Get Naked (!!!), Get Checked

By annakeyes

2 min read

"Get Naked, Get Checked." I've said this statement multiple times, trying to encourage people to get a skin check. I don't know if I'll ever stop saying it. However, we all know it's way easier to say it than to do it, especially if you don't know what to expect at a skin check.

Not knowing what to expect at a skin check

I remember my first dermatology appointment that involved a full body scan; the nurse handed me a gown and said, "Everything off but your underwear. Put the gown on open to the back; the doctor will be in soon."

I stared intently to make sure that door latched closed, I silently and carefully got undressed, put the gown on and quickly jumped on the bed making sure my gown fully covered my backside.

Naked and afraid

As I patiently waited for my doctor to come in, many thoughts came into my mind: Can anyone see me outside those windows? Thank goodness she didn't come in sooner. Should I fold my clothes on the chair?

And then, I realized I was naked. I became very self-conscious, wondering what she would say, how closely she would have to look, if I had to take my gown off at any time.

Spoiler alert!

***For all those wondering: you don't ever have to take the gown off completely, just in parts and sections and then you cover back up. Dermatologists, pay attention to moles and skin abnormalities, not bodies.***

Confident in skin check routines

It's comical to me to remember how far I've come with these appointments and my outlook. I've gained a huge amount of trust for the second pair of eyes judging if my body is turning against itself (cancer) or if it's not. It may take a couple of appointments, or just one.

16 skin checks later...

I've had about 16 skin checks with her and now I'm basically taking off my shoes the second I walk into the room. I don't notice the blinds open or if the door latches shut. You gain confidence in that room because that room ultimately owns my sanity.

I know now that 20 minutes of vulnerability means 6 months of a safe mind and confidence, or 5 days of waiting for an answer. 20 minutes and a pair of eyes is nothing on my imperfect body and scars. I get naked and get checked because it's more than vulnerability.

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moonmomma Member
I totally hear you. I think a great dermatologist helps you feel comfortable in that type of situation too. I’ve had good comfortable skin checks and some that I couldn’t wait to be over. 
1. Scott Matheny Member
 I agree. I think developing a good rapport with your dermatologist is important. My current skin doctor knows me well enough to make conversation about various topics while he is working. He can talk with me while he is thoroughly checking me. I am not sure that I could do that actually. Hope that you are feeling well. Scott <a href='https://skincancer.net' target='_blank'>skincancer.net</a> moderator
Ashley Maddox Member
Love, love this article! I had stitches in my butt during a recent skin exam biopsy. Whatever. I’m totally beyond caring about it. No doubt my dermatologist has seen other white butts. We just do what we have to do to be safe. Period. <inline-mention username="moonmomma" user-id="2086483"/>
Randy Foege Member
 I end up displaying (sometimes every inch) of my 75 year old well worn old man's body to my 45 year old Dr and her lucky to be 21 year old female assistant - who photographs any suspicious areas. If I had ever considered being a public nudist, these regular experiences would have discouraged me. 😀
CommunityMember3dd226 Member
I've been getting skin checks for more than 15 years, since my first round with melanoma. The first several years after my diagnosis I went in quarterly, then biannually. Now after two rounds of melanoma and one round of treatment, I'm back down to annual skin checks. I recommend everyone get their skin checked annually. I don't care how young you are or what your skin tone is, get checked annually. Bob Marley died of melanoma! We've burned off our main filter, (ozone layer,) your only protection is early detection. You'll forget to reapply your sunscreen and get a burn while having fun in the sun. It happens. Seriously, I tell everyone.
Bonny61 Member
 I'm glad you and others have gotten comfortable with skin checks and wish more people would do them. I'd never had one when living abroad for 45 years. While finding new doctors after moving back to the US at age 75, my s-i-l recommended I start getting them with his hawk-eyed dermatologist, and I have been with him since. He is the one who found my BCC on my nose and has treated various other spots while reassuring me about some moles. He also manages to chat somewhat during examination. He uses a sheet rather than a gown, but it took me no time to get over my initial apprehension. I have a dear friend abroad who went to her dermatologist at around age 50 for something on her face, but as soon as her doctor saw her arm, she zeroed in on it, biopsied it, but was quite sure of the result, and indeed it was malignant melanoma. She had surgery the same week. She has just turned 70. She's had one recurrence in the same spot, is monitored regularly, and it's an axe over her head, but had that doctor not spied it, the outcome might have been very different. So, even though she had not gone for a body scan, that's just another plug for paying attention to your skin and having a sharp-eyed dermatologist in your life.
Embarrassed Member
I'm male. My derm is a female. How do I ask her to be more thorough without seeming like I'm a pervert? I've read articles about how skin cancer can occur all over, even on skin that's never been exposed to sunlight. So... how do I request a "total" body exam? I'm "okay" with her examining me, or even if she has a female assistant or receptionist be a chaperone! Even if I have to put my feet up in stirrups! Whatever. I'd rather be naked and examined thoroughly than to have a skin cancer not found early. 
1. jrbolton Member
 <inline-mention username="Embarrassed" user-id="9846178"/>, remember that besides being the patient that you are the CUSTOMER here. I decided several years ago that I would control the situation and now simply inform the nurse (or whoever takes me to the exam room) that I don't need a gown and that I will be removing my underwear. My dermatologist has no issue with this. I have read that most of the time here in the US you need to request a "complete" exam, that is, an exam of the genitals, perineum and anus. I've looked at legitimate articles (written by real MD's) and the consensus is that a complete exam is in order. My father in law had a serious case of melanoma on his face late in life, one that did work its way into inside his mouth. Fortunately, he passed away before it became a real problem. I take these exams seriously and I've also informed the dermatologist that I am a home nudist. That means that skin that typically would not see sunlight does. It's your body. Dermatologists work with skin so seeing all skin should not be a problem.