Feeling comfortable with your dermatologist is essential especially when it comes to discussing or examining sensitive skin concerns, intimate areas, or long-standing skin issues you may feel self-conscious about. Whether due to personal comfort, cultural or religious reasons, or past experiences, many patients prefer seeing a dermatologist of a particular gender. This is completely normal and something we understand deeply in our practice.
The good news? In most private dermatology clinics, including ours at The London Dermatology Centre, you can request a male or female dermatologist for your appointment. There is no awkwardness, no judgment, and no need to feel embarrassed about your preference. Our priority is ensuring you feel safe, heard, and relaxed during your consultation, which can make all the difference when addressing your skin concerns effectively.
You don’t need to give a reason for your request if you don’t wish to. Simply let our reception team know when booking your appointment, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference. We believe that personalised care starts with creating an environment where you feel respected and at ease.
If you are considering a mole check, acne treatment, or a discussion about skin rashes or intimate skin health, having a dermatologist you feel comfortable with can help you open up more fully, ensuring you receive the best possible care and advice.
Ready to take the next step? Contact The London Dermatology Centre today to request your preferred male or female dermatologist and book your appointment at a time that suits you.
Is It Normal to Request a Male or Female Dermatologist?
Absolutely. Having a gender preference in healthcare is more common than you might think, and it is nothing to feel awkward or embarrassed about. Your comfort during your dermatology appointment plays a vital role in ensuring you receive the care you need, especially when discussing personal or sensitive skin concerns.
You might feel more at ease discussing concerns like:
- Genital skin conditions that you may feel shy to mention otherwise
- Breast, chest, or groin-area rashes requiring examination
- Cosmetic procedures such as injectables, skin rejuvenation, or mole removals
- Acne-related scarring or pigmentation on private or intimate areas
- General anxiety about clinical environments, physical examinations, or undressing during a consultation
For many patients, choosing a male or female dermatologist can make it easier to open up about symptoms, share the full history of their concerns, and ask questions they may otherwise hesitate to raise. Feeling comfortable also reduces stress during your visit, helping you get the most out of your consultation and treatment plan.
Private clinics, including The London Dermatology Centre, understand that your comfort is crucial to effective care. It’s not just accepted it’s respected and encouraged. You do not need to explain your reasons unless you wish to, and your preference will be handled with complete discretion and understanding.
When booking your appointment, simply let the reception team know whether you would prefer to see a male or female dermatologist. We will do our best to accommodate your request so you can feel relaxed and confident when addressing your skin concerns.
Your comfort is an essential part of your care journey, and it’s a step towards taking control of your skin health with confidence and ease.
How to Request a Specific Gender When Booking
Requesting a male or female dermatologist when booking your appointment is straightforward, and most private dermatology clinics have a simple, respectful process in place to accommodate your preference without any hassle.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Call or email the clinic to request an appointment.
You can start by calling the reception desk, filling in an online booking form on the clinic’s website, or sending an email whichever method feels easiest for you. The clinic staff are used to handling a variety of requests and will guide you through the booking process step by step, answering any questions you may have about the consultation. - Mention your preference during the booking process.
At the time of booking, you can let the clinic know your preference clearly and simply. For example, you might say, “I’d feel more comfortable with a female dermatologist,” or “I would prefer to see a male dermatologist for this consultation.” You are not required to give any reason unless you wish to share one, and your preference will be noted respectfully and without judgment by the team. - The team will schedule your consultation accordingly.
Clinic staff will do their best to match you with your preferred dermatologist on a date and time that suits your schedule, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident attending your appointment. If your preferred consultant is not available immediately, the team will usually offer alternative dates or inform you when the next appointment with that dermatologist will be. This way, you can decide whether you would like to wait for your preferred consultant’s availability or opt for an earlier appointment with another consultant if your skin concern is more urgent.
At The London Dermatology Centre, your comfort, dignity, and peace of mind are central to the care we provide. We understand that feeling comfortable with your dermatologist can make a significant difference to your experience and your ability to discuss concerns openly. We encourage you to let us know your preference when booking so that your consultation can be a positive and reassuring experience from the moment you arrive at our clinic.
What If I Forget to Ask Ahead of Time?
If you arrive at your appointment and realise you would feel more comfortable seeing a dermatologist of a different gender, please know that you are not alone in feeling this way. Many patients only discover their preference once they are at the clinic, especially if it is their first dermatology appointment or if they have not visited in a while. It is completely understandable to feel this way, and there is no need to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about raising your request at this stage.
While it’s always a good idea to mention your preference in advance when booking, so the clinic can plan your appointment accordingly, clinics like The London Dermatology Centre understand that these preferences sometimes only become clear once you are in the waiting room or about to be seen. We are here to support you and will do everything possible to accommodate your request on the day of your visit.
If your preferred consultant is available at the same time, the reception team will do their best to adjust your appointment immediately so you can see a dermatologist of the gender you feel most comfortable with. If it is not possible to make the change on the same day due to scheduling constraints, the reception team will be happy to look for the next available appointment with your preferred male or female dermatologist and rebook your consultation at a time that works for you.
Your comfort, privacy, and confidence are important to us, and we want you to feel fully supported at every step of your care journey. We encourage you to let our team know about your preference as soon as you feel ready, even if that is when you arrive at the clinic, so we can ensure your experience remains as positive and reassuring as possible.
Remember, your comfort matters, and you have every right to advocate for your needs when it comes to your healthcare. We are here to listen, support you, and ensure that your experience with us feels respectful and safe.
Why Does Gender Choice Matter to Some Patients?
Feeling safe and respected during your dermatology appointment is essential. When you feel comfortable, you are more likely to speak openly about your skin concerns, ask the questions you need answered, and share details that may help your dermatologist provide the best possible care. This trust between you and your consultant leads to clearer communication and, ultimately, better treatment outcomes.
There are many reasons why patients may prefer to see a dermatologist of a specific gender, including:
- Cultural or religious considerations
In some cultures and faiths, it is important to see a healthcare professional of the same gender, especially for examinations involving intimate areas of the body. - Previous trauma or anxiety around clinical settings
For individuals who have experienced trauma, medical anxiety, or discomfort in clinical environments, choosing a male or female dermatologist can help them feel safer and more in control during their appointment. - Comfort during physical examinations
Skin examinations sometimes require checking areas such as the chest, breasts, groin, or buttocks, which can feel vulnerable. Having a dermatologist of your preferred gender can ease this discomfort and help you feel more relaxed during your consultation. - Preference for certain communication styles
Some patients find they connect more easily with a male or female dermatologist based on how they communicate or approach sensitive discussions, allowing them to feel understood and heard.
Whatever your reason for preferring a dermatologist of a particular gender, it is valid and respected. You do not need to feel embarrassed or hesitant about making this request when booking your appointment. Clinics like The London Dermatology Centre are committed to ensuring you feel comfortable, safe, and empowered to take care of your skin health.
How Clinics Support Your Comfort Beyond Gender
Choosing a dermatologist of a specific gender is just one way to ensure you feel comfortable during your appointment, but it’s not the only way clinics prioritise your wellbeing. At The London Dermatology Centre, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for every patient, ensuring you can access the care you need with confidence.
Here are some additional ways we support your comfort throughout your visit:
- Chaperones – Available for any consultation upon request. If you would like a chaperone present during your examination for reassurance, privacy, or peace of mind, simply let our team know, and we will be happy to arrange this for you.
- Inclusive care – We proudly welcome all patients, regardless of background, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Our team is trained to provide sensitive, inclusive care so you feel respected and valued throughout your experience with us.
- Private consultation rooms – All consultations are carried out in discreet, private rooms to ensure one-on-one care without interruptions, helping you feel secure while discussing or examining any skin concerns.
- Clear communication – We believe in transparency and keeping you informed, so you know what to expect at every step of your appointment. From explaining examination procedures to discussing treatment options, we encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you may have.
These practices help create a safe, calm, and welcoming environment no matter which consultant you choose, allowing you to focus fully on your skin health without additional stress or anxiety. Your comfort is always a priority, and we are here to ensure your visit is a positive and empowering experience.
Can I Switch Dermatologists Later?
Yes, absolutely. Your comfort and trust in your dermatologist are important, and you are never locked into seeing the same consultant if you feel you would prefer a change.
If you begin treatment with one dermatologist and later decide that you would feel more comfortable with a different consultant whether that means switching to a male or female dermatologist, or simply seeing someone with a different approach you are free to make that choice at any point in your care journey.
At The London Dermatology Centre, we understand that building trust with your consultant can take time, and sometimes your needs or preferences may change as your treatment progresses. We fully support your decision if you wish to switch, and our team will ensure the transition is handled smoothly and respectfully.
All your medical records remain securely with the clinic, so transitioning to a new consultant is straightforward and confidential. Your new dermatologist will have access to your treatment history and notes, allowing your care to continue seamlessly without the need to repeat your concerns or start from the beginning.
Your comfort, dignity, and confidence are at the centre of your care, and we encourage you to let us know if you ever feel you would like to see a different dermatologist during your treatment journey.
Are Female and Male Dermatologists Equally Qualified?
Yes completely. All dermatologists, whether male or female, undergo the same rigorous medical education, specialist dermatology training, and assessments before they are able to practise independently. Each consultant is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and must maintain strict professional standards throughout their career to ensure they provide safe, high-quality care.
Choosing a male or female dermatologist is about your personal comfort and what helps you feel most at ease during consultations, rather than any difference in clinical expertise. No matter the gender of your dermatologist, you will receive the same high standard of care, attention, and dedication to your skin health.
At The London Dermatology Centre, our consultants are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, including acne, pigmentation concerns, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer checks, mole mapping, and advanced surgical or cosmetic procedures. They regularly update their skills with the latest research and evidence-based treatments to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Your comfort and trust matter, and we believe you deserve to feel safe, respected, and heard during every appointment. No matter who you choose, your dermatologist will be committed to helping you achieve healthier skin with confidence.
To summarise:
- All dermatologists undergo the same rigorous training and assessments.
- All are GMC-registered and meet strict professional standards.
- Clinical expertise remains the same regardless of gender.
- Choosing a male or female consultant is about your comfort, not competence.
- You will receive professional, compassionate, and high-quality care either way.
Final Thought: Taking the Next Step with Confidence
Choosing a dermatologist, you feel at ease with is your right and we’re here to make that process as easy and respectful as possible.
You can contact us to book an appointment with one of our expert dermatologists in London. Whether you prefer a male or female consultant, we’ll do our best to match you with the right professional so you can focus on your skin health with full confidence.
References
- Ahmed, F. et al., 2021. Gender preferences among patients visiting dermatology clinics in Saudi Arabia. Cureus, 13(4), e14307. Available at: https://www.cureus.com/articles/57256-gender-preferences-among-patients-visiting-dermatology-clinics-in-saudi-arabia
- Klein, J.D., McNulty, M. & Flatau, C.N., 1998. Adolescents’ access to care: teenagers’ self-reported use of services and perceived access to confidential care. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 152(7), pp.676–682. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/189006
- aidlaw, A., Malomo, K. & Lee, M., 2020. Gender concordance and patient satisfaction in medical consultations: a systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling, 103(11), pp.2173-2181. DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.07.007