iSkin App Enables People to Track Moles and Lower Their Skin Cancer Risk

Almost everyone has a mole of some size somewhere on their bodies. Most of the time, we don't pay much attention to them. However, if they change shape and/or colour, we tend to take more notice.

That's because abnormal moles can develop into melanoma skin cancer, which is the most dangerous form of the disease, accounting for over 10,000 deaths in the US alone annually.

The good news, though, is that if diagnosed and treated early, melanoma is almost always curable.

To address the fact that some people don't give their abnormal moles enough attention, the Institut Gustave Roussy in South Paris, France, launched the new iSkin application in May this year.

Created by the collective "Ensemble contre le melanome", the app encourages users to take periodic photographs of their moles and skin spots, and essentially create a 'map' to track their development. This map can then be used to monitor the person's skin over time and help identify any potentially dangerous changes.

The so-called maps will be safely stored on a web host approved by the government and will go some way to improving doctor-patient relationships. Patients also benefit from the app's geolocation capabilities, which tag the closest dermatologists.

Eventually, the team behind the app hopes to develop a a platform for patients and specialists to exchange information so they can interact without having to wait on a waiting list or make an appointment.

It should be noted, however, that the iSkin app does not replace a medical diagnosis, and anyone with any skin concerns should seek the advice of a medical professional.