Dermatologist... Full body skin exam

I have my annual skin check a week from today with a new provider. Do people have advice about how to have a thorough exam without unilaterally deciding to just sit there naked? I don't want to come off as a perv/exhibitionist. I want to build rapport but still convey that it's important to me they check everywhere.

The most straightforward way is probably to just ask for it point blank when we talk about my medical history.

I've considered asking what the purpose of the gown is, which she'll presumably respond with something about modesty, at which point I can say that I'm more worried about the costs of modesty than anything else.

Idk, I can't seem to find anything that feels natural. I just wish I could find a provider where I didn't have to ask, but the policy of the day is modesty, so the burden is on me to ask for anything different.

Do people think there's a difference between large hospitals and private practices? Or the age of their provider? Just wondering aloud if there's any way I can choose my provider better to try and make this easier.

I've never had a dermatological exam. Seems that they vary depending on the doctor.

@Aladdin Couple of things:

1) If you have no family history of skin cancer and have no suspicious moles you're concerned with, there is no reason to do a full exam. If you have a suspicious mole, call it out.

2) If they give you a gown, wear the gown. You have NO right to expose the medical team to your kink without their consent. That's no different than flashing someone at the mall. I get we have a fetish and exposure is part of that fetish but you do NOT have the right to expose yourself to someone without their consent.

@Aladdin Couple of things:

1) If you have no family history of skin cancer and have no suspicious moles you're concerned with, there is no reason to do a full exam. If you have a suspicious mole, call it out.

2) If they give you a gown, wear the gown. You have NO right to expose the medical team to your kink without their consent. That's no different than flashing someone at the mall. I get we have a fetish and exposure is part of that fetish but you do NOT have the right to expose yourself to someone without their consent.

I have been getting full body skin checks from a dermatologist for the last several years at the behest of my pcp. IMHO it’s a sensible precaution since lay people have no idea what is suspicious and what isn’t. Some spots on my skin that I thought were suspicious were dismissed by the doctor as harmless. She removed a few others, however, that she thought were potentially dangerous that I barely even noticed. Btw even though it was a full body exam I only exposed skin as it was actually being examined.

@Norton i agree and I wasn’t discouraging anyone from getting an exam. I was talking about when a doctor will usually order a full body exam. I was discouraging someone from refusing a gown when asked to put one on. We should not be including our medical professionals in our fetish without their consent. They’re there to do a job, not get us off.

@Norton i agree and I wasn’t discouraging anyone from getting an exam. I was talking about when a doctor will usually order a full body exam. I was discouraging someone from refusing a gown when asked to put one on. We should not be including our medical professionals in our fetish without their consent. They’re there to do a job, not get us off.

amen

1) If you have no family history of skin cancer and have no suspicious moles you're concerned with, there is no reason to do a full exam. If you have a suspicious mole, call it out.

2) If they give you a gown, wear the gown. You have NO right to expose the medical team to your kink without their consent. That's no different than flashing someone at the mall. I get we have a fetish and exposure is part of that fetish but you do NOT have the right to expose yourself to someone without their consent.

@Nurse_Phillips 1) I don't think there are no reasons, but that's certainly the practice here and now. My dad died of melanoma that originated in his butt crack when I was a teenager. I'm in basically the highest risk group there is. I think I have reasonable anxiety about not getting a sufficiently thorough exam. Part of me can't wait for the day when these are done like going through security at the airport (if that happens in my lifetime)

2) I agree! Some previous posters in this thread have said that they just ignore the doc/nurses requests and just sit there naked and I'm just not willing to do that. I'm just trying to figure out how to best convey to them that I want a complete exam without being pervy or exhibitionist or demanding. I'm actively trying to be considerate here, I'm just somewhat frustrated that I feel like I have to advocate for myself here and some docs will still act like this is some unreasonable imposition and I'm a weirdo for asking :/

@Aladdin thanks for clarifying. I had nothing to go by as it was your first post. Flat out tell them ‘my dad died of melanoma, I want a full body skin check. I’m very concerned.” 👍👍

I do still wonder if private practices would be more likely to default to full body skin exams (potentially because they don't have to be as strictly procedural as hospital megacorps and may allow for more time per patient) and if older providers might be more responsive because they were around and got their education before modesty became such an overwhelming concern

@Aladdin If I could add my 2 cents.....

I get a true TBSE from my dermatologist. I am a 60s male who has had basal cells as well as pre cancerous cells removed. I am also a nudist. I did some research on dermatologists regarding who is most through. Research states female dermatologists will spend more time per patient than male dermatologists. Research did not make any age distinction regarding patient care. So I have a female dermatologist who is early forties. I selected a younger dermatologist so that I would not have to look for a replacement due to retirement.

On my first visit I explained that I had a basal cell and many pre cancerous cells removed. I also told her I was a nudist. She asked if I wanted my buttocks and genitals checked. I said yes and it's been that why ever since.

I've been trying for several years to find someone to do a genital exam, no luck yet. There are parts I have never seen and even if I could how would I know if something's not right. That's why you go to a professional. So far I've been to 2 dermatologists for a TBSE but they don't even look there and my new doctor under Obamacare seems too shy to look. I'm trying a urologist next month.

Full body skin exams from a dermatologist are very important. I was diagnosed with melanoma about 11 years ago. I was one of the most popular patients with the nurses and doctors for the next year with weekly exams then every two weeks and eventually I graduated to once a year exams. A plastic surgeon removed the melanoma growth and so far it has not recurred. The doctors also removed so many other cancerous growths I lost count, I have been cut up, stitched and froze so much that it just turned into a routine procedure. I received very good care and they were extremely concerned that it had already spread. I was checked head to toe by multiple doctors some did check around my head, balls, butt, feet and every other part of me. I did not bother me at all. A few times the dermatologist was female and the entire exam was professional and I did enjoy the exam with them more than I did with a male doctor. A good friend of mine died from melanoma and another one died from squamous cell carcinoma. Both of them neglected to get examined even though it was very obvious there were skin issues. Terminal skin cancer it's a very cruel way to die. So trust me don't worry about a dermatologist doing a very thorough exam they are just doing what they are supposed to do.

I had my skin check earlier this week. It was frustrating and disappointing. Here's an abridged retelling.

I'm brought back to the room by the assistant, where she has me sit on the exam table while she pulls up the appointment information on the computer. She asks what I'm here for today, and I tell her my yearly skin check. She notices my family history of melanoma in my medical records (almost all the medical institutions in my area share records) and asks if there's anything I'm concerned about. I say not really, but I have a lot of moles so it's hard to keep track of all of their evolution. She tells me to take off everything but my underwear and offers me a gown, but makes it clear it really doesn't matter if I take it or not, so I decline. She leaves to fetch the doc.

I disrobe and sit back on the table. Sometime shortly thereafter there's a knock on the door, and the doc and assistant come in. She seems friendly, introduces herself and shakes my hand. She also acknowledges my family history of melanoma, and I chat with the assistant briefly while she skims my file. We go over my history of having moles removed. And with that it's time for the exam.

She has me lay back on the table (it's comically small; I'm spilling over all 4 sides despite being pretty fit) and starts examining me from top to bottom. She pauses to measure a spot on my abdomen, before moving to my feet and working up. She barely pulls up my boxer briefs to peek at my mid-thigh before having me turn over. She repeats the same process on my back at a blistering pace, tells me everything looks good, and the assistant leaves. The entire exam couldn't have been more than 3 minutes.

I then mention I have a perineal spot that I'd like her to check. She agrees, and says they could remove it for me so I don't have to do this in the future. I pull down my boxer briefs and sit back, holding my genitals out of the way. She acknowledges that it's in a hard to see spot for me and would be nasty to remove. I pull my boxers back up and we keep talking. I have some other spots (e.x. on my butt) below the boxer line, but didn't want to be pushy, this interaction is already awkward/tense (from my perspective) as it is.

I tell her it feels awkward to me to ask her to check that out, and ask if there's any way to make it less awkward in the future. She thinks for a second and then doesn't answer the question. She alluded to having 'seen it all before' and says some men are weird. We talk about scheduling my next appointment, she leaves, and I get dressed. I check my phone as I walk out and notice from check-in to leaving had only been 18 minutes.

UK Female - i have had many of these checks over the years due to an ongoing condition. Usually by males and always fully nude - although tbere is always a female nurse present.

@Aladdin I don’t want to seem as if I’m picking on you, but why are you disappointed with the exam. Sounds like she looked at everything you were concerned with.

@Aladdin I don’t want to seem as if I’m picking on you, but why are you disappointed with the exam. Sounds like she looked at everything you were concerned with.

@Nurse_Phillips the doc and I talked about how my dad died from a melanoma in his butt crack that got caught late, and how these exams make me anxious. Guess where she never checked?

Ultimately it just felt like probably the least thorough check I've ever had. She went at a blistering pace, and I have plenty to look at, particularly as a new patient. It felt like she was trying to bang it out and made her earlier kind/caring demeanor come off as fake and put on.

I don't think I'm asking for too much if I want a (reasonably slow) thorough exam that doesn't make me feel bad afterwards. I'm looking for a doc that actually makes me feel comfortable, and that's not how I left feeling.

Some doctors will just be fast, they are good at their job. However, if you had concerns about awkwardness and you voiced them and the doctor did not give you an answer, it sounds like you just need a new doctor and I would leave that one a bad review. In particular if you had highlighted a specific area that need to be examined and they did not do that - that's a red flag and not giving you the proper standard of care.

Reading this thread is amazes me the different experiences and techniques different offices can have. "Stare at naked person for 10 minutes" is not something I would have expected a lot of variety from.

Tomorrow I will go to my fifth annual FBSE. Here's how they went:

1. Nurse asked me if I wanted the full exam or just upper. Like a fool, I said upper. Even as a guy, it turns out I am far more self-conscious without a shirt than without pants. So I guess not an actual FBSE.

2. The Nurse gave me a paper gown and said everything off. Then she says I can leave the underwear on and the doctor will peak just peak if I am shy. That's a quote. I opted for fully nude under the gown. They had me sit on the table until the doctor came in. The female doctor works alone, not really taking notes or anything. There is no assistant or chaperone. I assume she writes in the record after I leave. This one has you lie down on your back, and starts down at the feet. Then she works her way up one side. When she reaches the gown she just lifts it up and looks underneath with her light and puts it back down. At the arms she kind of moves the gown around. Once the front is done you turn over, still lying down, she again moves the gown out of the way, but doesn't really put it back. We talk about this and that, nothing is really found. When she is done we are still talking with my backside hanging out and she eventually says "oh, sorry, you can turn over." Since I have literally never worn a paper gown before, I screw it up and rip it, and end up sitting there mostly exposed for a bit while I sort it out. She is completely unphased. At no point in this exam am I ever standing up.

3. The same nurse goes through the same routine. I again opt for no underwear under the gown. Almost a complete repeat of last year, except I manage to turn over without shredding the gown. I discover that I actually feel the most uncomfortable and undignified while trying to deal with the thing.

4. Last year, the same nurse again. Same routine, except this time she actually says "you can leave your underwear on." I don't know if this is a changing standard or just a different phrase to indicate it is optional. I take them off regardless. At this point the doc knows me and is very casual. Instead of carefully moved the gown back she flings it aside almost as if she is as annoyed by it as I am. She is rough with it around the armholes. When I flip back over I accidentally destroy the thing and she seems very ambivalent. Still nobody else in the room and she is still very OK with the complete nudity.

5. This year I am going to see if there is some sort of opening to lose the gown. I am really embarrassed by the thing. But if it means retaining the underwear instead I will opt for nude under gown. I would rather be checked correctly and deal with it.

I’m going for check this Monday morning. I’ll report what happens.

I happened to spot this topic, and I'm actually scheduled for one as well. I had an issue on my lip a few months ago that turned out not to be cancerous, but they wanted to do a full body. I'm a male and do not know whether it will be the female doctor I had or the male other doctor who assisted. Hope it's the male.

Well I had my my skin exam. One biopsy and lots of freezing. I was nude under the gown. When she bad me on my back checking my legs an chest stomach area, I said that I go to the nude beach, please be thorough. She said you’re ok. And that was it. 🤷🏾‍♂️she never lifted anything or really even look at my genitalia. And did not spread my butt cheeks for a peek either. Next time I’m going to wear my butt plug. She’ll never see it and it will help me get through the biopsy pain.

Well I had my my skin exam. One biopsy and lots of freezing. I was nude under the gown. When she bad me on my back checking my legs an chest stomach area, I said that I go to the nude beach, please be thorough. She said you’re ok. And that was it. 🤷🏾‍♂️she never lifted anything or really even look at my genitalia. And did not spread my butt cheeks for a peek either. Next time I’m going to wear my butt plug. She’ll never see it and it will help me get through the biopsy pain.

That’s the one time she will take a peek!

@ozzy10 If you don't mind me asking, how were you positioned, where was the biopsy, and what hurt - just the anesthesia, or more?

The biopsy was near my hair line on the left side of my forehead. I was flat out on my back.

I just found out the biopsy was positive for a squamous cell. Removal at the end of the month. I guarantee my glass plug will be in my butt for that ordeal!

I had one at 33. I am a male. I was taken to room by a nurse. She took vitals told me strip and take everything off. I did she had given me a paper cloth to put over my lap. I sat there with only that on for 15 minutes. Doctor comes in and says you can put cloth aside for me. Now I'm naked and sitting there. She starts examing my head, arms, stomach. Tells me to lie on bed for testicle and penis check. She feels looks around are real good. She proceeds to tell me to stand facing the bed. Looks at my back. She says bend over put elbows on table spreads my butt cheeks and looks real good. Tells me everything looked good. She exams my legs while I'm standing there nude. I felt very awkward at the time. I am finally given permission to get dressed. She never leaves just talks to me while I dress. Was a different, but good experience.

I have read about other folk's experiences on Zity, so thought I would relate mine.

I was referred to a dermatologist by my pcp for a small lesion on my scalp. She suggested I get a FBSE while I was there. She gave me a referral to a local office, and I was able to choose my provider based on information on their website. All the providers were female, and I could choose between an MD or a PA-C. I chose the latter; an attractive woman about 30 years old.

After researching my symptoms, I was pretty sure the growth was malignant, so I was anxious to be seen.

I took the first appointment available, 6 weeks out, last week. I got an email first thing this morning saying they had an opening today. I jumped at the chance to cut the line by 5 weeks. I was surprised they had several appointments available, being scheduled 15 minutes apart. I wondered how you could do a fbse in 15 minutes. I would soon find out.

I showered and arrived several minutes early. The 20 something attractive female assistant took me back 5 minutes before my appointment time. It was strange not having my vitals taken, but she did ask for a list of my meds. She finished with the med list, then explained how the exam worked. She handed me a laminated set of instructions and a gown, telling me to undress to my comfort level, and she would be back soon with the PA. Knowing that many Zity members have experienced specific instructions to leave their underwear on, I was surprised to read that the instructions recommend patients have a genital exam, as cancer knows no boundaries, and underwear should be removed. The instructions concluded by stating that if any area remains covered it would not be examined. Easy choice for me!

I removed my clothes, put on the paper gown with the opening in the back as I was told. The gown came with a loose belt so you could tie it in front...much better than other gowns that cause you to dislocate a shoulder to tie.

The same assistant returned with the PA, who introduced herself. First thing she did was to check my scalp. She informed me the growth was not cancer and didn't even need to be biopsied. She said there was no need to treat it if it didn't bother me. Of course I was relieved, and now I could enjoy the much fantasized about fbse!

She had me stand up and lower the gown to my waist, checking my body with her magnifying glass. She looked under my arms and felt my nipples. The assistant was taking notes, but also watching what was being done to me. I was enjoying myself!

She then put the gown back up, had me turn around, and asked me to hold the gown up at my waist. I did what I was told, and she looked at my buttocks, but I was surprised she did not touch me, as I had heard that patients had their anal area checked. I knew the assistant was watching, but of course I didn't care.

I should have noted earlier that there was not an exam table in the room. It was more like a dental chair, but it moved in more positions. I sat it the chair and she extended it where my head was down, and my legs were raised up. She then checked my feet and lower legs, then asked "do you want me to proceed with the genital check"? I told her that since I was here, we might as well check everything. She really seemed like it didn't matter to her one way or the other. I imagine she has seen many sets of genitals, both male and female, so it was just another day at the office.

She lifted my gown and looked at my penis with her magnifying glass. She moved it around gently with her fingers, never actually grasping it. I asked her to check the bottom of my scrotum as I had felt something strange there at one time. She lifted it up and got closer with her glass, being careful not to put any pressure on my testicles, telling me she didn't see anything.

She then pushed the gown down, smiled and told me that I was good until next year! She walked out and left me with the assistant to go over some paperwork, then told me I could get dressed and to have a nice day!

Once I found out I did not have cancer on my head, I definitely enjoyed the medfet aspect of this exam, but I would like to repeat it with a play doc that enjoyed it as much as I did.

My full body skin exams are pretty boring, underwear and bra on, only once did I remove my bra because it covered a lot. I’m not given that type of exam and have seen several different dermatologists. One time the doctor lifted up my underwear and peeked for like 2 seconds. I need to find another new one.

I have had skin cancer so I get them regularly but nothing exciting.

...I removed my clothes, put on the paper gown with the opening in the back as I was told... She had me stand up and lower the gown to my waist... She then put the gown back up, had me turn around, and asked me to hold the gown up at my waist. I did what I was told, and she looked at my buttocks...

@Russianbare I'm trying to picture your exam in my head, but I'm confused a bit. If you're wearing a gown and she had you stand up and lower it to your waist, wouldn't that just be you removed it and held it in front of you? I get it if you were sitting, but standing I would think it would just fall to the floor once it's off your shoulders. Also, why did she have you hold the gown up at your waist when she looked at your butt? If you're in a gown, why not just spread the opening a little to get a complete view? Lifting it up to your waist would just expose your genitals to the assistant observing (not that that wouldn't be enjoyable).

Sorry about the confusion, I'm just trying to get the details right so I can replay the scene in my head.