Most moles are harmless, but checking your skin regularly can help you notice early signs of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. Look over your skin once a month in good light, using a mirror for hard-to-see areas. The ABCDE guide can help:
- A – Asymmetry: one half looks different from the other.
- B – Border: the edges are ragged, blurred or irregular.
- C – Color: several shades of brown, black, red, white or blue.
- D – Diameter: larger than about 6 mm, roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
- E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, color or height.
See a doctor promptly about a mole that changes, bleeds, itches or looks different from your others, or a sore that does not heal. Melanomas can be smaller than 6 mm, so take any change seriously.
You can read more easy-to-follow guides on YetiCoolerz.com.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.
