How Does DermAlert® Work?

DermAlert® is a simple to use imaging system which allows those at risk for melanoma to use a personal computer to easily and accurately detect new or changed skin moles. Changes are detected by the method of "blink comparison". This method involves alternately displaying position-registered baseline and follow-up digital photographic images of the skin. In such displays, new lesions appear to flash conspicuously; enlarging lesions appear to pulsate. The key to performing this method is the spatial registration of the new and baseline digital images. The DermAlert® software allows the user to prepare aligned images that would otherwise be difficult to accomplish. The DermAlert® software then displays the aligned images allowing the user to analyze their own images at home.

The required steps are simple:

Prepare a baseline set of images of the regions of your body that you want to monitor,
At time intervals of about 6 months to 1 year (depending upon the recommendation of your doctor), print clear template imaging guides of your baseline images using the DermAlert® software,
Use the templates and a digital camera to obtain closely aligned follow-up images,
Use the DermAlert® software to adjust the scale of the follow-up images to match the baseline images,
View the image pairs with the DermAlert® software,
Report any new or changing moles to your doctor.

Disclaimer and Limitations: DermAlert® does not diagnose melanoma, only a physician can do that. DermAlert® is only an aid to help monitor new or changing moles. Most new or changing moles are benign but should be brought to the attention of your physician. You may not be able to detect all new or changing moles using DermAlert® and DermAlert® should not take the place of periodic skin exams by a physician. DermAlert® does not diagnose or treat any skin condition. This software only aids in comparing images and the manufacturer makes no claims regarding the clinical effectiveness of using DermAlert® for the prevention of any disease.