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How Winter Weather Affects Your Skin

The cold, dry winter months effect all skin types, but what if you are already suffering from a condition? It is important to be proactive to understand how the winter weather affects your skin condition. Here are some common skin conditions, how the weather affects it and how to better manage the symptoms.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes the face to become inflamed and remain red for an extended period of time. This can be a frustrating condition; however, it causes no internal health issues. In the winter months, your skin can be especially delicate as it fights against the harsh temperatures and conditions. Try to keep your skin covered from the elements. Wearing a scarf is a great idea, as you can pull it up to cover your nose and cheeks as you trek to your destination. It’s important to stick to your treatment plan. However, if you are experiencing more intense flushing, start applying a heavy moisturizer and talk to your dermatologist about adding something seasonal to your treatment regimen.

Psoriasis

Phototherapy and spending time in the sunlight are common psoriasis treatments. The condition causes a buildup of skin cells that leave scaly, raised patches. In addition to the patches, psoriasis can also cause small, red bumps that cover different areas of the body. Decreased exposure to sunlight can play a huge role in the increased intensity of the condition during winter months. Try talking to your doctor about phototherapy, a new psoriasis treatment, to supplement for the time lost in the natural sunlight. Another reason for the condition worsening is the dry weather. A lack of humidity in the air can cause dry skin. A way to add moisture back into the air is to use a humidifier in your home, allowing your skin to drink in a bit more hydration.

Eczema

The skin condition, eczema is commonly seen as red, irritated and bumpy skin. It is often itchy and uncomfortable. Although it is not treatable, eczema is easily managed. However, in the winter, flare-ups occur more often causing heightened symptoms due to rapid temperature changes, especially when coming indoors from a cold day. To help avoid a reaction that may cause your skin to inflame, it is important to regulate your temperature as best possible. Try keeping your heater at a low setting. While it may seem nice to walk into an incredibly warm house after being in the cold, keeping your heater at a lower setting helps your skin acclimate to the temperature more easily.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Similar to dandruff, but with more serious implications, seborrheic dermatitis causes a red, burning scalp with flakes. However, unlike dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis can appear on your body anywhere hair is present. The dryness of the winter can cause your condition to worsen, but be sure to still follow your treatment plan. Don’t use hot water when showering, but instead use lukewarm water so your scalp does not become inflamed. Try adding a humidifier in your home so your scalp stays moisturized without adding extra products to your hair or increasing oil production.

You can’t change the weather, but you can change up your daily routine by adding some simple items to your home treatment regimen. If your skin condition is beginning to worsen, it may be caused by the weather. Talk to your dermatologist about changes in your condition and ask about different treatment options. If you suffer from one of the conditions listed above, the dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are ready to help. Visit our website or give us a call to schedule an appointment at 865-690-9467.

Eczema – What’s the Cause?

Eczema is a more complex condition than originally known. Researchers are still learning about the link between eczema and allergies but understanding the connection can help you manage the condition.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition which causes a dry, itchy, red rash. Eczema usually develops in early childhood and is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. Most people with eczema get it as children and many people still have the disease as adults, though their symptoms tend to be milder.

Allergies and Eczema: The link

While research is still being conducted, it is known that genetics, how the body reacts to allergens, and antibodies all play a pivotal role in eczema. Studies have shown that if one or both parents have eczema or allergies, they are likely to have a child that also has the condition.

Researchers have also found that some people with the condition have a genetic mutation that causes a decreased amount of filaggrin in their skin. This mutation leaves the skin barrier defective. This skin barrier mutation allows allergens to penetrate the skin and leads to the itching and discomfort of eczema. Leaving the skin red and inflamed because more antibodies are sent than needed. These allergens include dust and mites, food allergies, pet dander, pollen, and mold. Research is still being conducted as to why too many immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies are produced. Studies have discovered a link between these antibodies and white blood cells as well and how they help control allergic reactions in the body.

Avoid Allergy Triggers to Prevent Flare-Ups

To manage eczema, moisturize daily to help soothe the skin and help to avoid allergy triggers. Stay away from skin irritants. This includes heavy soaps, detergents, and perfumes.  It also includes wool and allergy triggers – such as pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites. If that doesn’t help, make an appointment with one of our Providers. They can treat and prescribe a topical medication to help with the symptoms.

5 Tips for Avoiding Warmer Weather Skin Issues

You heard it first from Punxsutawney Phil: spring is arriving soon. Spring brings new life, new blooms and gorgeous weather. But if you struggle with your skin, you may want to take a few extra precautions as we usher in warmer weather. Here are five skin problems you need to know about and avoid:

Acne Breakouts

Acne breakouts are very common as the weather changes, due not only to the heat, but to the changes you make in your lifestyle as well. The spring brings a whole new skin care routine, focusing much less on moisturizing and more on oil control. If you are prone to suffering from breakouts during seasonal changes, here are a few simple tips to get you ready.

Start by exfoliating your skin more regularly. Your skin becomes rougher in the winter, so it is time to shed your tough skin and allow yourself to get some of that spring sun. That being said, it is also time to bring back the sunscreen into your daily routine. You should wear sunscreen each day, no matter the season, but it is vitally important to wear it during months when the UV rays are harsher. Finally, make sure you are using an oil-free moisturizer, as it will help combat sweat and lessen the appearance of oily, greasy skin.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a rash, usually red and itchy, caused by contact with an irritating substance or by having an allergic reaction. The most common form of contact dermatitis is caused by poison ivy. If you are allergic to other plants, spring can be a difficult time of year because new plants are blooming. You can treat the itchy, redness of contact dermatitis by applying cold, cloth compresses to the affected area or by applying an itch-soothing cream. If the rash has appeared on the face or genitals and is unbearable or doesn’t go away within three weeks, it is important to contact a doctor or dermatologist. Untreated rashes cause infection, pain and even blisters. A dermatologist can better assess your rash to prescribe topical, oral antibiotics or a heavy duty anti-itch cream, among other treatment options.

Insect Bites

While spring brings gorgeous fresh blooms, it also brings with it bugs— and lots of them. The worst offender? Mosquitoes. These blood sucking pests are the biggest annoyances of the warm spring and summer months. So, how do you combat these unwanted visitors? First, guard against mosquito bites in the first place. Using citronella candles is a great way to ward off mosquitoes, as they can’t stand the smoke. Second, spray insect repellent on any exposed skin while outdoors, especially during nighttime. If you are wearing jeans or pants, it is easy to think you are fully protected. However, mosquitoes can be ruthless, and you may end up with bites right on your sock line. Be sure to always spray your ankles.

If these pests do end up finding their way to your skin, treatment is rarely serious. Usually, you can visit your local drugstore and pick up an anti-itch cream like Benadryl. On the chance that you do have a serious reaction to a bite, like a headache or fever, contact your doctor or dermatologist immediately. This may be indicative that the mosquito was carrying a harmful disease or you are allergic to the bug.

Grass and Pollen Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, then spring can be one of the hardest seasons of the year. As spring arrives, all types of pollens are released and new growth blooms from the ground. While this looks absolutely beautiful, it can cause a string of awful allergic reactions. Most commonly, allergy sufferers cite grass and pollen as the worst instigators. Grass and pollen, when coming in contact with skin, causes itchy rashes or hives.

Eczema

Spring can be a difficult time for those who suffer from eczema. Eczema is triggered by a number of things, including irritants, sweat, stress and allergies. Sweat and allergies begins to resurface at the beginning of spring and causes hardship for those with eczema. If you have this skin condition, sweat causes a sensation called “prickly heat,” which then can result in an eczema flare coupled with a heat rash. To treat this, put a cold compress on the affected area and find some shade or air conditioning to help your body cool down. Allergies are also a source for eczema flares that last quite some time, as pollens and other irritants are in the air for an entire season. Talk to your dermatologist about to see if there is a better way to protect your skin from these irritants.

Spring is a gorgeous time of year and a welcome break from the cold, dryness of the winter. If you suffer from skin conditions, especially those that become worse with the changing seasons, it is time to visit your dermatologist. The experienced dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group have treated hundreds of skin conditions and are ready to help you today. Give us a call at (865) 690-9467 or visit our website to book your appointment.

Psoriasis – What, When, Where, Why and How?

Around 2 percent of the population develops psoriasis at some point in their lives, making it a relatively common skin condition. While psoriasis is not curable, it is easily treatable with the help of your dermatologist. When diagnosed with a skin condition, it can be confusing and hard to find all of the right answers. Let this blog serve as a brief overview of the condition or a starting point for further conversations with your dermatologist.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition that causes a buildup of dead skin scales. This creates raised, silvery-red patches across the body, which can be itchy and painful. This form of the condition is called plaque psoriasis, and is also the most common type. However, you should be aware that psoriasis can appear in the form of these other types:

  • Guttate: This is typified by small lesions dotting the skin. Usually, guttate psoriasis appears in childhood after cases of strep infection.
  • Inverse: Inverse psoriasis shows up in the body’s folds. This includes areas of the body such as the armpit, behind the knee or the groin.
  • Pustular: If you suffer from pustular psoriasis, you will see blisters filled with noninfectious puss surrounded by red skin covering areas of the body like the hands or feet.
  • Erythrodermic: This is the most severe and rare type of psoriasis and causes skin to come off in sheets and clothes. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a more intense and painful type of plaque psoriasis.

When does Psoriasis Normally Develop?

More often than not, psoriasis develops around the ages of 15 to 35. There is no definite time that psoriasis appears; however, it can develop at all age. Around 10 percent of those with the condition will be diagnosed under the age of ten. For children with psoriasis, it is very common appears after the child has contracted strep throat. If you have young children, be sure to monitor their symptoms well after illnesses, like strep throat, bronchitis or an earache, to be sure they have not developed psoriasis.

Where on the Body is Psoriasis?

Unfortunately, psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. Most commonly, it is found on the knees, elbows and scalp. Where you experience psoriasis may be linked to the type of psoriasis you have. For example, those with pustular psoriasis often have bad flare ups on the hands and feet, whereas those with inverse psoriasis normally only experience flare ups in the fold of their skin like the armpit or under the knee.

Why do I have Psoriasis?

There is no known cause for psoriasis; however, it is known that immune systems and genes have a hand in the development. Caucasians are more likely to develop psoriasis than other races, although it can develop no matter your race. Those who carry the psoriasis gene are more likely to develop the condition, so if both parents carry the gene, their child has a 50 percent chance of having psoriasis.

If you do suffer from psoriasis, different parts of your environment may trigger flare ups of the conditions. Triggers may include:

  • Stress
  • Medication
  • Skin Lesions (cuts, burns, bruises)
  • Allergies
  • Diet
  • Weather (extreme heat or dryness)

How Can I Treat Psoriasis?

Again, psoriasis has no cure but is easily managed and treated. Treatments like phototherapy, steroid medications, topical ointments and regular dermatology visits are great ways to care for the condition. There are also small ways to improve your psoriasis by managing triggers. Administering self-care, getting plenty of rest and paying special attention to your environment are great ways to help account for your triggers.

If you struggle with psoriasis, don’t wait to seek treatment. There are many things to do to help manage your symptoms. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are experienced in hundreds of skin conditions and can get you back on the path towards comfort. To make an appointment visit use online or call (865) 690-9467.

4 Common Skin Conditions Among Newborns

A new addition to the family is always a cause for joy and celebration. We know that some parents may worry more than others, especially if it’s their first. Now that the baby is here, there may be some unforeseen, but common, skin issues appearing. Some have no need for concern, but others do require your attention. Sometimes simple treatments do the trick, and others require a trip to the dermatologist. If one of the following skin issues does appear, here is how to care for your bundle of joy.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is very common for newborns and infants. The rash is caused by any number of things including excessive contact with fabrics, adhesives, urine, stool or with moisture even. You may notice your baby seems more uncomfortable or fussy than usual. If your baby has the red, scaly patches of diaper rash, it can be easily managed.

To prevent this rash, make sure you are frequently changing their diaper after they’ve soiled it. Clean areas covered by the diaper during each change. It’s wise to add a barrier cream or moisturizer so your baby’s skin doesn’t become dry with the wiping. If the rash persists, there are many effective, over-the-counter creams to heal and soothe the rash.

Cradle Cap

Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, appears as small, oily flakes on a newborn’s scalp. This is often caused by excessive oil production around the hair follicles. It is no cause for concern as it can naturally resolve itself.

However, there are simple treatments to help care for the affected areas and resolve cradle cap more quickly. By using a gentle, infant shampoo, the flakes can be loosened and fall off. A primary care physician can prescribe a medicated shampoo if symptoms persist. It is important to make note of the appearance of cradle cap, as it may be an indication of atopic eczema.

Atopic Eczema

If you are noticing rough, dry skin with a red color on your newborn’s cheeks, elbows or knees, it’s possible they have atopic eczema. There is no known cause for eczema, although it may stem from genetics. Eczema can be triggered by a number of things like soaps, detergents, high temperatures or dust mites. The condition may only remain through infancy or can occur throughout the newborn’s lifetime.

Eczema is extremely common and treatable, although it is not curable. For your baby, use a gentle, sensitive-skin bath soap and be sure to bathe them in cool or lukewarm water. Gently pat them dry and apply a gentle moisturizer to soothe the skin. Finally, if the symptoms persist, visit a dermatologist. They can prescribe a safe steroid to apply during a flare-up and help monitor the condition for the future.

Hemangioma

This is a type of birthmark that usually appears as a bright red, rubbery raised nodule, commonly on the face, neck or chest. Hemangiomas are actually a collection of blood vessels that have reached the skin’s surface. While a hemangioma may be present at birth, they often appear in the weeks following and grow in size.

Hemangiomas should not be a cause for concern and will reduce in size, eventually disappearing over time. However, if the birthmark is near the eyes or ears, it is important for a primary care physician or dermatologist to examine it and determine if it may impact your child’s vision or hearing. In this case, dermatologists can use laser treatments to shrink the hemangioma and protect your baby’s hearing or vision.

It is important to be proactive in treating conditions that may appear with your newborn. If you feel unsure about symptoms of your child, bring them to be examined by your dermatologist or primary care physician. If your newborn suffers from atopic eczema or has a hemangioma, the experienced dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are ready to help. Visit our website or give us a call to schedule an appointment at 865-690-9467.

How to Combat that Pesky Dandruff

You’ve seen it before. It’s the white, flaky dead skin on your scalp and shoulders that we wish we didn’t see! Dandruff is actually incredibly common in both men and women and is caused from a number of different things. No need to stress though, dandruff is no biggie and not threatening to your health – just annoying! Below, learn the symptoms, causes and some helpful tricks and tips on combatting dandruff!

Is This Dandruff?

Symptoms of dandruff are fairly straight forward and easy to spot: white, oily flakes of dead skin on the scalp and shoulders. It is usually accompanied by an itchy scalp. As you itch, flakes of skin loosen from the scalp and make its way from your head to your shoulders.

Dandruff vs. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an extremely common skin condition, affecting two to three percent of the population. Usually found on the elbows, scalp, knees or anywhere that regularly experiences friction, psoriasis causes raised, red lesions. Dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by mostly external factors and only found on the scalp. It is only typified by a flaky scalp. Psoriasis is a treatable and manageable condition but can cause mild pain so you should see your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Why Do I Have Dandruff?

Dandruff is caused by multiple things, from your body’s oil production to how often you wash your hair. Often, oiliness of hair, not shampooing enough or sensitivity to hair products, will lead to the production of dandruff. Changing seasons can also heavily affect the flaking of the skin. As the weather cools, your scalp begins to dry out, leaving it susceptible to flaking.

Please, help! How Can I Get Rid of Dandruff?

  • Change Your Shower Routine

    • If you don’t shampoo your hair often enough, there is a higher chance that you will develop dandruff. Try washing your hair once or twice a week more often to help your scalp clear up and regulate oil production.

  • Try a Dandruff Shampoo

    • There are many over the counter shampoos that help combat dandruff. Shampoos with pyrithione zinc, tar-based shampoos or selenium sulfide shampoos are all great options. However, because these shampoos have stronger ingredients to clear your scalp, they may also discolor lighter or dyed hair, so be sure to rinse well!

  • Apply Tea Tree Oil

    • Tea tree oil is a highly recommended, natural remedy for dandruff. It is known to clear the scalp and moisturize the skin. You can find shampoos that incorporate tea tree oil and use it as your everyday shampoo. Another option, however, is to visit your local health shop and pick up tea tree oil to apply directly to affected areas.

  • Get Some Sunlight

    • Spending a bit more time outside has been known to decrease dandruff in many people. Sunlight helps dry some of the excess oil on the scalp. This does not mean sunbathing, as that can lead to dry skin (worsening dandruff), but just spending more time than usual in broad daylight.

  • See Your Dermatologist

    • If you experience extreme dryness or bleeding, visit your dermatologist. Sometimes, individuals can incorrectly self-diagnose the scalp’s itchy patches as dandruff, but it may in fact be psoriasis. A dermatologist can help you diagnose what the flakes really are and get you the help you need.

If you or a loved one has tried the remedies above and your dandruff persists, it’s time to see a dermatologist. The staff at Knoxville Dermatology Group is professional and approachable, great for patients of any age. To make an appointment or learn more about how Knoxville Dermatology Group can help, visit their website or give them a call at (865) 690-9467.

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.

Warts? Don’t blame the toad!

You may have been convinced that your wart came from a toad when you were a child! Apparently, you can’t get warts from touching our slimy friends at all. In reality, you probably picked up that wart from a friend or classmate. Warts are highly contagious so it is important to know what they are, how you can get them and how to treat warts.

What’s a Wart?

Viruses may enter the body through small cuts or sores on the skin causing warts to form. This virus can then cause an infection, creating the wart, which will look like a small hard bump on the skin. Warts are much more common in children, because adults typically have better hygiene and immune systems.

Types of Warts

  • Plantar Warts: These warts are found on the bottom of your feet and are more common in people who do a lot of barefoot activities, according to the Mayo Clinic. They can grow inward, under the thick layer of skin on the feet. If you go to a public pool or locker room, walk around in pool shoes to help avoid a wart.
  • Common Warts: Yep, these are pretty common. Common warts are found on the knees, elbows or hands. They often contain what looks like little black seeds, however this is just dried blood in the wart and nothing to be concerned about. Due to their location, especially on the hands, common warts easily spread to other parts of the body, so make sure they are treated quickly.
  • Flat Warts: Again, this wart’s name gives it away. A flat wart is a small flat bump, usually found on the skin and in a group of 20 to 100 others. These often appear in places you may shave, like the legs or face.
  • Molluscum Contagiosum: This is a viral skin infection which causes small, itchy, red bumps with a dimple in the center to appear. Your body will usually fight the infection itself and the bumps will leave on their own. One thing to remember is that, despite popular belief, these are not warts! The American Academy of Dermatology clears up this misconception and shares that while they may look the same and have entered your body the same way, molluscum is treated in a different way.

Why’d I get a Wart?

Again, warts are highly contagious. You can get a wart at home, at school, from friends or family, or at the pool. Basically, you can get a wart anywhere and from anyone. Yikes! Don’t worry, they’re very common and easily treatable. Areas like the hands, bottoms of the feet and the face are more prone to warts, as they encounter more surfaces throughout the day. Be diligent in checking these areas on your child, especially after they’ve spent long months at the pool and are back in school.

How to Get Rid of a Wart

  • Freezing: You can buy a freeze-treatment specifically for warts at your local drugstore. Freezing your wart will cause a blister to form around it. Both the blister and the wart will eventually fall off and then, which will leave you wart free! Be sure to not use this treatment on your face. Store bought freeze treatments are typically only used for the common or plantar wart.
  • Acid: This may sound a little bit intense, but there is nothing to worry about. Using the liquid-form or a patch of salicylic acid softens the wart. After applying the acid to the wart, make sure to soak the area in warm water for around ten minutes. This will make it easy to buff off the wart using a pumice stone or nail file.
  • Dermatologist: If you have flat warts or a stubborn wart that won’t seem to leave for good, it’s time to see your dermatologist. Dermatologists are trained to perform treatments that can’t be bought at the store. These are usually much more effective and easier on the surrounding skin than at-home remedies or drugstore treatments. The dermatologist can also accurately diagnose your wart to give you the right treatment options. Options may include anything from simple freezing treatments, prescription medicines or even a laser treatment.

If you have flat warts, molluscum contagiosum or a wart that just won’t go away, it’s time to visit Knoxville Dermatology Group. Our dermatologists are ready and able to take care of you and your family. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

Say Goodbye to Scarring

Wounds are unavoidable, whether they’re from scraping your knee to having a routine surgery. However, scars can be avoided. Properly caring for a wound can help prevent it from scarring, which will ultimately keep your skin smooth and clear. While you can’t completely count on the prevention of a scar, it’s important to take the best possible care of a laceration and if necessary, let the professionals do the rest. Here are some simple tips on how to care for your wounds to lessen the potential for scars.

But first, what is a scar?

Good question. Scars come in different forms and vary completely due to the type, depth or severity of the wound. According to Everyday Health, a regular scar, one you might get from a surface-level wound or a fall on the sidewalk, is usually small, thin and flat against the skin. The next type of scar is known as a hypertrophic scar. These are thicker than normal scars, and are more raised and red in color. Very similar to the hypertrophic scar is the keloid scar. These are raised and red as well, but expand beyond the wound itself. Keloid scars are a genetic condition, causing raised skin surrounding the scar to produce an excess of scar tissue. This overproduction is hard to predict and even harder to control, so it is best treated by a dermatologist.

Now, how do I prevent scarring?

  • Clean the wound: This is vitally important to prevent infection or the wound from reopening. Cleaning a cut can be as painless as applying a mild soap with water or dousing the wound with a bit of hydrogen peroxide.
  • Apply petroleum jelly or an antibacterial gel: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, applying either of these will keep your skin moist. This way, the wound cannot dry out, thus preventing scabbing, which takes longer to heal. If you choose to use petroleum jelly instead of antibacterial gel, be sure to clean the lesion daily and give it air to breathe.
  • Keep it covered: Make sure the wound is continually covered by an adhesive bandage. By doing this, the moisture from the previously applied gel will be locked in and the laceration will stay moist. Aside from trapping moisture, this also keeps the wounds protected from the elements or foreign objects that could infect it.
  • Don’t get lazy: As your wound heals, don’t forget change the bandage daily, as well as reapply the petroleum jelly or antibacterial gel daily. Staying on top of your wound care will help in a quicker recovery.

My wound has healed, now there’s a scar!

Just because your cut is no longer visible, does not mean you’re done healing. There are still very important tips to follow to get your wounds to heal seamlessly.

  • Stay out of the sun: The skin on a scar is incredibly sensitive. Make sure you keep it protected, whether that be by covering it with clothes, bandage or sunscreen. Discoloration can make the scar appear worse than it is.
  • Doctor’s orders: If your wound required a doctor’s attention, be sure to ask them about wound care. They will be able to offer specific instructions to care for your wound, especially if stitches were necessary.
  • Be patient: Scars can take months or even years to heal, depending on the wound’s severity. If you think you’ve waited long enough for scar-free skin, then it’s time to see your local dermatologist.

Are you fed up with pesky scars that just aren’t seeming to heal? It may be time to see a dermatologist to come up with an individualized treatment plan to help treat your scars. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, our doctors are committed to the best quality care and will always put you first. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

When is it Rosacea?

With so many different skin conditions out there, it’s hard to distinguish what exactly the condition is and how serious it can be.  Is it acne, irritation or something underlying that requires medical treatment? Either way, a skin condition, especially one on the face, can bring about self-esteem and social insecurities. Rosacea is a chronic condition that leaves a lasting redness or flushing on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Doctors aren’t sure what the cause is or how to cure it, but there are medications and treatment options available to manage flare-ups. Rosacea is mistaken often as acne in its early stages, but if it is left untreated, the condition will become worse and can cause permanent damage to the skin. If you think you have rosacea, visit a dermatologist immediately to be diagnosed and to get an individualized treatment plan.

Acne vs. Rosacea

When rosacea looks like acne in its early-stages, it’s hard to determine the difference and when it’s time to see a dermatologist. Pimples and small, red bumps are common symptoms of rosacea. This is why the two often get mistaken for each other. Remember that rosacea usually affects the central region of the face. Acne will show up on the entire surface, as well as the shoulders, back and chest. Blackheads are another indicator that it’s probably acne.

Who Can Get Rosacea?

The answer is anybody. Over 16 million Americans suffer from rosacea . The development can appear in many forms and at any age, though it is typically only after the age of 30. The condition affects people from all skin types, but people with a fair skin tone are more susceptible. Blushing or becoming flushed easily is an indicator of early onset rosacea. While the condition is more frequent in women, it is more severe among men.

How Dermatologists Diagnose

There are many symptoms that lead dermatologists in diagnosing a patient with rosacea. Persistent redness and the thickening of the skin are the major signs that doctors can observe independently to make the diagnosis. The face having persistent redness, like an unfading sunburn, is a main indication of rosacea. In many cases, the skin on the face thickens, especially around the nose, which causes facial disfigurement or even insufficient nasal airflow. Secondary symptoms include:

  • A history of frequent blushing or flushing
  • Small, red bumps or pimples in the absence of blackheads or regular acne.
  • Visible blood vessels
  • Eye irritation
  • Swollen, dry skin that burns or stings

According to the National Rosacea Society, 90 percent of patients diagnosed with the condition have lowered self-esteem to the point that they avoid social contact and going out in public. Finding the correct way to manage rosacea for individual cases can help with this. Over 70 percent of the people surveyed said that the medical treatment of their condition dramatically improved their social and mental well-being.

Managing YOUR Rosacea

People who suspect they have rosacea should make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately to be diagnosed and to devise a personalized treatment plan. If left untreated, rosacea can permanently affect the appearance of the face by leaving the skin bumpy or swollen due to the excess tissue. Oral and topical medications are available for people to manage the condition. Anti-inflammatory therapy is required to control flare-ups in severe cases.

A delicate skin care routine is beneficial for people living with rosacea. Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser with lukewarm water. Sunscreen is necessary if the skin is going to be exposed to the sun. Use cosmetic foundations with a green tint to conceal the redness. Makeups that are pink or orange-based will only intensify the red color. Sun exposure, heat, alcohol, strong emotions, caffeine and spicy foods are all triggers that can cause a flare-up. Keep a journal or daily log of activities that coincide with the flare-ups, so you can start changing your lifestyle and start living your best life.

Ready to see a dermatologist to come up with an individualized treatment plan to help manage your rosacea? At Knoxville Dermatology Group, our doctors are committed to the best quality care and will always put you first. To make an appointment, visit us online or call us at (865) 690-9467.