05/18/2026
Nothing like a good ol’ acronym to help you remember what to look for when it comes to melanoma 🔍
The ABCDE rule can help you identify warning signs that may need a closer look:
A = Asymmetry → One half doesn’t match the other half
B = Borders → Irregular, ragged, blurred, or poorly defined edges (basically anything that doesn’t have a smooth, even border)
C = Color → Multiple shades or uneven coloring within the same spot can be concerning
D = Diameter → Larger than about 6 mm (around the size of a pencil eraser) may be worth having checked
E = Evolution → Any change in size, shape, color, texture, or symptoms like itching or bleeding over time
Keep in mind: not all melanomas follow every rule, and some can look very different from others. If a spot looks different from the rest or just seems “off,” trust your instincts and have it looked at.