Let's Show A Little Skin...For The Dermatologist!

Memaw had the most unusual skin. First, she had large patches of brown all over her arms, legs, and back. I think these were cafe-au-lait. It is a non-cancerous skin condition. There are no other symptoms and she had it all her life. People would sometimes stare but she just ignored them. She also had no hair over her entire body except for her head and her eyebrows. It was unusual but she just felt she save time shaving! I don't think she ever went to a dermatologist to be officially diagnosed with her unusual skin conditions. Her medical doctor said she was fine and at the time, most people didn't go to a speciality doctor unless there was an issue. Her issue was her heart and she saw her cardiologist regularly.

Things are different in today's world. We go to specialty doctors not just when there is an issue but also for preventative care.

For instance, today Joe and I are in the dermatologist’s office.  Once again, he has a mole that is cancerous--basal cell carcinoma.  Luckily, this is the type of skin cancer you “want” if fate says you have to have skin cancer.  Joe has had it multiple times, with the same results--a procedure to remove the cancer cells, a few stitches, and sent on his way.  No chemo, radiation, just a skin check every 6-12 months from the dermatologist.  My job is to drive him to his appointment, wait in the waiting room, drive him home, and help take care of his bandages--since this mole was in the middle of his back.  However, this time I took a look around the office and made a few observations and reflections.

First, it looks like a great place to work in.  If you are trying to decide on a career, this looks pretty good.  There are a variety of jobs, like doctors, nurses, assistants, receptionists, office help to name a few.  The office is calm, peaceful, nicely decorated.  The people are relaxed, helpful, knowledgeable.  This particular office works with people who have cancer, like my husband, but also gives botox, removes varicose veins, gives injections, helps people with acne treatment, etc.  Not life-threatening in general, but they are there to help people feel better about themselves.  What a noble career!

Second, if nothing else, this office shows that everyone needs to do skin screenings--a full body screening by a dermatologist to see if there are any issues.  My husband is lucky.  He is 100% Irish and has that sensitive skin--no sun for him.  However, he gets these screenings every year and they have made a difference.  They have saved his life.  He has had basal cell several times and each time, they have caught it in time.  They have even removed precancerous cells.  He is alive today and living a full, quality of life because of these screenings.  And he is NOT in the minority.  You probably know someone who has had these same procedures done to them.  Now I know that a full body screening sounds, well, uncomfortable.  Yes, you strip to your underwear and the doctor checks all parts of your skin.  But remember two things.  First, these doctors have seen everything and are used to all body types.  Second, you always need to be proactive with your health.  It is a no-brainer.

So, how do you go about getting a full body screening?  First, go to your primary doctor.  They will refer you to a dermatologist.  Then call and make an appointment.  Most insurances will cover the cost of the screening.  If you are young or old, get a screening as soon as possible and then the dermatologist will tell you how often to get them.  As you get older, you will need to get them more frequently.  

As luck would have it, I followed my own advice and went to the same dermatologist as Joe. I had a bump on the side of my nose. I also had to have a full body screening. This dermatologist was excellent. I was in a hospital gown with just my underwear on. She talked to me the whole time she was looking over my body. It took about 10 minutes and I was so enjoying the conversation, I didn't even notice her doing the screening. My bump on the nose was basal cell. I came back to her to get it removed and stitches. Six months later, you can't even tell I had a bump or stitches.

All in all, it was a pleasant experience--at least as much as possible. She was kind, funny, and very efficient. The cost for me, because I have HMO, will be $100 when they bill me. Joe's brother and his wife also went to the same doctor. I don't know what their bill will be because they have a PPO but it showed me that anyone could go to her no matter your insurance. One reason we hate going to the doctor is the bills. If you have a PPO, then it may cost more but less hoops to jump through. For my HMO and Medicare, there are many hoops but it is doable. For us, we have to get prior authorization in able to go, but that makes sense. Our own doctor has to give the ok for you to go to the dermatologist. And I think most doctors would absolutely agree to get that yearly total body scan.

So, if you are having some doubts about going to the dermatologist, then think again. Even if you have no skin issues, you need to get that total body scan first. Then, based on the results, they will tell you how often you need to go to the dermatologist. The body scan is easy, very unintrusive, and an excellent preventative measure.

More than two people EVERY HOUR die from skin cancer in the United States.

It is also cost efficent. Most insurance will cover all or most of the cost. Go to your primary doctor for referrals and talk to your family and friends to recommend a good dermatologist. There is no reason why not to go to get your skin checked out. After all, your skin is the largest organ in your body!!