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A visual inspection and general observation of the client should be made. Make note of any of the following:
Does the age correspond to the appearance
Is there anything unfavorable in the appearance (i.e. deformities, evidence of nail biting, etc)
Is the client behaving appropriately
Are there scars? If so, where and why?
Is there dermatitis, rash, or signs of infection?
Evidence of skin cancer. NOTE: Annual skin checks with a GP or skin specialist are recommended, even in those who do not have a history of skin cancer.
Skin cancer may not be typical in appearance. All atypical skin lesions, regardless of colour/size, should be referred to a doctor.
Use the “ABCDE rule” to look for some of the common signs of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer:
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
One part of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other.
Border
Border
The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color
Color
The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
Diameter
Diameter
The spot is larger than ¼ inch across – about the size of a pencil eraser – although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
evolution
evolution
The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are more common than melanomas, but they are usually very treatable. Both basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, or cancers, usually grow on parts of the body that get the most sun, such as the face, head, and neck. But they can show up anywhere.
Basal cell carcinomas: what to look for:
Flat, firm, pale or yellow areas, similar to a scar
Raised reddish patches that might be itchy
Small translucent, shiny, pearly bumps that are pink or red and which might have blue, brown, or black areas
Pink growths with raised edges and a lower area in their center, which might have abnormal blood vessels spreading out like the spokes of a wheel
Open sores (that may have oozing or crusted areas) and which don’t heal, or heal and then come back
Squamous cell carcinomas: what to look for:
Rough or scaly red patches, which might crust or bleed
Raised growths or lumps, sometimes with a lower area in the center
Open sores (that may have oozing or crusted areas) and which don’t heal, or heal and then come back
Wart-like growths
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