- A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, blurred, or notched.
- C – Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
- D – Diameter: The spot is larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6mm), though melanomas can be smaller.
- E – Evolving: The spot is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation. This is the most critical sign.
- F – “Feels Different”: Itches, bleeds, crusts, or won’t heal.
Other urgent reasons to seek care include:
- A rash that is widespread, painful, or accompanied by a fever.
- Red streaks radiating from a wound or spot (can indicate infection spreading).
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A rash that develops suddenly and spreads rapidly, especially if you have taken new medication (potential allergic reaction).
- Any spot or sore that does not heal within three weeks.
- Redness and swelling that is warm, tender, and expanding (signs of cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection).