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Know your ABCDE’s and get your annual skin check

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Summer is almost in full swing! Before you start laying out this beach season, be sure get your annual skin exam. Skin checks for abnormal moles or growths are basic sun safety that should be practiced year-round. Spending time in the sun can bring out freckles and spots you didn’t even know you had. It can be hard to determine which spots are normal, or if they need to be checked out. However, it is imperative that when something odd does appear gets diagnosed and treated correctly.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than any other form. Fortunately, checking our bodies for signs of skin cancer is as easy as singing the ABC’s.

  • Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.
  • Border: Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.
  • Color: Varies from one area to another. Shades of dark purple, blue or black; sometimes red or white.
  • Diameter: While skin cancer varies and grows rapidly; melanomas are usually larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6mm).
  • Elevation: If your mole is not smooth or extremely raised, it could be a cause for concern.

Skin cancer tends to cause changes, so any visible change to the mole, especially over a short period of time, maybe cause for concern. If you have a concerning spot that meets any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist.

Safeguard Your Skin this Summer

Safeguard Your Skin this Summer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout May and June, we will be reminding you to #SafeguardYourSkin this beach season.

Long days lounging in the sun are fast approaching and we want to prepare you as best we can. Check back frequently for more in-depth coverage on skin cancer awareness and tips to protect yourself for the upcoming summer. Follow us on social media for up-to-date content, contests, and giveaways!

 

 

Why You Need to Avoid the Tanning Bed this Winter

It can be difficult to maintain a good tan during the sunless and cold, winter months unless you’ve taken a beach vacation or are lucky enough to live somewhere warm and sunny year-round. However, for most of us, our skin quickly loses its summer glow and pales throughout the winter. While tan skin may be a confidence booster, it doesn’t mean you should hit the tanning bed. There are many reasons to avoid dangerous sunless tanning booths and a number of safe ways to obtain a radiant tan.

Avoiding the Tanning Bed

We’ve all heard it before. There is plenty of information and awareness out there warning people of the dangers that come with tanning beds. However, the industry is still making profits and people are developing skin cancer at insane rates. Here are some of the most important and crucial reasons to avoid the bed.

  • Risk of Skin Cancer: Sunless tanning booths are a known carcinogen, meaning they are a recognized avenue to developing cancer. Tanning beds increase your risk of developing skin cancer by 59 percent. Each time you visit a bed, this percentage increases. Your risk not only increases for mild skin cancers, but also for the most deadly form of skin cancer, known as melanoma. Melanoma most commonly occurs on the skin, but ocular melanoma can appear on the eye, causing vision loss.
  • Wrinkles: All types of UV rays, or the sun’s harmful rays, cause skin damage. With tanning beds, you are given direct exposure to UVA and UVB rays, with little to no protection. UV rays are known to cause wrinkles in sunbed users of all ages. These beds weaken the skin elasticity and will cause wrinkles to come sooner rather than later.
  • Skin Texture: Not only do tanning beds cause wrinkles, but they cause a complete overhaul of your skin’s health. Your skin’s texture can change with the use of indoor tanning, causing it to have a leathery texture. In addition, tanning beds cause dark spots to appear on the face and other parts of the body, creating skin tone variation.

Tanning Bed Users

The first thing you should do if you use a tanning bed is to stop. If you visit an indoor tanning bed regularly or used to, you should also see your dermatologist regularly and performing skin checks. With such a heightened risk of skin cancer, it is important to monitor your skin so that cancer can be treated immediately. You may feel embarrassed to admit to your dermatologist that you use tanning beds. However, it is important to be honest with your doctor so they know and understand your risk factors and can offer you appropriate care.

Safe Alternatives for Sunless Tanning

  • Spray Tan: Many indoor tanning locations offer spray tan options. When people think of spray tans, they fear looking like a carrot or having an uneven tan. With today’s technology, spray tans have become much more reliable and natural. For the same cost as a tanning bed membership, you can get regular sprays and still have the bronzed skin you desire.
  • Tanning Lotion: Just like spray tans, tanning lotions have become much more reliable and look incredibly natural. There are tanning lotions available anywhere in your price range and desired skin tone. Many tanning lotions offer “buildable tans,” meaning you continue to apply for multiple days until you reach your desired tone.
  • Rock Your Natural Skin: The simplest and most cost-effective way to avoid sunless tanning is to rock your natural skin. Everyone has different skin tones. There will always be someone paler than you and someone who is tanner than you. When considering your skin, don’t spend time fretting over how tan it is and begin to care for its overall health instead.

It’s time to put your skin’s health first. Be sure to avoid tanning beds. If you have been a regular indoor tanner, be sure to make an appointment to have your skin checked and cared for today. If you have already administered a skin check and have found some things that raise alarm, it is also time to make an appointment. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group have experience treating hundreds of skin conditions and are ready to care for you as well. To book an appointment visit the website or call at (865) 690-9467.

Make Your New Year’s Resolution Healthy Skin

New year, new skin? The new year is a fresh chance for us to work towards the betterment of ourselves. Whether your resolution is to give up a certain vice or pick up a good habit, it’s important to focus on attainable goals that lead you to a better life. Many vow to lose weight or pick up a new activity, but in 2019, we encourage you to make a commitment to better skin health.

Your epidermis, or skin, is the largest and fastest-growing organ in your body. It’s a defense barrier to outside damages and is constantly producing new cells to replace the old. Although our skin is continuously growing, that doesn’t mean it will take care of itself. Our skin requires daily care to be certain it’s working to its’ fullest potential. For 2019, make the simple resolution of adding any of these skin care practices to your daily routine

Moisturizing Daily

Just because the calendar is growing another year older, doesn’t mean our skin has to. Adding a daily moisturizer to your skin care routine is the perfect way to start fighting against bad skin. Winter air and dry heat can leave the skin feeling dry and cracked. Moisturizers will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Their effects are proven to fight off skin problems like blemishes and wrinkles.

With just as many skin types as there are moisturizing products, it’s important to talk with a dermatologist to determine which is the best for you. If your skin is naturally oily, be sure to choose a moisturizing lotion with exfoliation properties versus a smooth cream. However, those with drier skin need creams due to the higher oil content that’s contained.

SPF All Year

You may be wondering why we’re talking about sunscreen in January. Although we aren’t actively trying to sun ourselves in the winter months, that doesn’t mean we aren’t receiving the sun’s harmful rays when we venture outside. While it’s cold, your arms and legs will be protected from the sun by your long-sleeved clothes. We suggest adding a facial sunscreen to your morning routine, especially if you spend a good amount of your day outside. The sunscreen you choose must be broad spectrum against both UVA and UVB rays, water resistant and have an SPF of at least 30. As the months warm up and you start exposing more skin, start regularly applying sunscreen to those exposed areas as well.

Clean Face Before Bed

This one is a tale as old as time, but somehow the hardest to follow. We all know how incredibly important it is to give our skin a clean rest during the night. Washing your face before bed with a cleanser takes off any dirt or heavy foundation that accumulates on your skin during the day. By sticking to this hard habit, your skin will surely thank you in a few decades.

Annual Mole Check

Maybe not the most glamorous resolution, but still one you’ll want to make a habit of. It’s important to visit a dermatologist at least once a year to check out any curious, new growths on your skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and can be deadly if left untreated. It often appears as a small blemish on you skin and can often be mistaken for something less serious.

If you notice a new mole or freckle on your skin, be sure to follow these guidelines to determine if it’s abnormal. If you aren’t sure or if you have the least bit of worry, schedule an appointment with a medical professional. They’ll easily be able to examine and test the worrisome spot to see if it’s of any concern.

Keep Up with It

We know that the hardest part of a resolution is sticking with it. If you find yourself mid-February and falling out of your new skin care habits, don’t be afraid to recommit and work for better skin. Although the first day of a new year is excellent motivation to start the things you’ve been meaning to, it doesn’t dictate as your only chance for change. Change happens daily but can only be met through persistent determination. Choosing a resolution as simple as adding a moisturizer to your everyday routine may be the start towards becoming a better you.

Need help with your resolution towards better skin? The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group have years of practiced experience in suggesting products, checking moles and creating a healthier skin to live in. To make an appointment with any of our medical professionals, visit us   or give us a call at 865-690-9467.

Give Yourself the Gift of New Health This Year

health, beauty, resort and relaxation concept – beautiful woman in spa salon getting face treatment

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s hard to take a moment and care for yourself. The holidays are a time for giving, so why not give yourself a gift? It’s important to take a moment before the new year to take inventory of your skin’s health and pamper yourself as well.

Why take care of your skin? Your skin is actually your largest organ. It helps protect you from the elements and help regulate your body temperature. However, because of this, your skin is extremely vulnerable. Did you know that over 20 percent of the United States population is affected by skin cancer? This is why the American Academy of Dermatology recommends getting a skin exam once per year. This is a great way to care for yourself. A skin check not only checks for skin cancer, but also marks areas that are precancerous or are cause for concern.

Knoxville Dermatology Group

Getting a skin check is also an excellent time to notify your dermatologist of any other issues that may be bothering you, such as dry skin, irritation or the development of symptoms that could lead to a more serious skin condition. During this time, you can work with your dermatologist to develop a treatment plan for any number of skin conditions. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are experts in over 3,000 skin conditions and have the experience to help you tackle your skin issues. This way, you can step into the new year as your best self.

MediSpa

Another way to gift yourself during the giving season is to book a pampering session at KnoxvilleDermatology Group’s MediSpa. The spa offers traditional day spa services as well as medical spa services. Traditional services include brow and lash tinting, facial waxing and facials. If you’re ready to put your skin on display in the new year, try out some of these phenomenal medical spa services, for gorgeous andlong-lasting results.

  • Juvedermâ: While Juvedermâ is mainly used to give the patient fuller lips, it has a number of great benefits to give you smooth, blemish-free skin. Benefits include a reduction in the appearance of scars, sagging and fine lines.
  • Pearl Laser: If you want those pesky sun spots and brown spots to go away, it may be time to get a Pearl Laser treatment. These treatments help lighten dark spots on the skin to give you a more even skin tone.
  • Chemical Treatments: Also known as chemical peels, MediSpa offers a number of medical grade peels, including a MediSpaprivate label peel. The treatments can improve a myriad of skin issues such as fine lines, aging, enlarged pores, acne and more.

This holiday season, take a moment to not only pamper yourself but care for your skin’s health. By having a skin check done, you can potentially save yourself from advanced skin cancer, as well as identify areas of concern. To make an appointment for a skin check, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467. For an appointment with ourMediSpa, please visit our website to learn more about the services provided, or call us at (865)342-5823. 

The ABC’s of Skin Checks

Woman getting unknown spot checked out.

Summer is in full-swing, and you’re likely spending more time in the sun. Skin checks for abnormal moles or growths is basic sun safety that should be practiced year round. Spending time in the sun can bring out freckles and spots you didn’t even know you had. Is it a mole? Is it a freckle? Or is it something to be more concerned about? It can be hard to determine which spots are normal, or if they need to be checked out. However, it is imperative that when something odd does appear gets diagnosed and treated correctly.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than any other form. Tanning beds are considered extremely unsafe and can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. In fact, one person dies from melanoma every hour. When caught early enough, skin cancer is highly treatable. Fortunately, checking our bodies for signs of skin cancer is as easy as ABC.

Asymmetry

One of the warning signs for skin cancer to be aware of is the symmetry of the mole. If you draw a line through the center of the mole and it doesn’t match, then it could be a sign of melanoma or other form of skin cancer.

Border

A normal mole or “beauty mark” will have a natural and clear border. Spots with a blurry or jagged edge may mean it’s time to get it checked out by a dermatologist or other medical professional.

Color 

A typical mole should be a solid, brown pigment with no color variation. A spot with multiple colors, especially dark purple or black could be a sign of cancerous growth. 

Diameter

A normal mole or freckle should be about a quarter of an inch in diameter, or the size of a pencil eraser. Anything larger than that should be checked out by a doctor immediately. Even if the spot doesn’t raise any other red flags, something new and of that size is extremely concerning.

Elevation

A normal mole should have a smooth texture and be of a normal height. Something that doesn’t meet those qualifications is a concern. All spots on your body should be similar in texture, color and height.

If you have a concerning spot that meets any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, our team specializes in identifying pre-cancerous growths and taking the proper treatment course. To make an appointment, contact KDG at (865) 690-9467 today!

How to Screen Your Sun Protection

If everyone’s skin is different, then why do we try to protect it like it’s the same? Companies create makeup and skin care products designed to cater to different skin types. However, when it comes to sunscreen, people rarely research what they are buying, and which product will best protect their skin. Luckily for you, the American Academy of Dermatology released tons of tips and information that will help you choose a sun protection that will best guard your skin.

What to Buy

Sunscreen is typically sold in the forms of lotions, sticks and sprays. You will want to purchase something that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen must be applied every two hours, or after swimming and physical activity.

While lotions are recommended due to their full-coverage, sticks and sprays tend to be more convenient. A stick of sunscreen should be applied in four layers for maximum coverage. Rubbing it in after application ensures that an even layer has been covered. Spray sunscreen should be applied generously to your skin. Do not use a spray on a windy day to avoid inhaling the chemicals.

Types of Sunscreen

There are two different types of sunscreens available on the market: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens work like a shield, as they sit on the surface of the skin to deflect the sun’s rays. This type of sunscreen should be used by people with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens will include ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreens are designed to be applied easier to the skin. These products don’t leave the white residue that is frequent in physical sunscreens. Instead of reflecting the sun’s rays, chemical sunscreens absorb them. Ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate and homosalate are common in these products. The FDA has also issued a warning against sunscreen pills, which have been found to be ineffective.

Ingredients to Avoid

It’s very important to look at the ingredients in sun screen to see if it is suitable for your personal skin type. Recently, Hawaiian legislators banned the distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients are used in chemical sunscreens and have raised environmental concerns. The chemicals are also linked to the damage of marine life and coral reefs.

The FDA has yet to ban these chemicals, as they are still approved and considered safe for human use. In fact, according to American Academy of Dermatology President Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, all of the active ingredients in U.S. sunscreens have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for human use..  When one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, the FDA is encouraging everyone to take the proper steps to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays.

Do you have a concerning spot you need looked at? Or need help finding suitable sun protection for your skin? Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today to make an appointment at (865) 690-9467.

How to Care for Aging Hair, Skin and Nails

Medical and scientific advances mean people are living longer and mortality rates are lower. In fact, the 65 and over demographic is the fastest growing age group in the U.S., totaling over 40 million people. In 2050, it is estimated that 20 percent of the population will fall into the 65 and over age category. Those in this age group may experience different challenges with their hair, skin and nails and it’s helpful to know what to look for and the treatments available.

Hair

As people age, it’s natural to experience graying and thinning hair due to a decrease in hair pigmentation and production. This leaves the scalp susceptible to UV radiation and other environmental factors that cause signs of  aging. It’s important to check the scalp regularly for cancerous skin tags or lesions that may have developed. Biotin and marine fish extract are supplements that strengthen hair production.

Skin

When the skin is the largest organ to the body, it’s important to pay extra attention and care for it in old age. Xerosis is a common condition found in older patients and causes the skin to become inflamed, cracked and dry. This condition occurs mostly on the legs but can appear on the hands and torso. Moisturizing two to three times a day and to avoid harsh soaps and hot water is recommended.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is another condition  people may experience as they age.  Abnormal skin growths are common in seniors, so it can be difficult to differentiate between damaged skin and a cancerous spot. Skin cancer can be prevented best by protecting yourself from ultraviolet light exposure. Regularly checking the skin for any abnormalities can help with early detection and improve the success of treatment.

Nails

Nail growth starts to slow with aging. The nail plate will become thinner causing it to become more brittle and to split. Onychauxis is a deformity that causes nail discoloration and can be painful. Keeping the hands dry and regular nail care appointments should be made to maintain nail structure and prevent infections.

Looking to discuss geriatric dermatology and skin care further? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 to make an appointment today!

 

Check Your Man Out: It May Save His Life.

Father’s Day is over, but Men’s Health Month will last for the rest of June. Men’s Health Month was recognized by Congress in 1994 to encourage men, boys and their families to seek regular medical examination and advice for preventative disease treatment. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women are nine times more likely to detect melanoma or another cancerous spot on the skin. This may be why white men above the age of 50 are the highest demographic to develop skin cancer. If cancer doesn’t discriminate, how is this possible? Here is a list of manly habits that raises men’s risk of developing skin cancer:

He’s a Chronic Shorts Wearer:

The backs of the legs and calves are a highly susceptible place to develop skin cancer. This is especially common for people who wear shorts or go to the beach regularly. When wearing shorts, the amount of sun reaching your legs can be dangerous even when you aren’t intending on getting sun. It can be difficult applying sunscreen to the backs of the legs and keeping them covered from the sun while running daily errands.

He Drives Everywhere:

Truck drivers, delivery people and construction workers have a greater risk of developing skin cancer to their hands and forearms. The left arm and both hands receive direct sunlight when they are on the steering wheel. Many don’t realize they are receiving that exposure due to being in a temperature-controlled car.

His New Haircut:

The top of the head is another common spot for men to develop skin cancer, especially when sporting a shorter hairstyle. It also makes it one of the hardest places to check. Even a ball cap can’t protect the ears from exposure to the sun. Regular scalp checks and wide brimmed hats are recommended for people who work and spend time outside on a regular basis.

To help raise awareness about men’s risk to skin cancer, the AAD released a campaign titled, “Check Your Partner. Check Yourself.” This encourages family members to check both themselves and their partners for suspicious moles and spots. Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are highly treatable when detected early.

If you have concerns about you or your partner’s skin, contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at (865) 690-9467 for an appointment.

How to Protect Yourself During National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month? With warm weather here, it’s hard to not want to spend time in the sun. Being out in the sun makes our skin glow and everyone a little happier. It can also make us forget the threats that are associated with spending too much time in its’ rays. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It often goes undetected until it’s too late. Here is everything you need to know about protecting yourself while you enjoy the summer months:

UV Index:

The three most common forms of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light. The UV Index ranks exposure levels to ultraviolet light based on a zero to 15 scale. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing sun protection if the UV Index is a level three or higher. Weather apps calculate the UV Index for when you want to check the ultraviolet levels in your area.

Wear Sunscreen:

This is an obvious one! You should never be out in the sun without some sort of protection. Your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. It should also be broad spectrum to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming, sweating and toweling off. Check the expiration date on the bottle to see if it has exceeded its shelf life before using.

Avoid Indoor Tanning:

The use of tanning beds is not safe for your skin and is definitely not recommended. One session in the tanning bed increases the risk of developing melanoma by 20 percent. A tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays, so even getting a base tan is harmful to your skin.

Regular Skin Checks:

When detected early, skin cancer is very treatable. Self-examining your skin for suspicious moles can help you catch it before its too late. Observe the places on your body that receive the most sun exposure like your neck, legs, feet, elbows and arms. Ask a friend for help checking those hard-to-see places like your back and scalp.

If you do find a concerning spot contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 or on their website www.knoxderm.com.