For paper-and-pen people
Printable skin self-exam worksheet
A one-page body map and ABCDE checklist you can print and date. Bring it to your dermatologist.
Tip: in the print dialog, choose "Save as PDF" to keep a digital copy.
Skin self-exam — date: ____ / ____ / ______
Mark any new, changing, or worrying spots on the body map. Use the notes column for size, shape, or anything that has changed since last month.
Body map
ABCDE — for any suspicious spot
- A — Asymmetry. One half doesn't match the other.
- B — Border. Edges are irregular, ragged, blurred.
- C — Color. More than one shade, or unusually dark.
- D — Diameter. Larger than 6 mm (a pencil eraser).
- E — Evolving. New, changing in size, shape, or color.
Other things to look for
- A spot that itches, bleeds, or won't heal
- A new dark line under a fingernail or toenail
- Any spot on palms, soles, or between toes
- Anything you didn't see last month
Notes for my dermatologist
Source: A=Asymmetry, B=Border, C=Color, D=Diameter, E=Evolving — American Academy of Dermatology. This worksheet is education, not medical advice. If a spot worries you, see a board-certified dermatologist.