Dermatologist... Full body skin exam

I went to the dermatologist because I had a mole on my inner thigh near my testicle. The male doctor asked to see it, so I rolled up my shorts to show him. My genitals were still covered, and since I shave, he couldn't see any pubic hair, but it was right next to my testicles. I wish I had a female doctor and the doctor had asked me to just get naked to see it. In retrospect, I should have pulled my shorts and boxers to my ankles to reveal my genitals.

I was wondering what a dermatologist exam would be like too...I've never been to one but I am going to make an appointment soon. The only specific concern I have is a small lump on my chest, but I have a fair amount of moles on my body in different sizes. Besides the fact that I would love to have an exam with a lot of exposure, I do want to make sure I'm in good health so I could just schedule a full body exam. But I'm wondering - is that common for someone my age? I'm in my early 20s. When I call to schedule for a full exam would they ask why, or if there's a specific concern? Or for a new patient, do most dermatologists prefer you have a full skin exam, even if you're younger?

A while ago I went along with my wife to her first dermatologist exam. The doctor - a lady - was very thorough and professional. In a way it was somewhat disappointing though as the doctor seemed to place an inordinate amount of unnecessary emphasis on modesty, reassuring my wife several times that she would not need to be fully naked during the exam and that the 'private parts' would be looked at by lowering underwear. My wife also asked that I accompany her into the separate exam room, but the doctor preferred not, closing the door behind her so I could not look in ...

Well, even while the doctor was explaining this my wife gave me an amused look as if saying 'what's this doctor's problem?'... afterwards we wondered (and laughed) at the changing norms of today's younger generation. When we were younger there wouldn't have been any of those 'preserving your modesty' notions that seem to be percolating all over the globe ...

All that aside, the dermatologist was very competent and successfully treated my wife for her ailment.

Now, about younger patients. While waiting in the office, I saw many young patients enter other rooms for treatments - I am guessing some kind of UV treatment against sunlight allergies. These young ladies were most certainly in their early 20's ... so I wouldn't worry about your age. Just explain your concerns and ask for the doctor to check you out. There are invariably any number of skin conditions that warrant looking into, no matter how old you are.

My dermatologist uses a body scanning technology (high-res camera, scanning software, large monitor) to do full skin cancer checks. The first year he had the system, he performed the procedure himself to do a series of 3 shots (chest, torso, legs) from the front, then left side, back and right side, plus bottom of feet. My doc is a bit geeky but a great clinician, he said "remove your clothes and stand against the screen" so I did. As I'm standing there nude, he said "Oh, you could have left your underwear on, but let's proceed" I had a couple of moles that required an up-close shot where the camera lens actually touches your body for a more detailed scan. He instructed me to return in a year.

The following year, the nurse doing the procedure told me to take off everything but the underwear as she handed me the paper gown. Since it was summer I was wearing running shorts so I took off everything and wore the gown. Given the previous year's experience, I figured it would be OK. Side note - I have completely shaved my genitals for years now. When the nurse comes in and asks if it's OK with me if she trains an assistant, another younger & attractive woman, I start to regret my choices but of course agree.

When I drop the gown, the younger nurse half-gasps and older one just smiles. Soon I'm standing in front of the camera, in front of 2 women, hairless & semi-engorged as they take the photos. When she gets close for a detailed shot of a mole on my upper front thigh, my erection is just inches from her head. she remained professional the whole time but I can see the image on the monitor. I was standing naked in front of them for about 20 minutes.

I was reading the paper on Friday and at the tail end there was an article maybe two inches long about a free skin-cancer screening the next day (Saturday). So I set up an appointment and the next morning went out to where the screening was taking place. I decided to wear long pants, as I figured I would be more likely to need to have them off for examining my legs (I wanted a full-body screening).

The event was on two floors: The lower floor was where they gave you a form to fill out, including how thorough an exam you wanted, ranging from just head and neck to "everything except underwear" (their quote). Once I filled out the form, a volunteer directed me to the elevators. I was greeted by the novel sight of one elevator being out of service because there was somebody caulking the elevator. (Hey, Phoenix, as well as elsewhere in this country, is gearing up for a long hot summer! So let's review some things you can do to keep your cooling costs down: Close your window blinds and drapes to keep the hot sun out. Set your AC to a slightly warmer temperature. And always remember to caulk your elevators. 😁 )

The screening floor had impromptu rooms separated by drapes. Once I was in the room, the nurse directed me to take everything off except my shorts and put on a gown. I did so, and sat on a chair (there wasn't a proper exam table). A few minutes later, a male dermatologist came in with a female assistant. First he examined my head and neck, then the gown was lowered so he could examine my chest and stomach. Next, he had me stand up and turn around so he could examine my back. I did so, placing the gown on the chair. For the rest of the exam, I was in just my Fruit of the Loom briefs while he examined my back and legs. All the while, he reported to the female assistant, who wrote everything down. For the final part of the exam, he pulled the front of my briefs down and away from my waist, just far enough to uncover my groin and pubic hair but not my penis. I was never nude.

This was the first time I ever had any screening or exam where I was nearly naked in front of both a man and a woman at the same time. I actually found it quite erotic and was glad I had shot my wad earlier, or else I would've started becoming erect!

If your dermatologist does a full body exam for suspicious moles without the patient being nude, they are not being thorough. It took appointments at several different docs for me to find one who was skilled, professional and expected patients to be nude.

You can also solve the underwear / gown dilemma by forgoing wearing underwear - go commando!

So I have my annual skin exam at the Dermatologist tomorrow and usually its uneventful.. I'm not fair skinned and don't really have any moles. My wife who has a lot of mole issues made me go years ago and now I continue to go because I like the idea of the exam. Me in underwear with female dr & female assistant.. I've never been asked to remove my underwear and haven't really had a good reason so far to ask but last week I started to get an irritation around my anus.. just a few bumps but very itchy.. I tried a few treatments and none seemed to work so I figured I could have them check it out..seemed like a good excuse. Well last night it cleared up about 90%.. I was wondering if anyone knew any way I could re-irriate that area enough to warrant a look at from the dr ? Nothing too painful or real long lasting.. kind of silly I know but as long I'm there getting the exam already I figured I might as well find a reason to get my undies off..

thanks

You shouldn't be needing to find a reason to remove your undies there. A good dermatologist will check you all over, since skin cancer can appear anywhere you have skin, not simply where the sun's rays hit you. A couple of friends have told me that if the dermatologist does not, then find another doctor.

As far as the current problem, most doctors ask about any problem areas, so there's no reason why you can't tell her about the irritation and ask her to check and be sure it's fully cleared up. Could also ask what you can do if it ever occurs again.

Well I've been there about five years in a row with not a single problem mole found and with the same exam..so it would be suspicious to suddenly request it.. also I check myself frequently.. she does pull the back of my underwear down a little and peeks at my hip / groin area.. I may ask them to check it anyway..we'll see

I have never been asked to remove my underwear. But have been asked if I have any moles there to check.

I expected to be asked to remove my underwear, but the Dr simply pulled down the top slightly and asked if I had any marks I was concerned about in my genital area.

I had a dermatologist appointment very recently- my first time going in years. I remained in my boxers for the exam. I was actually offered a gown, but still hadn't put it on when the doctor emerged. Seriously the least time I'd ever had to wait.

It was very geared towards preserving modesty, as she merely shifted around my boxers to examine my thighs. She did briefly look at my butt however, prompting this by stating she's a doctor and this is normative. She just pulled my waistband outwards and took a peek down versus having me lower them.

I had a small skin tag on my upper thigh that she decided to remove. This was done with pulling my boxers upwards so the area was clear, but my genitals remained unexposed. I can see how this can make some patients more comfortable, but as I'm fine with nudity, it just seemed like a bit of an excess ordeal.

I have had exams in the past and every time i was asked to remove everything and put the gown on . The doctor has always done full skin exam usually with his magnifying glass and uv light(i think that is what it was) and i feel that it is most important to be thorough! Seems that most docs today are just as modest as thier patients are presumed to be! It took several changes of doctor and requests before I found a gp who actually saw patients and did physicals,most of them seem to farm things out to thier np or pa. I went to 1 docor for several years and when I finally saw him he asked me how I was & not how I am, but who i was! . . just my 2 cents worth -Linda

I have had two skin cancers cut out (MOHS surgery) and one double-frozen, so I don't take chances with my skin exams. The first skin cancer was on the right side of my face just in front of my ear...go figure, and the second and third were on my left side...left arm and left side of my face. If I can get a serious skin cancer on the right side, I can get it anywhere. I also live in the sun-belt...the Sunshine State - Florida. I have finally found a dermatologist that is both thorough and that I am comfortable with, so my exams are head-to-toe complete...wearing nothing but a grin. This last time, I had fungus in one of my toenails, and if I hadn't taken my socks off, he would have been able to notice it and prescribe the appropriate treatment. I appreciate his thoroughness. My mom also had a skin cancer on her back, that nobody even knew she had until I sent her to the same dermatologist for something else, that turned out to be inconsequential. The only time she is undressed is when she is taking a bath or changing clothes...never outside. Make sure your exams are thorough. The dermatologist's office is no place for false modesty, unless you want a skin cancer to creep up and not be found until it is too late.

Most dermatologist consider a full body exam to include all areas except for the genitals/butt. There are a number of valid reasons for not examing this area. First, is potential increased costs. In many practices, a chaperone may be required for any examination of female genitalia by male Doc. This requiredment increases costs and decreases provider productivity so most male dermatologists are not going to bother with routine screening of genitalia. They may however ask if the patient has any concerns in that area and exam if one is present. The other reason that dermatologists dont examine this area is that genitals are examine by primary care doc as part of wellness visits. Thus they know that another doc has his/her eye on the area on a regular/semi regular basis.

I don't know if it is a "good" story, but I give it here.

When I was 16, I came (alone, because my mother was working) to a female dermatologist because I have noticed a strange spot on my back.

She told me to undress the top and looked at the spot, and said that it wasn't dangerous.

I thought it was the end of the exam but she wanted to inspect all my others spots and told me to undress to my underwear. So I did it, and at the end she said that she had to inspect all my skin and that means pulling down a short time my underwear, and did it to my knees ! I was embarrassed ! First she looked at my cheeks and spread it, and after went in front of me and inspect my penis. The problem is that I've got a beauty spot on my penis. She noticied it, and to see it better, she looked at it with some special light. It was a very embarrassing situation, because she was holding my penis in one hand and looking at it with her face at only a few centimeters of it... This gave me a boner... Not a very nice exam for the shy teen I was.

I get a full body exam yearly by my dermatologist. The Dr. is a lovely Korean female, who I used to call on when I sold pharmaceuticals. I am told to take off everything, including watch, rings. They hand me a paper towel to cover my genitals and that's all. She comes in with her female assistant and checks me all over. She puts me on my side and spreads my cheeks to check the anal area. She does not check the genitals, but will give them a brief look on her way to my back end. Then she moves to my head and gives me a very close scalp inspection.

I was a little nervous the first time she did this, but after several yearly inspections, I am over it. Due to our business relationship, I knew she was a kind and pleasant Dr. and that's the reason I choose her to be my Derm. I have the greatest respect for her and am very happy to have her.

This story doesn't involve a skin check exam but about 5 years ago I had a mole removed from inner thigh near my groin area. Before the doctor could remove it the nurse had to shave around the area. I was allowed to keep my underwear on since they were the tighty whity variety. While shaving me her wrist would frequently rake across my covered penis and it felt really good and she was really hot. I was able to resist getting an erection mainly because it only took her about 2 minutes to complete but man I thought about that moment for a long time.

I have had 3 dermatologists and all did the exam differently.

1. Briefs only and he did not check inside

2. Paper gown only....and she moved my penis around to check that area...laying.

3. paper gown and briefs...only check after removing briefs for a specific concern but he asked me to handle my junk so he could see...he never touched me.

What is your experience....did the doctor touch your genitals?

I normally wear a cloth gown over my briefs. For my last exam, which was recently, my dermatologist asked me to remove my briefs so she could examine my genitalia, because I have been having problems with dryness. But she did not touch me down there.

Got to keep my panties on but no gown. I don't think he really touched me at all and there was a female nurse present but the exam feels very invasive for some reason. I didn't enjoy it at all

I've only had one of these, and it was to check out a birthmark on my shoulder that had gotten darker. He was very young and had a sort of goofy demeanor that didnt inspire confidence. He had me take off my shirt immediately and, after he'd checked out the birthmark at some length, looked over my shoulders, torso, stomach, etc, but never suggested an all-over check or that I take off my pants, or shoes or socks.

My sister had a melanoma and I've had a few suspicious moles over the years so I go twice a year. All off except panties. Cloth gown. Dr comes in (currently male) nurse is present. Gown comes off and he looks me over very carefully front and back using a magnifier on anything suspicious. He does me sitting then laying down front and back. Checks my scalp, between the toes and fingers, the panties come off and he checks there too. He even spreads my cheeks. No real touching but wow he doesn't miss a spot. That's good though.

I've seen 5 female dermatologists in nyc and not one examined me below the belt. i don't get it because there certainly are problem spots down there. does anyone know any female derms in nyc who do a complete exam?

I went to a new derm because the last one was such an ass. He asked why I was there, ushers in a nurse. Asks me to repeat myself and then says, oh you'll be fine and goes to leave the room. I tell him there is more. He returns to his spot in front of me and tells me to hurry up.

So the next time I needed to see a derm I choose a different office. Her nurse brings me back and sits me down saying she will take notes to give the doc. I tell her my skin's lufe history. She makes no notes. She then tells me to remove my clothing and wait for the doctor. She then smiles and says guys dont get anything to cover themselves, girls get a paper drape. She then places a small tissue at my feet and leaves. I found another tissue in the drawer and draped it over my lap. The doc rushes in and intro herself. And then sees I am fully naked under my snall sheet. She says there is no need to get that naked for this fbse as she will not be looking under the sheet.

She starts her inspection of my scalp, still asking about my skin questions and concerns. She has seen worse and has brothers and sons with the same bumps and skin questions. Never really answers me other than to say she has seen worse, no worries. But I am worried, ass.

She then has me lay down and helps me keep the tissue covering my penis and balls. She scans my front side, then gets to my feet and starts to tell me to keep an eye on this... Great, something I did not even know of and she wants me to keep an eye on it. She then has me roll over. I do and the tissue rols with me. My ass is out in the open. She checks real quick and says to roll back over. As I do the tissue falls in between the bed and the wall. I am now fully naked. She hides her eyes and turns away. She opens the drawer and gets another tissue and hands it to me while facing the other way.

Great I get a derm doc that doesnt want to look/see ALL my skin.

I need to find another dwrm doc!

I had a melanoma discovered during a routine and incomplete skin exam. Now I demand a full exam every 6 months.

I'm not embarrassed and I don't care if the doctor is. If they are, they're in the wrong business and are soon to be my ex doctor.

Went to a derm for the first time at a larger practice. Asked to strip to boxers and the doctor came in. Barely got in the door and looked me up and down, asked me to turn around, walks up behind me and pulls out my waistband sightly, goes back toward the door and says everything is good.

I asked about some spots I had concerns with and almost before I got the words out she says "benign". My dad had melenoma so I was unsatisfied and found a new derm practice. First visit there I got undressed to boxers, doc came in and she examined every inch of me including dropping the boxers and spreading my cheeks. Took off one of the spots I had asked about at the other office and it came back as skin cancer. Have found more since.

I now get examined fully every 3 months.

Doctor doesn't care if I am exposed or not she just wants to look at all my skin and give great medical care. She is young and attractive so It doesn't bother me either.

Agree with jhg and Nurse Phillips here for the more recent posts. If your dermatologist or mid-level doesn't exam every square centimeter of you, they're not doing their job. This includes genitals, perineum, inner buns, bottom of feet, and underarms. If they're not doing this, find another one who will. This is what you're paying them for. And paying them quite well in fact.

Went to a new dermatologist yesterday for a full body skin exam. He was very thorough and examined while standing and then also while lying down. He had a quick look at the anal area and asked whether he should also have a look around penis and testicles which I asked him to.

The most exciting moment was however when the nurses showed me to the exam room and left me in the room until the doctor arrived. The room was very functional and from my seat I was directly looking to the most frightening exam chair with stirrups I have ever seen. My heart was beating fast but it wasn't for me though...Docotor very likely uses it for hemorrhoid exams and veneral diseases.

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Had my yearly skin exam today, or as I call it my annual slice and dice. Very pretty assistant told me to undress to my undies and handed me a paper drape then went to get the doctor. Dermatologist gave me the once over including lifting the waistband of my underwear in the front and checking all exposed skin including scalp, soles of feet and between toes. Had me stand up and checked my back, backs of my legs and pulled down my underwear in the back to observe my rear end, no spreading or anything, just a glance. Assistant entered all the findings on the office pc. She found two suspicious moles on my right leg and measured them for future observation. Didn't have any biopsies taken this time, first time on quite a few years so I guess that's good. Had a few come back bad necessitating a deeper carving to make sure it was all gone. They really aren't that much of a bother though. My dad had melanoma and a little snip is a small price to pay for not having to ever deal with that.