At-Home Skin Exams
Why are skin exams needed?
Regular skin checks at home help catch skin cancer early. The risk increases with lifetime sun exposure, including tanning beds. Thankfully, monitoring your skin has never been easier—smartphones now have excellent cameras, and most photos automatically back up to the cloud, making it simple to track any changes over time.
Steps for at-home skin exams:
Have a loved one take clear, well-lit photos of your back and any specific spots you want to monitor. These serve as your baseline images.
Ensure photos are sharp and not blurry when zoomed in.
Set a reminder on your phone to recheck your skin every 1–3 months.
Watch for new or changing spots—especially ones that grow, scab, bleed, itch, hurt, or just look concerning.
What if I find a worrisome spot on my skin?
If you notice a concerning spot, bring your phone with the original photos to your next dermatology visit for comparison. Look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.