A new free app developed by the University of Michigan Health
System allows users to create a photographic baseline of their
skin and photograph suspicious moles and other skin lesions. The
app, called UMSkinCheck, provides a step-by-step self skin
examination tool that sends automatic reminders so that you are
able to monitor skin changes over time. It also provides
pictures of various types of skin cancers for comparison. Dr.
Michael Sabel, M.D., associate professor of surgery at the U-M
Medical School and lead physician involved in developing the
app, states that whole body photography is a well-established
resource for following patients at risk for melanoma. However,
it requires a professional photographer and is not always
covered by insurance, and can be an inconvenience. He goes on to
say that many people have digital cameras on their phones, so
it's now more feasible to do this at home. The app, a
collaboration of the University of Michigan's technology and
clinical expertise, guides users through a