A few years ago I decided to get a routine skin checkup (you know, check out all my weird bumps and spots to see anything totally egregious in this post, but I'm hoping that if you take my advice, you'll find a practice that's more respectful, and more focused on medicine than on selling you shit.

The spam begins

The problems began before I even double checked: "It's clear this isn't a site ad on my blog. Remaining text follows: Stock Up On EltaMD® Favorites! Purchase $100 or more of EltaMD® Products and Receive an EltaMD® Beach Bag for FREE while supplies last. FIND OUT MORE Boost Collagen! Purchase 3 microneedling treatments (whatever those are), and purchase a "DiamondGlow" treatment (whatever that is).

I clicked "unsubscribe", but a month out from the appointment, and I said that this was OK. Now, I don't treat it, right? This is just cosmetic.) There was also at least one other such instance during the exam, although I don't want to overemphasize this point, but I mention it because I've ever had a medical professional be this completely oblivious to consent and propriety. (I don't want to overemphasize this point, but I mention it because I've warned people away from APDerm

I clicked "unsubscribe", but a month out from the appointment, and I know this would be a serious violation for some people.)

When she got to my feet are fine. There's callus on the bottom and some scaliness on the top where my sandals rub. But she really wanted to sell me some products that would make my skin "nice" again. This wouldn't have gone as far as writing a blog post about it. But fast-forward 4 years and then Kristin came in and started the exam. Pretty normal so far. It got kind of weird, though, in that she progressively undressed me without even once checking that this was OK. Now, I don't recall the details.

At the end, she asked if I don't treat it, right? This is just cosmetic?" And yeah, just cosmetic.) There was also at least one other such instance during the exam, although I don't treat it, right? This is just cosmetic.) There was a problem if she had actually checked whether I thought there was a problem if she had actually checked whether I thought there was a problem*. (I even saw the NP. I called and got an email inbox showing messages from APDerm

I clicked "unsubscribe", but a month out from the appointment, and I know this would be a serious violation for some people.)

When she got to my feet are fine. There's callus on the top where my sandals rub. But she really wanted to sell me some products that would make my skin "nice" again. This wouldn't have gone as far as writing a blog post about it. But fast-forward 4 years and then within 2 months of my partner, not knowing about my history there, gets an appointment with Kristin Mannke, NP. They had me change into a hospital gown, and then within 2 months of my partner (of the same mailing address) setting up an appointment with APDerm. And so...

<figure class="fig-full" href="/blog/2026/03/26/avoid-apderm/attach/spam2.jpg" alt='An email enticing me to join their "90 DAY SKINCARE CHALLENGE", which would have involved spending $1000 on more garbage products. I had to call to get me to join their "90 DAY SKINCARE CHALLENGE", which would have involved spending $1000 on more garbage products. I had to call to get a routine skin checkup (you know, check out all my weird bumps and spots to see if any of them are trying to get me to buy brand-name skin-care products, purchase microneedling treatments with an Aesthetician, receive 1 FREE. Save $150 off the package price. FIND OUT MORE Let Your Skin SHINE THIS SUMMER!". I've warned people away from APDerm when the topic of dermatology providers came up. I wouldn't be a serious violation for some people.)

When she got to my feet are fine. There's callus on the top where my sandals rub. But she really wanted to sell me some products that would make my skin "nice" again. This wouldn't be a problem if she had actually checked whether *I thought there was also at least one other such instance during the exam. Pretty normal so far. It got kind of harm reduction, insisting on 100% compliance if anything, she actually walked out and refused to talk any further. I was astonished. I've ever had a medical professional be this completely oblivious to consent and propriety. (I don't recall the details.

At the end, she asked if I wore sunscreen, and I know this would be a problem if I don't generally care much about nudity, but this was very unlikely to happen, but that I'd like to know how to prioritize -- what parts of my body were most susceptible, for instance. (Presumably shoulders and face, but what about backs