Most spots on the skin are harmless, but it’s reassuring to have a simple way to notice changes that deserve a closer look. The ABCDEs are an easy, science-forward checklist you can use at home to keep track of moles and marks over time.
Quick answer
- A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: edges look irregular, notched, or blurred.
- C – Color: multiple colors or a new, uneven change in color.
- D – Diameter: larger spots can matter, but smaller changing spots can too.
- E – Evolving: any change over time (size, shape, color, symptoms, or new bleeding/crusting).
What it is
The ABCDEs are a visual guide used to describe features that can be associated with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. They are not a diagnosis and they’re not meant to make you anxious. Think of them as a structured way to notice patterns and decide when it’s worth getting checked.
Common causes/triggers
- Normal skin variation: many people have moles that are naturally different from one another.
- Sun exposure and UV exposure: cumulative sun exposure and intermittent intense exposure can contribute to skin changes over time.
- New or changing lesions with age: your skin can develop new spots as the years go on, especially in high-UV climates.
- Family history and personal history: some people have a higher baseline risk and benefit from a consistent check-in plan.
- Immune system factors or certain medications: these can influence how skin behaves and how closely it should be monitored.
What you can do at home
Keep this simple and consistent. A calm, repeatable routine is more useful than frequent, worried checking.
- Do a monthly skin check: look at your full skin surface, including scalp, nails, soles, and between toes.
- Use good lighting and a mirror: a handheld mirror helps with the back, behind ears, and other hard-to-see areas.
- Track changes: if you’re watching a spot, note the date and what changed (size, border, color, or symptoms). If you take photos, keep the angle and lighting consistent.
- Look for the “ugly duckling”: a spot that looks noticeably different from your other moles can be worth flagging, even if it doesn’t fit every ABCDE letter.
- Protect your skin from UV: daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats, and shade are practical habits—especially in South Florida, and especially for visitors who aren’t acclimated to the sun.
Professional options
If something looks new, unusual, or is changing, a dermatologist can evaluate it with the right tools and context. Common in-office steps may include:
- Full skin exam: a head-to-toe review to look for patterns and outliers.
- Dermoscopy: a magnified, specialized look at pigment and structures not visible to the naked eye.
- Photography or monitoring: for selected spots, your clinician may recommend a structured follow-up plan.
- Biopsy when appropriate: if a spot is concerning, a dermatologist can discuss sampling it to get a clear diagnosis.
When to see a dermatologist
- A spot that meets one or more ABCDE features, especially E (Evolving).
- A new spot that looks clearly different from your other moles (the ugly duckling).
- A lesion that bleeds, crusts, hurts, or itches persistently without an obvious reason.
- A sore that doesn’t heal or repeatedly breaks down.
- Any fast or notable change you can’t explain—if you’re unsure, it’s worth getting checked.
FAQ
Do I need all five ABCDE signs for a spot to be concerning?
No. Some spots may show only one feature (often “evolving”). The ABCDEs are a guide to help you notice changes and decide when to seek evaluation.
Is diameter the most important letter?
Diameter can be helpful, but it’s not the only factor. Smaller lesions can still be evaluated if they are changing, unusual, or simply don’t match the rest of your moles.
What if a mole has always looked a little irregular?
Long-standing moles can be stable and benign. The key is whether it’s changing, or whether it stands out as different from your other moles. When in doubt, a dermatologist can evaluate and document it.
How often should I do a self-check?
Many people find a monthly check practical. If you’re a snowbird or you travel frequently, it can help to keep your routine consistent and schedule a professional skin exam when you’re in town.
Can melanoma appear in places that don’t get much sun?
Yes, melanoma can appear on areas that don’t receive much sun, including nails, soles, and other less visible areas. That’s why a full-skin check matters.
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Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. For diagnosis and personalized treatment, please book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.
