How to Perform a Skin Self-Check: 6 Changes That May Need Attention

Your skin changes throughout life. New freckles, moles, spots, and marks can appear for many harmless reasons. However, knowing what is normal for your skin makes it easier to notice changes that may need professional attention.

Regular skin self-checks are not a way to diagnose skin cancer. They simply help you become familiar with your skin so you can identify unusual changes early. This is particularly important in Australia, where high UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.

At Dr. Shaun Segal, patients are encouraged to understand their skin and seek medical advice when they notice something unusual.

How to Perform a Skin Self-Check

Choose a well-lit room and use a full-length mirror and hand mirror. Check your:

• Face, neck, ears, and scalp

• Shoulders, chest, stomach, and back

• Arms, hands, palms, and between fingers

• Legs, feet, soles, and between toes

• Areas normally covered by clothing

If you cannot easily see your scalp or back, ask someone you trust to help. Taking clear photographs of specific moles can also help you notice changes over time.

8 Changes That May Need Attention

1. A New Mole or Skin Spot

A new mole, freckle, patch, lump, or growth does not automatically mean skin cancer. However, a new lesion that continues to develop or looks different from your other marks should be professionally assessed.

2. A Mole That Changes Shape

Use the ABCDE method as a simple reminder:

A: AsymmetryB: Irregular or uneven borderC: Changes in colourD: Increasing diameter or growthE: Evolving over time

A changing lesion deserves attention, even if the change seems small.

3. A Noticeable Colour Change

Watch for a mole or spot that develops new or uneven colouring, including combinations of brown, black, red, white, blue, or grey. Colour changes are not always cancerous but should be checked when they are new or occur alongside other changes.

4. A Spot That Continues to Grow

A mole, patch, or lump that becomes noticeably larger over time should be assessed. Photographs taken in similar lighting can help you monitor changes, but they should not replace professional advice.

5. A Sore That Does Not Heal

A sore, wound, or crusted area that does not heal or repeatedly returns should not be ignored. There are many possible causes, but persistent lesions should be assessed by a doctor.

6. Repeated Bleeding or Crusting

Look for spots that bleed, scab, or crust without an obvious injury, particularly when the problem keeps returning.

Protect Your Skin

Self-checks should be combined with good sun protection. When outdoors, use appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and shade where possible. Reducing unnecessary UV exposure is an important part of long-term skin health.

At Dr. Shaun Segal, careful assessment and clear communication help patients understand suspicious skin changes and determine the appropriate next steps. If something on your skin looks new, unusual, or continues to change, getting it checked can provide reassurance and support early care when needed.