Let’s get real—going to the doctor can be scary. Not just for kids, but for adults, too. And if you’re someone who avoids appointments or delays care because you’re afraid it might hurt (hello, shots, blood draws, biopsies), you’re not alone. And when it comes to dermatology, fear can prevent people from seeking answers about that changing mole, that lingering rash, or the spot they know doesn’t look right.

As a board-certified dermatologist and someone who regularly wields the needle, I know that the fear is real. But it’s not just the needle, it’s the fear of pain, fear of diagnosis, even the fear of just being seen in a vulnerable moment. And if you’re a woman or person of color, you may have also felt like your pain isn’t taken seriously. That’s not okay and we can do better.

The rise of needle fear and why it matters more than you think

If you think needle phobia is only something kids deal with, you’d be mistaken. Studies show that the number of adults with a fear of needles has increased significantly over the past three decades from around 10% in the 1990s to more than 60% today.

Why the jump? One reason: exposure.

Children today receive more vaccines and injections than ever before. By the time they reach school age, many have had over 30 shots- That’s six times what I had growing up. And while that’s amazing for disease prevention, it’s also planting the seeds of fear early and often. When people associate dermatology with procedures—biopsies, excisions, even cosmetic treatments, they avoid care altogether.

Fear Keeps You From Getting the Care You Deserve

Let’s call it what it is: fear of pain (or embarrassment or judgment) is standing in the way of your health. And when it comes to your skin, your largest organ, that’s a big deal.

Here’s what I see regularly in clinic:

• Early-stage cancers that could’ve been removed with a quick procedure now requiring more complex surgery
• Chronic skin conditions that are harder to treat because they’ve been left to worsen
• Cosmetic concerns that escalate into emotional distress because they were never addressed properly

The longer you wait, the more involved and in some cases, less effective—treatment becomes. Fear doesn’t protect you. It simply delays progress.

So What Actually Helps?

The good news? There are so many ways to make dermatologic care more comfortable and less scary—without minimizing your experience.

Tools to Reduce Pain & Anxiety

1. Numbing creams + patches:
OTC anesthetic options use lidocaine to numb the skin before procedures. Apply 30–60 minutes ahead and voilà—less ouch. Be careful to only apply the amount your doctor recommends to avoid using too much.

2. Prescription meds (when needed):
For higher anxiety, your doc can prescribe a low-dose benzodiazepine (like Ativan or Valium) to take the edge off. You’re not being dramatic—you’re being proactive.

3. Laughing gas isn’t just for dentists:
Nitrous oxide (yep, the stuff that makes you feel floaty) is used in some derm clinics now, especially during surgery and cosmetic treatments. It wears off fast and can make a huge difference in comfort.

4. Talk-esthesia (yep, it’s a thing):
That friendly chitchat your derm does while you’re getting injected? It’s not just small talk—it’s a legit technique to distract your brain and soften the pain response.

5. Distraction techniques:
Music, guided breathing, visualization—these work. Some patients bring a favorite playlist, noise-canceling headphones, or even a stress ball. Your focus is your power tool.

6. Vibration devices:
Applying vibration (near but not on the injection site) can confuse the nerve pathways and reduce pain. These gadgets are tiny, cheap, and surprisingly effective.

7. Ice, please:
A few seconds of cold before an injection can blunt the pain—quick, simple, and dermatologist-approved.

Here’s what I want you to remember:

First, let’s ditch the shame. You’re not weak for fearing pain—you’re human.

If you’ve avoided scheduling a skin check, a biopsy, or even an annual visit because something about the process made you uneasy, I encourage you to reconsider. You don’t have to walk in fearless. You just have to walk in.

The job of any good clinician is to meet you where you are. To provide expert care without judgment. To listen and to act in your best interest.

Bottom Line

Skincare isn’t just about serums and SPF. Sometimes, it’s about courage. About showing up even when you’re scared. About advocating for your health in a system that hasn’t always made it easy to do so. 

So if you’ve been skipping checkups, avoiding treatments, or bracing yourself through every procedure, pause, breathe, and remember: you have options. And using them? That’s real strength.

This week’s podcast features Dr. Manju Dawkins in a conversation about fear, pain, and the gaps in healthcare that often go unaddressed. Together, we explore how empathy and awareness can improve patient care. Check out the episode here.