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Skin & hair · 10 min

A monthly skin check

Once a month, in good light, look over your skin from scalp to soles. You are looking for anything new or changing.

10 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps
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You see your own skin every day, but rarely really look at it. A slow check once a month, in good light, gets you to know your moles, freckles and marks, so that if something changes you are more likely to notice early.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

  1. Choose the same day each month, for example the first. Use a bright room, a full-length mirror and a hand mirror.

  2. Look over your whole body: face, ears, neck, scalp (part the hair or ask someone), arms, hands, chest, belly, back, legs, the soles of your feet and between your toes.

  3. Look for anything new, or anything that has changed in size, shape or colour, has an uneven edge or several colours, or that itches, bleeds, crusts or will not heal.

  4. Write down or photograph anything you want to keep an eye on, with the date, so you can compare next month.

The reason

Why it helps

Many skin cancers are easier to treat when they are found early, and the person most likely to spot a change is the one who knows their skin. A monthly check is often enough to notice changes without worrying daily. Photos and notes take the guesswork out of 'was it always like that'.

A gentle variation

If you cannot see some areas, ask a partner, friend or family member to look at your back, scalp and the backs of your legs. If bending is hard, sit on a chair to check your feet.

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WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

Check each other's backs and scalps with someone you trust. If you care for someone, especially someone who cannot see or reach their own skin, look over their skin gently once a month, with their permission.

Make it a plan in HIVELIVE, with WE

Try it today

Pick a day each month and, today, look over your whole skin in good light with two mirrors, noting anything new or changing.

Add it to your day

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