Check Yourself

Yesterday, I went in for a skin check with my dermatologist.  She started the conversation with “Well, I usually ask people if there’s a particular reason you’re getting your skin checked, but with your complexion…” she said, gesturing at my pale, pale whiteness.

I know a lot of people avoid going to the dermatologist for skin checks because they think they will be uncomfortable or they’re worried about the results.  Well, if you’re worried you might have skin cancer, that’s clearly a reason to go to the doctor!  And they’re not uncomfortable.

I got to the office, chatted with the doctor, then she left so I could put on the gown (open in the back).  I took off all of my clothes except my underwear.  When she and a nurse returned, she moved the gown around, looking at my skin and having the nurse make notes of any significant moles or birthmarks.  I never felt significantly exposed or anything.

She did end up removing a weird mole on the back of my knee, but I’m pretty sure it looked weird because I regularly nick it with a razor, so I’m not going to miss it at all.  I’ll find out in a week if it’s more than just a weird looking mole, but I’m not too worried about it.

And the removal didn’t hurt at all.  Seriously, cutting myself shaving is more painful.

And that was that!  Easy peasy.  And definitely worth the time.  Especially since I wasn’t always good about wearing sunscreen as a kid, and even now, sometimes end up with a sunburn even though I’m all covered up.

In other news, yesterday’s blog post got mentioned in the Express (the daily free paper here in D.C.).

Not the most flattering thing to be picked up.  (Kidding – I love it.  Honesty for the win.)  No wonder I’m still single!