Dermatologist... Full body skin exam

I thought it a good idea that eliminates the need to ask for inspection of private areas. I was shocked but happy when she asked if I wanted my genitals checked. Hi

Before I had my first complete skin exam around two years ago, I was led to expect that it would be exceptionally thorough, involving careful examination of my genitals and bottom and the spreading of my butt cheeks. And the dermatologist I see is extremely beautiful, so I got something of a frisson just anticipating it. But it was nothing like that. I was told to put on a gown while keeping my boxers on. When she wanted to see my bottom, she just pulled the elastic waistband back for a few seconds (if that), looked down, and that was that.

No. There’s no ‘careful examination of the genitalia’ etc. I’ve been getting them for 30 years now. I’ve a family history of melanoma, personal history with basal cell carcinoma and a shit ton of moles (as you may have noticed from my photos). I had a dermatologist (female) who used to have me take off everything under the gown but my current one (male) has me leave panties on.

The skin is checked a section at a time, starting with my head under my hair, my face and neck and working down with the dermatologist uncovering me as needed and then recovering me. I’m reclining in an exam chair so he’ll do my front first and work down to my feet. He’ll pull the waistband of my underwear out to briefly peek underneath and will look between my toes.

He has me flip over and does my back and the backs of my legs, peeking quickly at my bottom.

Unless he sees something concerning it takes less than 5 minutes. Anything getting monitored gets photographed.

No genital exam, but I go to a gyn for a yearly well woman and if I had anything suspicious in that area, my gyn is way more likely to see it than a dermatologist.

I have my total body skin exam in the next few days...an every six months occurrence. My female dermatologist includes genitals and butt check as part of the exam.

I'll write a recap after the exam.

I have my total body skin exam in the next few days...an every six months occurrence. My female dermatologist includes genitals and butt check as part of the exam.

I'll write a recap after the exam.

You are a lucky man. I've tried two so far and they both did less than I expected. My third is coming up this Summer, I'll see how this one does. My PCP did do fully nude physical last time after my wife told her when she was in for her last physical, I was concerned about places I can't see and no one else looks either. I hope she continues to have me nude.

My full body skin exam was similar to previous exams with one exception.

After I'm escorted to the exam room and down to my boxers and a gown, I usually sit on the exam chair/bed and read news on my cell. Then when Dr G enters, we hello as I'm walking to the small chair piled with my clothes, and deposit my cell, glasses and gown. Upon quickly returning to the exam chair/bed my exam begins.

For this past Fridays exam, I undressed and sat in my boxers and gown on the small chair holding my clothes. When Dr G walked in I stood, set down my grasses, cellphone and removed the gown. As I headed for the exam chair/bed, Dr G says, "While you're standing turn your back towards me and I'll check the back of your legs." She surprised me because this is not the usual order of all the past exams. I turned my back towards her and immediately felt her fingers pulling the waistband of my boxers for a quick check of my butt. I then removed my boxers and tossed them on the exam chair/bed and she proceeded with the legs, butt and genitals exam.

After she finished checking the rest of me, she froze off a few precancerous spots.

See her again in six months.

I have only had one full body skin exam at a dermatologist and did not include the genital area. The female dermatologist would have me in a gown and underwear and look at all exposed skin. She did pull back the back of my boxer briefs to see my buttocks but did not look at the front. Instead, she just asked if I had any concerns anywhere else that I wanted her to look.

I had my first full body exam last year and my doctor was much the same as everyone else. She started with my head and ears and face, then arms and torso and breasts. While I was leaned back she pulled the front of my panties down slightly to look. Next she did the front of my legs and toes. Then I stood and she did my back and pulled my underwear down to look at my butt. She didn’t see anything so she pulled them back up and went on to the backs of my legs. A few spots of concern were removed. One spot turned out to be “abnormal” so she said they’d be keeping a close eye when I see her again this year. I don’t know if that means the exam will change at all though.

Thanks for the recap, atthebar and Shelby12345.

Shelby12345, did you wear a gown for the exam? Are you a nudist, also.

No fear of cancer, so I decline the exam. Some temptation to take advantage there, but I haven't.

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I signed in at the dermatologist as I always do. I was told to take a seat and wait. Not two minutes later, the chubby, 30-year-old average looking MA came up and took me back. She took weight, blood pressure, and temperature as always. She asked what I was there for and I told her I was here for my first total body skin exam. My dad last summer had been diagnosed with a mild form of skin cancer, that he easily got treated. I’m in my mid 40s and the old man is in his late 60s and gets more sun than I do, and he just got it. So while I wouldn’t say that I am high risk, I am somewhat at risk. It was also a good excuse to get naked, or try, in front of a couple women younger than me.

The MA had to leave the room to get a gown and left the door open, but of course I was fully clothed. She came back, gave me the gown, and told me to take off my clothes, but I could leave on my socks, although those would be coming off eventually. She then started to leave and almost as an afterthought said you can also leave on your “undergarments” (exact wording.) I debated taking them off, anyway, but since this was my first time I decided not to. I did end up taking off my socks, so I was wearing nothing but a tight fitting pair of boxer briefs.

I just barely finished undressing and put on the gown when there was a knock at the door. The PA, early 30s short cute Asian woman who is super bubbly, came in, and the same MA was with her. I was surprised as she doesn’t normally have anyone with her when I’ve seen her for mole removals. I wasn’t sure if it was a chaperone due to the nature of the exam or a scribe. Either way I was OK with it. The PA asked me a few questions. I told her about my dad and that I had never had a skin exam. She said it’s basically a head to toe exam of all your skin. I said that’s fine and she got started.

First thing she did was rifle through my hair, and spent a surprising amount of time on my scalp, folded back my ears, looking behind them, and then looked all over my face, including having me close my eyes, and looking at the eyelids. She then had me tilt my head up and look under my neck. She asked me to extend my arms (the gown was sleeveless) and she looked at my arms that way. As she was doing this she looked down into my eyes and almost sheepishly said that normally a skin exam includes checking the gluteal cleft, as well as the genitals. And asked if I would be OK with that. I said I would be. She continued her exam by pulling the front of my gown down, basically leaving it in my lap. I certainly didn’t mind. She was looking at me from above (she was standing and I was seated) and then said, why don’t you stand up for me it will be easier. So I put the gown on the table next to me and stood up, wearing nothing but my boxer briefs. The PA then sat down on a little rollable stool while the MA was perpendicular to us with her nose buried in the laptop. Every now and then the PA would call out something, and the MA would write it down. So it appeared she was there more as a scribe. After checking my back, the PA asked “can I check your bottom” (Her exact term) I said sure, and she pulled down the back of my underwear to blow my butt cheeks and kinda let my butt catch them with the whole globe hanging out. She, then, without warning, quickly spread my butt cheeks with her gloved hands, and took a peek at my anus. My underwear was probably down for less than two full Mississippi’s, and I had a good view of the MA, while the PA did this in the MA seemed somewhat uncomfortable, and again was almost trying to “hide “in her laptop, without looking at me or the exam. Not sure if it was for respect of my modesty (I wouldn’t have minded) or because she uncomfortable. I feel like it was the latter, but who knows. The PA then pulled up the back of my shorts and told me to turn around. She looked at my belly, under my belly, and then pulled down the side of the underwear, kind of where the hip flexors are, not exposing anything. She then asked if it would be OK if she checked my “front”. Once again I said that was fine and she used both her gloved hands to pull out and down my underwear to just below my scrotum. She had both her hands keeping my underwear from springing back up and hitting my balls (which I appreciated) and so she didn’t have a hand free to examine me. She looked very closely at my penis and scrotum (with her face probably no more then 12” from my parts) but it was honestly probably only for another 2 Mississippi count she did not touch them at all with her hands. So honestly, she did not see the underside of my shaft, or my scrotum. Once again, I had my eyes on the MA, who was absolutely not looking in that direction, and truthfully, even seem to be looking away. The PA then pulled up my underwear and told me to sit down and extend my legs. I did and she checked the bottoms of my feet and underneath them. She told me I was completely healthy and had no issues, and said due to my young age (as a mid 40s man I like being called young!) I shouldn’t need another exam for at least three years. That part disappointed me. And while I appreciate her checking my genitals and butt, she could have been more thorough and spent more time on them. Realistically, from the second she walked into the room until the second she walked out could not have been more than five minutes and perhaps was only more like three. She did not use a light. From a (med) FET standpoint it was good but not great. Glad to get the clean bill of health though.

Having had several severe sunburns during my teenage years I go to see a derm once a year. For about the past five years he has performed cryosurgery on me with liquid nitrogen to remove areas of concern. The last visit was in February and I didn't wait very long before an attractive nurse of about 30 came out and called my name. After taking my vitals and updating health history she asked if was OK if she stayed in the room as the doc did his exam. I saw no reason why she should leave and told her so. Then the doc started at my face and hair and worked his way methodically to my feet. He did three more cryo procedures and I also had a spot on my arm that he excised.

BigBoy024, It sounds like your PA was through given a 5 minute exam. She did check all of you.

I love the phrases she used; “can I check your bottom”. "She then asked if it would be OK if she checked my “front”." My dermatologist used the words, behind and genitals. I think they ask so hesitantly because most patients say no.

My former dermatologist, sometimes used a scribe who would sit in the corner and peck at a laptop. She never looked at me.

Well thanks for the recap.

I love the phrases she used; “can I check your bottom”. "She then asked if it would be OK if she checked my “front”." My dermatologist used the words, behind and genitals. I think they ask so hesitantly because most patients say no.

I had a dermatologist tell me she was going to check everywhere, even where the sun don’t shine.

Her exam was pretty cursory, at one point she pulled the waistband back from my underwear and peeked at my butt - nothing more.

And while I appreciate her checking my genitals and butt, she could have been more thorough and spent more time on them.

Consider yourself lucky. Most of our dermatologists don't check there at all.

Having had a melanoma excised, I now have all-over skin exam every six months, and no longer grumble about it.

Hi @Rigel

Her exam was pretty cursory, at one point she pulled the waistband back from my underwear and peeked at my butt - nothing more.

Since your dermatologist just peaked at your butt, I guess she didn't check your genitals. On my first dermatologist visit, she pulled down my boxers, checked my butt, pulled the boxers up then asked me to turn around and repeated the procedure. So on my second dermatologist visit, six months later, when I felt her fingers in my waistband, I removed the boxers. Then stated, "That should make it easier." She said ok and went on with the exam. Now I just remove the boxers when she asks me to stand.

Give it a try on your next visit, Rigel.

Just had my annual TBSE yesterday. Long post here:

https://en.zity.biz/index.php?mx=blog;ox=showpage;pg=7998

@FredD Great recap

FredD What a wonderful recap of an exceptional dermatology visit. I think it's terrific that your new dermatologist stated,

"A complete skin exam should include genital skin and the peri-anal area". And saying, "just going to shimmy these down a bit" might get me a little "chubby" too. Well done.

Recently had my semi-annual skin check. After my last exam, the dermatologist told me that I could reschedule in a year's time but since I'm at a little higher risk, she said that every 6 months is preferable. Unfortunately, I moved out of town, so I had to book with another clinic. I do so and request an appointment, but I'm not told who the provider will be. On the clinic's site, there is a mix of both male/female providers.

When I arrive at the clinic, I check in and take a seat, waiting for to be taken into an exam room. The entrance and waiting area were modern, clean, and looked like they had just been renovated. After a 10-minute wait, a medical assistant calls my name and guides me to the exam room. It was a large space with the exam chair in the middle of it. I have a seat in the chair and the MA takes some of my health history. I tell her that I've had an exam about 6 months ago and that I moved so I needed a new practice. She confirms that I'll be getting a skin check and says that the provider will be in shortly. She mentions the name of the PA and I can vaguely remember her picture from the clinic's website. She quickly goes over what the visit entails. She informs me that it's a head to toe exam and that I need to get undressed to my underwear and put on a gown. The MA leaves the room and I get undressed. Last visit, I was given the option to remove my underwear. This was not the case this time.

A few minutes later, I hear a knock on the door and both the PA and the MA walk in. "Hi, I'm [her name], I'm a PA and we'll be doing your full body skin exam today." The PA was wearing black scrubs, her white coat, and running shoes. She quickly goes over some medical history before putting the tablet down.

She walks over to the exam chair and reclines it until I'm lying flat on my back. She grabs a pair of white gloves from the box on the wall and begins to inspect my face and scalp: “I’ll start with your head and work my way down, let me know of any concerns along the way.” She parts my hair, looks in and behind my ears, pulls my lips and cheeks to look inside my mouth and even has the MA give her a tongue blade to check the back of my mouth.

After lowering my gown, she moves on to looking at my arms and chest, using her light to get a better look at some moles. She lifts up my arms to look at the armpit area and feel for any swollen lymph nodes. My legs, feet, and in between my toes are next to be examined: “it’s very important to check areas that are hidden like between your toes, lesions can hide there too. When you do your self-exams make sure to look there.” Once that is done, she has me flip over so she can check the backs of my arms and legs and my back. She un-reclines the chair, grabs her stool, and wheels in-front of me:

- "Is there anything under the underwear that I should see or that you're concerned with? I will say that skin cancer can form anywhere so I typically recommend checking for new patients, but it’s totally up to you.”

-"I haven't noticed anything, but I would rather make sure everything is fine."

-"Ok, would you rather lay down or stand up?”

-“I’ll just lay down”

-“No problem, please remove your undergarments for me. I’ll start by looking at your backside so if you can just turn over for me once the chair is flat.” I do as she says and she continues:

-“You’ll just feel my hands, going to check in between to make sure… Everything looks normal on the buttocks, turn back over for me and spread your legs a little, please”

Once turned over, she lifts the gown and proceeds to examine the area. After feeling for lymph nodes in the groin, the PA gently moved my penis with her gloved fingers, inspecting all surfaces. She then moved my penis aside and look at all areas of the scrotum, even lifting to get a look under. Lastly, she retracted the foreskin (carefully, and she told me before doing so) to check that surface.

-“Sorry about that, know it’s a little uncomfortable, but would rather take a quick peek there to make sure nothing is lurking. Everything looks healthy, you can put your underpants back on.” She stepped back and removed her gloves, throwing them in the bin. Finally, she told me that she rather see me every 6 months for a couple of years and then she might recommend pushing visits back to yearly.

I was surprised that the PA did such a thorough exam, especially after I had to leave my underwear on. But I think part of that is because it was my first visit. I doubt she’ll be as complete for all future skin exams. But the PA was great at explaining everything and making sure that I was comfortable with everything she was doing. Even when looking at sensitive areas, she always ensured that I was fine with the exam.

Great recap, MrABC!

You have found a terrific dermatologist

I go for an annual complete skin check with my female dermatologist. The exam begins with me completely undressed down to underwear and sitting on the exam table with just a paper drape across my lap.

She does the first part of the exam with me on the table, checking everything from the waist up. She then has my lay back on the table and checks my legs and feet. To do that, my knees are bent with my feet flat on the table. She then raises my legs one at a time to examine them. At that point the drape is moved to cover my genitals but it really doesn't do much good, since shes at my feet lifting my legs.

She finishes the exam with me standing up in front of her and leaving the drape on the table.

@Johan5 Does she look inside your underwear at all?

@Johan5 Does she look inside your underwear at all?

She doesn't

I my 20+ years of skin checks, I've only found one dermatologist who has offered to look between my buttocks. And sadly, it's not my current one.

I'm halfway wondering if I need one. I work outside A LOT, don't use sun screen (I can't stand lotions), and used to live near the equator.

I my 20+ years of skin checks, I've only found one dermatologist who has offered to look between my buttocks. And sadly, it's not my current one.

@KC_Patient My first dermatologist used to pull my boxers down, separate my buttocks and have a good look while I was lying down on the table. However, she never checked my genitals. My current dermatologist checks my buttocks while I'm standing, but she does not separate them. However, she does check my genitals.

My first dermatologist was well into her sixties so I'll bet that is an old school practice.

@MrABC Great summary, were you surprised / nervous when your provider did that thorough of an exam? My dermatologist does check there but not as thorough as what you’ve described.

@Fred1234 I can’t say I was that nervous for that exam, I knew that it’s relatively common for a dermatology provider to check the buttocks and genitals during a skin exam. But I was a little surprised by the completeness of her exam. She spent a good amount of time checking by butt, kind of running her hands over it and using her dermatoscope. Then she told me that she was going to look in between and spread my buttocks a couple times. Same thing for the front side, looked everywhere, even informed me that she was going to retract my foreskin.

But this varies a lot by provider. Some have the patient get naked, some ask the patient if they want genitals examined and for some it’s the patient that needs to ask provider to look at these areas.

A month ago, I saw a new dermatologist for treatment of a shoulder scar that didn't heal well after a surgery I had a couple years ago. She was in the room for about three minutes, looked at it, told me they could inject a steroid monthly to treat it, and left everything to her PA. She stood with her back against the door, almost like she was afraid to actually enter the room. I was not impressed. But she also recommended a full body skin check at my next appointment, which was today.

My last skin check was 10 years ago, so I was definitely due. I checked in and had a seat in the waiting room. I was nervous. I don't know why. I used to get nervous at the doctor's office, but that hasn't happened in a long time. Maybe it's because I wasn't sure what was going to happen. Maybe it was because I knew that I would be undressing. I listed to some quiet music while I waited. It was a short wait. A male nurse called my name. I was a little disappointed that the female PA I saw last time wasn't there. But as soon as I joined him in the hallway, I saw that she was with him. I'd have two chaperones today. While they didn't say it, she seemed to be training him.

We got to the room. It's a standard exam room. The exam chair was in the center, facing the door. Off to the right was a counter, a computer, and a regular chair. I was directed to that chair, and they logged into the computer. How's the scar? You're here for a full body skin exam. We went through medications and pharmacy. "Okay," he said. Everything comes off except your underwear. She pulled a cloth gown out of the cupboard. "The gown ties in the back."

"Fashionable," I commented. They left the room. I took off my clothes. Black briefs today, chosen specifically for this occasion. I tied the gown in both places in the back. It came down to my knees. I sat on the exam chair and waited. Then I stood up and untied the ties in the middle of the back. They were just going to get in the way, anyway.

The wait was only a few minutes. I expected it to be a lot longer. Last month, I waited almost half an hour in the room. This time, the nurse, PA, and doctor all came in. The room was pretty crowded. The nurse and PA walked over to the computer, presumably to take notes. The doctor was a lot more personable this time. She looked at the scar first. Then, she started the head-to-toe exam. She spent a lot of time on my scalp, behind my ears, and my neck. She was being pretty thorough, which kind of got my hopes up.

She was chatty. Talking about summer plans and vacations. She was asking a lot of questions. She took my hands and looked at my fingers and arms. Then, she had me turn my hands over and looked at the other side.

I was still sitting. She reached down and took a foot in her hand, lifting it up to look between the toes and at my legs. Then, she did the same thing on the other side.

She asked me to lower the gown to my waist, and she looked at my chest and back. She worked her way down my right side, which was the side away from the chaperones.

"I need to check your hips," she said, pulling the elastic of my underwear out on my side. Then she slid her hands around, looking in the front. I looked down and got the same view she did. There's a lot of hair, and a flacid penis behaving himself, but very visible. She continued to the left side, and then told me to put my arms back in the gown.

She told me to stand and face the sink, which is where the chaperones were. I was completely covered in the front at this point, and she opened the gown in the back. After checking my back, she pulled my underwear away in the back and looked at my butt for several seconds. She was very careful to close the gown when she was done, and tole me everything looked great.

She told me to wear sunscreen, and that the PA would be back to do the steriod injections on my shoulder I stayed in the gown until she was done, and then got dressed after she left the room.

As I was about to leave, the doctor knocked and came in again. I said, "do you want to do it again?" and she laughed. She apologized for entering the wrong room, and walked into the room next door.

I booked my next appointment, but it's going to be a lot less exciting.