Medical education
Skin Self-Exam: How to Check Moles at Home
Learn a step-by-step skin self-exam routine, what areas people miss, and how to photograph moles for better tracking.
Why a routine matters
A systematic skin self-exam helps you notice spots that are new, changing, or different. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends checking the body in a full-length mirror and using a hand mirror for harder-to-see areas. [3]
The USPSTF has found insufficient evidence to assess routine clinician screening for asymptomatic adults, which makes it especially important to present concerns clearly when you do seek care. [4]
Step-by-step self-exam
Start with your front and back in a full-length mirror, then raise your arms and check both sides. Look at underarms, forearms, palms, fingernails, legs, between toes, soles, neck, scalp, back, and buttocks. [3]
Use consistent lighting and take notes when a spot is hard to compare.
- Front, back, left side, right side
- Arms, palms, fingernails, underarms
- Legs, between toes, soles, toenails
- Neck, scalp, back, and buttocks with a hand mirror
How to create a useful photo baseline
Use the same room, lighting, angle, and distance whenever possible. Add a non-medical size reference only if it is clean and does not touch irritated skin.
Dermela's timeline is built around this idea: the value is not a single perfect photo, but a comparable sequence.
References
- [3] Find skin cancer: How to perform a skin self-exam, American Academy of Dermatology.
- [4] Skin Cancer: Screening recommendation, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Written by
Dermela Editorial Team
Health technology editorial team
Dermela's editorial team writes patient-friendly skin tracking education and cites dermatology and cancer authority sources.
Medical reviewer pending
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Last reviewed: May 2, 2026
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