With the ABCDE rule, you can check yourself at home to see if your birthmarks require a medical examination. Each letter of the ABCDE rule stands for a feature that could be a skin lesion, such as a mole.
This is how the ABCDE rule works
Letters stand up:
A = oddity
- Do moles have a uniform, round shape? This is good.
- Is the birthmark uneven, odd? Then you should visit a dermatologist.
B = range
- Are the edges sharp and smooth? This is good.
- Are the edges blurred, jagged, uneven, or rough? Then you should visit a dermatologist.
c = color
- Do moles have a uniform colour? This is good.
- Does it have different colors, spots or blotches? Then you should visit a dermatologist.
d = diameter
- Is the mole smaller than five millimeters at the widest point? This is good.
- Is it larger than five millimeters or is it a hemispherical shape? Then you should visit a dermatologist.
E = Elegance and Growth
- Is the mole flat and not changing shape? This is good.
- Is it more than a millimeter, are nodules forming or is it getting bigger? Then you should visit a dermatologist.
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Ethan McAllister is a contributor to CA News Ottawa, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that shape their communities. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and important issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly manner.
