Application technology to facilitate skin self-examination and early detection of skin changes.

Skin self-exams

Melanoma Survival rates are dramatically improved if melanoma is caught early, especially when the evil one cells are confined to the tissue of origin, called melanoma in the place or level 1 melanoma. When melanomas they are not detected early and have invaded the deeper layers of the skin, survival rates fall [1].

Many suspicious lesions that turn out to be melanomas are initially identified by the patient [2], so self-examination of the skin can aid early detection. It follows that encouraging self-examination of the skin and facilitating a more effective self-examination of the skin are strategies that can aid in the early detection of melanoma.

Most moles, blemishes, and bumps on the skin are harmless, but this is not always the case. In addition to looking for any "ugly ducklings" that stand out from other moles, people are advised to look for changes in their existing moles and to also watch out for new spots within previously normal skin. In adults, the 71% of melanomas are new lesions. [3].

To monitor changes over time, many trusted organizations and resources recommend taking photos of your skin and moles. [4–8]. Photographs record current and new moles so changes can be more easily detected. Photographs of a larger area of skin can also help detect new spots.

The Melanoma Institute Australia recommends “The best way to monitor changes in your skin is to take pictures every few months and compare them to identify any changes. React quickly if you see something grow and / or change [8]. "

Miiskin (miiskin.com) has created an application to help consumers monitor their skin for changes over time. Miiskin has recently become the first app to receive independent dermatological accreditation from Skin Health Alliance. The application helps its users to track individual moles with close-up photos over time. As part of its premium subscription, it also helps its users to monitor their overall skin to watch out for new blemishes. This can be especially useful in a difficult-to-see area such as the back, although help will be needed to photograph this part of the body.

The Miiskin application is free for the basic version. The premium version of the app costs US $ 25 per year and comes with a 30-day free trial for its users to try before they are charged anything.

Read more about the Miiskin app here.

For a diagnosis, see your doctor.

Home photo surveillance of skin and moles should not replace a visit to the doctor.

Although some research [9] has shown promising results with algorithms for mole melanoma risk assessments when imaging in clinical settings, there is still a long way to go before consumers can obtain a diagnosis or even a risk assessment. proper automatic via smartphone.

The British Association of Dermatologists published a press release in July 2017 stating that applications that aim to detect or diagnose injuries based on smartphone photos should be treated with caution [10].

Teledermatology services have shown more promising results in real-life settings, and can be as good as an in-person exam by a specialist, when the total body examination and injury selection is initially carried out by a trained and experienced professional [11].

Putting technology to good use

The melanoma risk predictor, developed by Australian researchers (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute) in the Qskin - Sun and Healthy study [12], represents a useful way to leverage technology to help users understand their overall melanoma risk . Please note that results cannot be guaranteed for non-Australians.

The melanoma risk predictor can be accessed from the Miiskin app. It is currently available in the app for all English-speaking countries; The risk predictor itself is only available in English.

Application technology

There is general evidence [13] that smartphone applications have been well received by users when implemented in health interventions in other areas.

When it comes to skin self-exams, apps like Miiskin have also been received positively by users and professionals due to their usefulness in helping users take pictures of their skin on a regular basis.

In addition to helping its users photograph their skin, a bespoke smartphone app can insert a layer of privacy and security around the user's photos so that they don't blend in with other general photos, such as vacation photos, or get lost.

The apps can also aid skin self-exams by providing a digital topo map to determine the location of lesions that have been photographed.

Some apps can be used to set reminders via push messages for the next skin self-exam.

In addition, applications can help the user to compare photos over time by allowing side-by-side viewing and parallel manipulation of images. This can make it easier for the user to identify differences between photos, such as the appearance of a new mole or a change to an existing mole.

Smartphone apps can also provide general education and information, so that people can easily educate themselves about melanoma and examine their skin.

If patients want to try Miiskin, they can find the app on the App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android phones. Miiskin's basic features are free, and patients also get a 30-day free trial to try the premium version. Learn more about the Miiskin app at miiskin.com.

Of course, Miiskin is very clear that the application does not provide diagnostics or risk assessments in the photographs.

Miiskin is pleased to provide brochures to dermatologists and other healthcare professionals to use with their patients. The brochures help educate patients about primary and secondary prevention of the skin Cancer and it also describes how Miiskin can help them keep track of changes in their skin. They can be provided in multiple languages if required.

To request brochures or let us know your opinion on Miiskin, please send an email [email protected].