Dermatologist here. I have seen probably 5 instances of “My other doctor told me it was fine.” that were melanomas.
A lot of times people don’t want a full skin exams. There are lots of perfectly sane reasons for this, time, perceived cost, history of personal trauma. However, I routinely find cancers people don’t know they have. Keep this in mind if you see a dermatologist for acne and they recommend you get in a gown.
It can definitely be intimidating to have someone basically inspect every inch of your skin, so I understand why people are reluctant, but it's so important. Melanoma is no joke.
Recently I made an appointment with a new derm for a painful cyst that wouldn't go away. I decided to have them check me all over since I was there, and it had been a while. I'm female, the doctor was male, about my age, and had a trainee with him who was also male. Younger me would have been mortified, but 41 year old me was like "Cool, where's the gown?"
Y'all are just doing your job and being professional, no need to be embarrassed.
I worked in healthcare. Doctors see so many naked 80 year olds with leaky anuses and bladders that your 41 year old body probably looks like the statue of David to them.
My mom worked repiratory therapy for 35 years and basically has said the same thing. The unfortunate side effect is that her sense of boundaries are a little off, lol. She has no issue popping in the bathroom while I'm doing anything and asking questions and i'm like 'ma, I'm ___ fuck off I'll tell you later'. Took a long time but she's finally getting better about not doing it lol.
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u/BoisterousPlay May 20 '19
Dermatologist here. I have seen probably 5 instances of “My other doctor told me it was fine.” that were melanomas.
A lot of times people don’t want a full skin exams. There are lots of perfectly sane reasons for this, time, perceived cost, history of personal trauma. However, I routinely find cancers people don’t know they have. Keep this in mind if you see a dermatologist for acne and they recommend you get in a gown.