Early detection of skin cancer is one of the most effective ways to protect your health. While most moles and spots on the skin are harmless, some can change and become dangerous over time. DermPro makes it simple to monitor your skin using just your smartphone, helping you identify potential risks quickly and accurately.

Make Skin Checks a Monthly Habit

The first step in detecting skin cancer is getting familiar with your own skin. Check your body from head to toe at least once a month, including areas that are often overlooked like your scalp, soles of your feet, palms, and under your nails. Taking photos of your moles and spots regularly can help you track changes over time and notice anything unusual early.

Keep an Eye on Changing Moles

Not all changes in moles are dangerous, but some can be warning signs of skin cancer. A mole that changes rapidly in colour, shape, or size should be checked by a healthcare professional. Moles that appear for the first time during adulthood may also carry a higher risk and should not be ignored.

Some moles are atypical (also called dysplastic nevi). These moles are usually:

• Larger than common moles
• Uneven in color
• Irregular along the edges
  

Even if an atypical mole is not cancerous, it should be monitored regularly for changes.

What Does a Normal Mole Look Like?

Before spotting the warning signs of skin cancer, it's important to understand what a normal mole looks like. A healthy mole typically:

• Has smooth and well-defined edges
• Is round or dome-shaped
• Measures about ¼ inch (6 mm) in diameter
• Maintains the same shape, size, and color over time
  

Most moles will stay harmless for life, but knowing what is normal for you helps you detect when something is different.

Signs to Watch Out For

Skin cancer moles can display several changes, including:

• Size – growing larger than before
• Shape – irregular or uneven borders
• Color – darker shades or multiple colors in the same mole
• Symmetry – losing its uniform shape
• Texture – becoming raised, thick, or crusty
• Symptoms – itching, pain, bleeding, or scabbing
  

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a visit with a doctor or dermatologist promptly.

The ABCDE Method

Doctors often recommend the ABCDE method to make checking your skin easier:

• A – Asymmetry: one half of the mole doesn't match the other
• B – Border: edges are jagged or uneven
• C – Color: mole has more than one color or shade
• D – Diameter: larger than ¼ inch (6 mm)
• E – Evolution: any change over time in size, shape, color, or texture
  

Using this simple guideline can make it easier to spot suspicious moles during self-exams.

How DermPro Helps You Stay Safe

DermPro allows you to track your moles and spots over time, so you can notice any changes before they become serious. By comparing photos and keeping a record of your skin health, you can be proactive in protecting yourself.

Remember, skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin colour. Regular self-checks, awareness of warning signs, and early professional evaluation are your best tools for staying safe. With DermPro, monitoring your skin has never been easier; start today to take control of your skin health.