future prevention:how to check a lot of dysplastic moles

You can use a mirror sometimes – sit on the sink and open the medicine cabinet mirror – or a hand held mirror.  You could take a couple of photos each month so you can sit and compare them with your original photos. 

You can use a mirror sometimes – sit on the sink and open the medicine cabinet mirror – or a hand held mirror.  You could take a couple of photos each month so you can sit and compare them with your original photos. 

You can use a mirror sometimes – sit on the sink and open the medicine cabinet mirror – or a hand held mirror.  You could take a couple of photos each month so you can sit and compare them with your original photos. 

Ideally, you would find a doc who does mole mapping.  This is where pictures of each mole are taken at each visit, compared digitally, compared visually, and evaluated.  Mole mapping was designed for people with DNS.  But since it isn't always easy to find a doctor who does that, the next best thing is baseline photography.  Get a good set of photos done professionally, or it you feel you are able, have a family member take them.  Take them in lighting you can duplicate and do your monthly compare in the same light.  Take "up close" photos, then step back and take "lower left leg front", for example.  That way, you can see if there is anything new popping up.  Find a derm who will use your photos as well.  For me, photos were very helpful because I had an independent eye.  I know I have been sure something has changed until I check my photos and realize it was my imagination.  I don't have DNS, not enough moles.  But most of the moles I do have are dysplastic and I've already had 3 primaries so am high risk for more.

Ideally, you would find a doc who does mole mapping.  This is where pictures of each mole are taken at each visit, compared digitally, compared visually, and evaluated.  Mole mapping was designed for people with DNS.  But since it isn't always easy to find a doctor who does that, the next best thing is baseline photography.  Get a good set of photos done professionally, or it you feel you are able, have a family member take them.  Take them in lighting you can duplicate and do your monthly compare in the same light.  Take "up close" photos, then step back and take "lower left leg front", for example.  That way, you can see if there is anything new popping up.  Find a derm who will use your photos as well.  For me, photos were very helpful because I had an independent eye.  I know I have been sure something has changed until I check my photos and realize it was my imagination.  I don't have DNS, not enough moles.  But most of the moles I do have are dysplastic and I've already had 3 primaries so am high risk for more.

Ideally, you would find a doc who does mole mapping.  This is where pictures of each mole are taken at each visit, compared digitally, compared visually, and evaluated.  Mole mapping was designed for people with DNS.  But since it isn't always easy to find a doctor who does that, the next best thing is baseline photography.  Get a good set of photos done professionally, or it you feel you are able, have a family member take them.  Take them in lighting you can duplicate and do your monthly compare in the same light.  Take "up close" photos, then step back and take "lower left leg front", for example.  That way, you can see if there is anything new popping up.  Find a derm who will use your photos as well.  For me, photos were very helpful because I had an independent eye.  I know I have been sure something has changed until I check my photos and realize it was my imagination.  I don't have DNS, not enough moles.  But most of the moles I do have are dysplastic and I've already had 3 primaries so am high risk for more.

I've never used one, but I've seen apps on my iPhone that are for tracking your moles.   You use your phone to take pictures periodically.  It sends you reminders when it is time to take new photos and then you (and the app) can compare it to previously photos.  

Obviously mole mapping or taking photos with a high res camera would be the better options, but if you have a smart phone then an app like that might make it easier to track and remember to track.  It would also be easy to present a photo when are at the doctor if you think a mole has changed.

I've never used one, but I've seen apps on my iPhone that are for tracking your moles.   You use your phone to take pictures periodically.  It sends you reminders when it is time to take new photos and then you (and the app) can compare it to previously photos.  

Obviously mole mapping or taking photos with a high res camera would be the better options, but if you have a smart phone then an app like that might make it easier to track and remember to track.  It would also be easy to present a photo when are at the doctor if you think a mole has changed.

I've never used one, but I've seen apps on my iPhone that are for tracking your moles.   You use your phone to take pictures periodically.  It sends you reminders when it is time to take new photos and then you (and the app) can compare it to previously photos.  

Obviously mole mapping or taking photos with a high res camera would be the better options, but if you have a smart phone then an app like that might make it easier to track and remember to track.  It would also be easy to present a photo when are at the doctor if you think a mole has changed.