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The One-Two Punch of Shingles

When you were a kid, you may have had the chickenpox, or at least knew a friend that had them. There are vaccinations these days that make the sickness less prevalent, but that doesn’t mean your chickenpox, or varicella, will never return. If you contracted this rash at some point in your childhood, there is a chance the virus will appear again one day as shingles.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the varicella zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes shingles too. When you first contract the virus as a child, the chickenpox will form as itchy blisters appearing first on the back, chest and face. The blisters will then spread to the rest of the body and leave the child with flu-like symptoms. It can cause anywhere from 250 to 500 blisters across the body that may scar if not healed right. If you had it as a kid, you probably took a week or two off school until the blisters scabbed over and the sickness went away.

Varicella Zoster

Or did it really go away? No. Once infected with the varicella zoster virus, it will never truly go away. After the chickenpox heals, the virus will travel along the nerve fibers and remain dormant in the spinal cord and brain. Decades later, the virus may appear again, this time as shingles, to deliver its second punch.

Shingles

When you first get shingles, or herpes zoster, you may be skeptical about what it is and where it came from. A row of raised, red dots will pop-up only on one side of the torso or face. You may think it’s only hives or a reaction, but a trip to a dermatologist and an examination will tell you it’s shingles. Once you are infected by shingles, it can’t be cured. There are treatments available to lessen the symptoms, but you’ll just have to let the illness run its course.

Once the itchy, red bumps start to appear on one side of your torso or face, the skin in the affected area will start to appear red. There may be a tingling under the skin, but it also can feel like a stabbing pain. You may experience fever, chills or an upset stomach. The rash will then turn into painful, red, fluid-filled blisters that will eventually dry out and crust over.

Will I Get Shingles?

If you have ever had the chickenpox, there is a possibility that it will one day return as shingles. It could be years later, but there is no telling when it will arise. There are some conditions that make it easier for the virus to return. A weakened immune system from medicines or other diseases allows for your body’s defenses to be down, and for the varicella zoster virus to reappear as shingles . Old age and stress are also contributing factors.

If you think you have shingles, visit a doctor or dermatologist immediately. The infection is highly contagious and can spread easily to people without the vaccination. Avoid pregnant women and babies until the sores on the skin have crusted over and started to heal.

Are you looking for a trusted dermatologist to accurately and correctly treat your shingles? Visit Knoxville Dermatology Group online to learn more about our trusted doctors. Visit us online here, or give us a call at (865) 690-9467.

The 411 on Hives

 

Hives, also known as urticaria, is an allergic reaction to allergens, which causes the skin to break out in pale red, swollen, itchy bumps or plaques. An allergic reaction is a negative immune response caused by a substance, or allergen, that the body has become hypersensitive to. Allergies can come in all shapes and sizes, and so can their reactions.

Seasonal allergies, however, is the reaction you may experiences during changing seasons, specifically fall and spring. This is when pollen levels are higher and causes your body stress while you react and cope with the changing levels. These aren’t necessarily allergies but cause the same reaction. Allergies are specific substances, or allergens, that your body has an adverse reaction to at any time. If you suffer from allergies, it is important to understand what hives are, their symptoms and how to treat them.

What are Hives?

Hives is an allergic reaction to allergens. Temperature extremes, stress, infection and illness can also cause hives, but is less likely. They can cause itching, stinging or even burning. They appear on the skin, or anywhere on the body, including the face, hands and tongue. Hives normally appear in three different shapes: tiny bumps, blotches or large connected raised sites, also known as plaques. Diagnosing hives can be difficult; so, make sure to take special note of your symptoms and even consider taking photos of the irritated site. There is no test to diagnose hives so a thorough skin test or blood test may need to be performed.

Know the types

  • Individual Hives: These hives last from around a few hours to up to a week. Individual hives are more common than any other type and the least severe. This can appear from any stressor mentioned above, like an allergen to extreme temperatures.
  • Acute Hives: Acute hives last from about a week to six weeks. Commonly, acute hives are a reaction to foods, medications or insects that you may be allergic to. If you experience acute hives, it’s important to see a dermatologist or allergist to get tested and see what you may be allergic to.
  • Chronic Hives: This includes hives lasting more than six weeks. It is extremely hard to diagnose but many believe it stems from more serious illnesses like cancer or hepatitis. If you are struggling from a disease or illness and experience hives lasting more than six weeks, talk to your doctor about specific ways to safely treat them.

Goodbye Hives

  • Antihistamines: These can be store bought in a cream or prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist as a pill. Store bought antihistamine cream works to soothe affected skin and relieve the itch. If prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist, antihistamines may be taken regularly to stop hives from appearing in the first place.
  • Cool Compress: Soak a towel in cold water or wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it firmly to the inflamed area. This will calm the inflammation of the skin, lowering the raised areas of the skin and calming the itchier ones.
  • Visit a Dermatologist: If you experience hives, especially acute or chronic, visit your dermatologist. There, they can ask you questions on symptoms and family history, as well as performing an allergy test. This can help you understand why you get hives and ways to avoid the allergens that trigger the reaction.

Treating and diagnosing hives can be difficult. While there are a number of home remedies to treat hives, it is still important to take careful note of your reaction and seek medical attention if your condition worsens or becomes a regular occurrence. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, the professional staff can help treat your hives, so you can live life more comfortably. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

Baby Got Bacne

When we hear acne, memories of high school and puberty come to the forefront of our minds. While many people’s faces clear up past this phase, it isn’t uncommon to experience acne—and even bacne—in our adult lives. Dealing with zits on your face is one thing, but blemishes on your back can be tougher and in hard to reach places. With swimsuit season here, you are probably ready to learn how to manage your bacne once and for all! 

Acne vs. Bacne: 

Many people think that the only difference between acne and bacne is the location it appears on your body. With the back being hard to reach, it is often difficult to clean and exfoliate the problem areas completely. Also, serums used to treat the face often don’t respond as well on the back because the skin there is much thicker and resilient. The skin on the face receives more blood supply that lets acne heal faster and reduce scarring.  

Causes of Bance:  

Although some people are just more prone to bacne than others, there are conditions that will make it worse. Acne happens when our pores become clogged and can’t excrete the oily-sebum that keeps our skin healthy. Men are more prone to bacne thanks to their over-active sebaceous glands and the amount of hair on their backs. Personal products like hair products and body soaps may be blocking your pores and even causing bacne. Scented products use ingredients that will clog your pores, so try using a plain wash made for sensitive skin. Excessive sweating due to exercise can also be a cause. Daily showers, wearing clean clothes and keeping your skin dry are basic hygiene skills and factors to keep in mind.  

Bacne Treatments:  

With tougher skin on the back than the face, products used to treat bacne need a stronger formula, but typically contain the same ingredients. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) work to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to smooth and clear the back of any dead skin cells that will clog pores. Using a loofah or a scrub with beads in it will irritate the acne and spread the bacteria across the back. Beta Hydroxy Acides (BHAs) are the most effective acne treatments and are designed to clean out dirt from your pores. Applying these to clean, dry skin on a regular basis can significantly improve your skin.  

Want to manage your bacne? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 to set up a consultation! 

Don’t Sweat It: A guide to managing sweat

It’s that time of year when our bodies are constantly veiled in a thin layer of uncomfortable moisture. Due to a condition called hyperhidrosis, some people are prone to producing an excessive amount sweat. Everyone sweats; but hyperhidrosis causes people to perspire unpredictably, even in cooler weather and during non-strenuous conditions. Regardless of whether you have hyperhidrosis, sweating impacts people’s everyday life. Fortunately, there are ways to manage it.

Do I have hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a common condition that nearly one in every 20 people in the U.S. have. Although sweating is a natural body process, the condition limits people from doing routine tasks like writing with a pen or gripping a steering wheel. Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact people’s social relationships, activities and emotional health in a negative way.

Types of Hyperhidrosis:

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.

  • Primary hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating without a physical condition and is localized to the usual active regions.
  • Secondary hyperhidrosis is due to an underlying condition and is more generalized to the whole body.

How do I treat it?

Hyperhidrosis is a very managable condition, yet many do not seek treatment. Of the people diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, 60 percent do not know it is a medical condition and 47 percent do not know it’s treatable. A dermatologist can help determine the best form of treatment for your particular situation.

Sweat Hacks

Whether you have hyperhidrosis or not, here are some tips that can help you manage it:

  • Caffeine. Caffeine is a sweat trigger, so cutting back on coffee and tea will help reduce the amount of daily sweat.
  • Deodorants. Deodorants mask body odor, but do not stop excessive sweating. “Clinical strength” antiperspirants contain ingredients like aluminum chloride, which will temporarily block sweat pores.
  • Foods. Spicy foods can increase the amount of sweat you produce.
  • Fabrics. Cotton and other natural fabrics are breathable and will allow air to reach your skin.
  • Water. Sweating happens when your body temperature gets too high. Drinking water and staying hydrated will help regulate your body temperature.
  • Alcohol. Reducing alcohol intake is good for your health and can reduce the amount of excessive sweat.

With up to five million sweat glands in the human body, sweating is a part of everyday life. It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing, but we all do it. If you sweat excessively enough that it impacts your everyday life, it may be time to visit a dermatologist.

Schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group to determine which treatment option is right for you. To make an appointment, contact us at (865) 690-9467 or online at www.knoxderm.com.

What Causes Dandruff?

Girl looking for dandruff

Dandruff are annoying white flakes that stem from the scalp and may end up on clothes or in your hair. These flakes are made of dead skin and are completely harmless, although pesky. Up to 40 percent of people age 30 or older experience dandruff.

Dead skin cells shred from the scalp naturally. Dandruff forms when oil on the scalp causes skin cells to clump together. The rapid shedding of growth can be caused by multiple factors:

  • Dry skin
  • Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
  • Sensitivity to hair products
  • Stress
  • Hormones
  • Too much oil production
  • Immune system complications

Pesky dandruff can be prevented with frequent shampooing. This can reduce oiliness and remove flakes. Another option is to try special anti-dandruff shampoos.

Dandruff can usually be self-diagnosed based on its appearance and the feeling of a dry, itchy scalp. If dandruff production becomes uncontrollable or you notice any abnormalities of your dandruff, see a dermatologist. Visit Knoxville Dermatology Group or call (865)690-9467 to schedule an appointment.

The Secret of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, which dates back more than 6,000 years to ancient Egypt, is a common healing ingredient for external skin problems. Known as the “plant of immortality,” Aloe vera has been used to heal cold sores, frostbite, wounds and burns.

The magical ingredient known for wound healing is the gel within the plant that is exposed after breaking a plant’s limb. More specifically, acemannan hydrogel is an FDA-approved ingredient to treat canker sores and other oral wounds. While there is no scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera lotion to help sunburns, the plant gel has multiple hydrating properties known to moisturize and cool skin.

While Aloe vera can provide a soothing sensation, the first treatment for a temperature burn should be cold water, rather than any kind of ointment. Always check the added ingredients in Aloe vera lotions to ensure no allergies are present. To schedule a visit with Knoxville Dermatology Group, call (865)690-9467.

A Sunscreen Vocabulary Guide

When planning fun in the sun, don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin. With hundreds of sunscreen manufacturers lining the shelves, it’s especially difficult to choose the best option. Here are some basic definitions of sun protection that will help you decide the best lotion for your day outside.

UVA/UVB Rays – The two types of UV light that can hurt your skin are called UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the deeper levels of your skin, including the dermis, which is the skin’s thickest layer. UVB rays burn the top layer of your skin. Increased exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin aging, wrinkling and skin cancer.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – SPF is measured by how long it will take for protected skin to burn compared to skin without sunscreen. However, each level of SPF is only slightly stronger than the previous (SPFs over 50 are only slightly more protective than 30.) These are only a measure of UVB rays, because UVA protection isn’t rated.

Broad Spectrum – Broad spectrum means the product protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Because SPF’s measurements are tricky, the term “broad spectrum” is a good sign to look for.

Water-Resistant – Water-resistant is pretty self-explanatory, but manufacturers sometimes leave the exact measurement off the bottle. “Water resistant” as a general rule means the SPF will have its protective effects for up to 40 minutes of swimming/sweating.

If you have any concerns about your skin or skin-aging, contact Knoxville Dermatology Group by calling (865)690-9467.

Rules of Rosacea

Sixteen million Americans have rosacea, according to the National Rosacea Society. Rosacea most often appears on the face and produces redness on the cheeks, nose or forehead. Fair-skinned individuals are at the most risk to develop rosacea, although it can affect all skin types. A history of frequent blushing is also observed in many rosacea patients. It is most often known to start flaring up after age thirty.

Rosacea’s appearance varies in each individual. Signs include flushing, persistent redness, bumps/pimples and visible blood vessels. Redness can appear more persistent over time. In more severe cases, rhinophyma can cause the nose to become swollen and bumpy.

There are medicinal therapies to manage the symptoms of rosacea. Because rosacea varies between each individuals, it is important to see a dermatologist for the appropriate treatment for your skin. Call (865)690-9467 to schedule your appointment if you need treatment or suspect you have rosacea.

What About Moles?

Almost every adult has a few moles on their skin. Appearing more often on lighter skin, moles are completely normal.

Moles are characterized by roundness, can be slightly raised and are often brown. They can change slowly over time, however you must always remain cautious of changes in moles, as this can be a sign of melanoma forming.

Melanoma often grows in or near a mole, but can be treated when caught early. If you spot an unusual change in your mole, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist immediately to get it checked out. However, changes in moles should be expected with children, because their moles grow as children grow. These changes are seldom a sign of melanoma.

Dermatologists will remove moles when they contain skin cancer or bothers a patient, however most moles do not need to be removed.

Checking your skin is a safe practice to ensure early treatment if something were to develop. A dermatologist will check any form of abnormality. To be safe, visit the dermatologist at least once a year for a skin check. Call  (865)690-9467 to schedule your appointment today!

Skincare Secrets from Around the World: Part 1

Image credit: Larisa Birta

The way that people maintain glowing, youthful skin varies across the globe. Based on the resources available in certain climates, skincare in different countries can include exotic spices and fruits or relaxing rituals. Dependent on varying standards of beauty, skincare regimens can target a specific desire.

Korea

Koreans are focused on taking extremely good care of their skin, believing that preventative skincare routines are best. Korea is also known for being the first to experiment with the latest skincare trends, which is why we aren’t surprised that they’re trying out collagen-producing silkworm cocoons.

Silkworm cocoons can be used to help exfoliate the skin. The silky material gently lifts away dead skin cells and removes makeup and soap residue, revealing soft, clean skin. The cocoons also carry a natural protein called sericin, which boosts the production of collagen.

Japan

Pamper yourself with an adzuki bean cleanser reminiscent of Japanese tradition. For centuries, Japanese noblewomen used the adzuki bean, a small red bean originally from China, as part of their beauty routines. They would pack the adzuki beans into small cotton bags to create a creamy, foam cleanser. With its naturally occurring foaming properties from saponin, adzuki beans are great for rejuvenating and brightening the skin.

India

India, known for its rich, aromatic cooking spices, uses those same spices in skincare as well. From saffron and kesar to turmeric and haldi, these spices possess antiseptic and antibacterial properties that will reduce inflammation, infection and redness. In addition, saffron has been used to help noticeably help brighten the skin, and turmeric reduces oil secretion from the sebaceous glands.