.

Women - don’t forget to check for vulvar cancer

Vulvar cancer affects the outer female genitalia. As you get older, your risk increases, with 80% of cases in women older than 50. Many women are unaware of the risk and the dermatology providers at Seacoast Dermatology, PLLC can help.  Pap smears at your OB/GYNs office do not check for vulvar cancer.

Doing our part to support cancer services and patients from the NH Seacoast area

This past September, our team at Seacoast Dermatology was proud to support Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s very own Seacoast Cancer 5K run. Every dollar that the event raised went to cancer care for families in our community.

Later this month our dermatologists and care team will also support cancer treatment programs and services at Exeter Hospital's Center for Cancer Care. Exeter Hospital's United in Wellness Cancer Walk & Trick or Treat Trot 5K will take place on October 27th, 2019. Feel free to come out and help us support a great cause!

If you’ve performed a self-check on yourself and found a concerning spot on your skin, or if you would like one of our experienced board-certified dermatology providers to perform a check for you, give us a call or schedule an appointment today.