Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Melanoma

Regular Skin Examinations

No matter how much effort an individual is putting into protecting themselves from the sun and avoiding tanning beds, they still need to check their skin. Everyone should check their skin for moles and other abnormalities at least once a month. They can use a comb to reveal skin on their scalp A hand mirror helps with seeing their back, back of their neck, and other places on their body that are hard to see. If individuals note any marks that seem unusual, including changes in marks that previously look normal, they must contact their doctor as soon as possible.

In addition to regular self-examinations, individuals should have a dermatologist or their primary doctor do a thorough examination of their skin every year. This is especially important in individuals who spend lots of time outside, have fair skin, and individuals with a history of melanoma in their family.