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How to Age Beautifully: Your Guide to Preventing Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are just a part of aging. By taking care of your skin now, you can age beautifully when the time comes. No matter your age, there are many simple steps to take, which can help slow the physical signs of aging and protect your skin from damage.

Will I Get Wrinkles?

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? As you grow older, your skin becomes drier, thinner and less elastic, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. A person’s aging patterns differ greatly due to ethnicity, genetics, sun exposure, occupation and smoking habits. Sometimes wrinkles form from a certain way you smile or furrow your brow.

So What Can I Do?

Wear Sunscreen

You would never hit the beach or the pool without your sunscreen, right? Well, what about when you hit the office or a day of errands? Sunscreen is important, every single day. The sun offers incredible health benefits like Vitamin D, so don’t avoid the sunshine. However, you should avoid its harmful UV rays. Sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF of around 30, will protect your skin from UV rays which cause accelerated signs of aging and even skin cancer.

Moisturize

As you age, your skin loses elasticity causing the skin to crease and wrinkle. One way to combat this is to moisturize regularly. By moisturizing, water is trapped in the skin, plumping skin and making it appear smoother and feel softer. Moisturizing will also help protect your skin against damage that comes from dryness. Be sure to use a moisturizer that is gentle on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about a moisturizer that is right for you.

Don’t Tan

Let me repeat. Do not tan. Whatever you do, do not step a foot into a tanning bed. The risk of getting skin cancer from tanning beds is exponentially higher than the risk of tanning in the sun. With that being said, stay away from exposing yourself to too much natural light. Tanning beds and the sun both expose your body to incredibly harmful UV rays. These rays dry out your skin, increase signs of aging, cause uneven skin tone, dark spots and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Don’t risk your skin’s health for a tan. There are many great artificial tanners sold now, so you can get a streak free, natural looking tan from a bottle, without exposing your skin to UV rays.

Be Patient

Just as you don’t age immediately overnight, results don’t appear overnight either. It’s important to stick to a regimen and trust that you’re doing the best thing to protect your skin. This may take six weeks, or it may take a few months. When wrinkles do come, and they will, remember that it is still a natural part of maturing. However, by implementing the steps above, they may progress slower and not as deep! Don’t be afraid to talk to your dermatologist about the best options to protect your skin.

See a Dermatologist

While home remedies and careful skin care are wonderful, your dermatologist can tell you the absolute best ways to care for your skin and prevent wrinkles. If you already have wrinkles, don’t despair. Your dermatologist can provide the best care and treatment plan so you achieve the skin of your dreams, in a safe and effective way.

If you’re ready to take your skin’s health into your own hands, let the dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group help. The professional and experienced staff is ready to get you on the right path to wrinkle-free skin today! To make an appointment, visit our website or call us 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.

The Universal Threat of Skin Cancer

Summer is over, and the amount of time we are spending outside is dwindling. As the tans fade, many will turn to tanning beds to contain the sun-kissed glow to the skin. Everyone knows that tanning beds are bad for you, but just a few times won’t hurt, right? Wrong. Just one use of the tanning bed dramatically increases your chances of developing a form of skin cancer. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable, but if left unnoticed, there can be seriously, lasting and reoccurring problems. Here is a breakdown of the different types of skin cancer, how to tell the difference and when to know it’s time to see a dermatologist.

Skin Cancer 101

Skin cancer is defined as an abnormal growth of skin cells in a concentrated area. UV ray exposure or sun damage are the leading causes associated with skin cancer. It affects all skin types, although those with a fair complexion or are susceptible to sunburns are at a higher risk. Although people who are over 40 are more likely to get it, using a tanning bed early on can increase the chances by up to 59 percent. Depending on the type of skin cancer, treatments range from topical medications to chemotherapy and radiation.

Actinic Keratoses

Referred to as AKs, actinic keratoses are precancerous growths on the surface of the skin. They form when the skin is damaged by UV rays and appear as dry, scaly patches or spots. People who form an AK once are susceptible to them reoccurring frequently throughout life. The patches can go away, then reappear once the skin is exposed to the sun.

Although AKs are precancerous, it’s important to visit a dermatologist immediately for treatment before the possibility of squamous cell carcinoma arises. Actinic keratoses are only characterized by physical symptoms. People with these spots might notice a rough patch that is not entirely visible and painful when rubbed. The spot might itch and burn, and the lips on the face may become dry.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and most diagnosed form in the United States. It appears in common sun-exposed places of the skin like the face, neck and hands. Like all skin cancers, the usage of tanning beds dramatically increases the chances of developing BCC by 40 percent. BCC grows slowly, rarely spreads and is highly treatable, but it’s important to get a worrisome spot checked out immediately when noticed. This form of cancer can destroy bone, tissue and the skin.

Basal cell carcinoma shows up on the skin in various forms. Most commonly, it will appear as a dome-shaped growth with visible blood vessels. It can look as a pink or red patch of scaly skin, like eczema. In addition, it may form as a yellowish-pale scar that won’t heal. The growth will often bleed, ooze then scab over.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There are over 700,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in the United States every year. This form of skin cancer starts off as actinic keratoses, precancerous growths. People who are diagnosed with SCC have had sun exposure to their skin for an extended amount of years. Squamous cell carcinoma is a slow-growing form of skin cancer.

SCC is physically characterized by a rough bump or lump on the skin. It will grow to be dome-shaped, then crust over and bleed. It looks to be a sore that doesn’t heal, and if it does, it will reappear. Squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed by a dermatologist who will perform a biopsy. Treatments can include excision, surgery, radiation or light therapy. The type of treatment depends on how deep the cancer has grown and how much it has spread.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and is the easiest spread. When detected early enough, it is highly treatable, but it is important to know the waning signs of what to look for. People who spend lots of time in the sun should perform regular body checks for any abnormal moles or growths. You can detect a worrisome spot by looking for the symmetry, border, color, diameter and evolution of the area.

Melanoma can change an pre-existing mole or form a completely new spot on the skin. It can also appear as a dark streak under a finger or toe nail. Melanoma can become deadly if it spreads to the lymph nodes or any internal organs. Depending on the stage it is caught, melanoma is treated by surgery, radiation or even chemotherapy. If you have a concerning spot on your skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

The medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group are experienced in catching, diagnosing and treating all forms of skin cancer. To make an appointment, contact us online here, or at (865) 690-9467 today.

How to Ensure Skin Conditions Don’t Keep Your Kids Out of School

School is officially back in session, and the kids are hard at work. Whether you’re relieved or not, it’s important to make sure they stay healthy for the whole year. Many parents forget that their kids come into contact with hundreds of children every day between the classroom, halls or recess. If not careful, you child could develop a skin-related illness or infection and pass it along to other kids. No one needs to miss school. These tips ensure your child will get the “Perfect Attendance” award at the end of the year.

Head Lice

Lice is the classic nuisance that schools will do everything in its’ power to prevent. Contrary to popular belief, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that students diagnosed with head lice do not need to be sent straight home. The organization suggests letting the student finish out the rest of the school day before going home and being treated. This is because head lice have not been shown to spread disease.

If your child does come home with lice, it’s important to follow these treatment instructions to ensure that they can return to school as soon as possible. To treat head lice, get an over-the-counter prescription lice medicine, called pediculicide, and read the measurement and how-to-use instructions that are provided. Comb the treatment through small stands of hair, one at a time, until all parts of the head have been treated. After eight to 12 hours, if the lice are still alive and active, repeat the treatment process. If the lice problem continues to persist, take a visit to a dermatologist.

It’s important to check the heads of everyone in the household and anyone who the child has recently come in contact with. All clothes, hats, bedding, towels or grooming aids must be washed and sanitized. Personal hygiene or cleanliness is not a factor that contributes to head lice. If someone in your child’s school gets lice, make sure all children in the class get checked immediately.

Shingles

Chickenpox used to be a common virus that most kids would get. With a vaccine in place now, the condition is becoming less common. However, anyone who has had a case of the chickenpox is at a slight risk of developing shingles, even children. Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella zoster virus. When a child gets chickenpox, the virus stays in the person’s nervous system forever. When the virus flares up again, it is considered shingles. This is pretty rare in children or teens with healthy immune systems.

A case of shingles will bring symptoms of tingling, itching or even pain before a rash appears. The rash will show up as a group of pimples on the body or face. After a week to ten days, the blisters will break open and scab over. It takes usually two to four weeks for the scabs to heal completely. Children might also experience fever, headache, fatigue or general muscle achiness with an outbreak. Shingles is extremely contagious, so make sure to keep you child home from school and away from friends.

Eczema

One in ten children will experience eczema before the age of five. Eczema is defined as numerous different skin conditions that leave the skin red and irritated. The skin will sometimes have small, red, fluid-filled bumps that ooze. Doctors aren’t sure what exactly causes the condition, but they do believe genetics plays a factor. Kids who develop eczema often have other family members with asthma, allergies or even hay fever.

Good skin care is the first step of treating eczema. In minor cases, a change to your daily habits and hygiene will do the trick. Using an unscented moisturizing or lotion will help keep the skin hydrated. Use it twice a day and after bathing. Dry air can irritate the condition, so doctors recommend keeping a dehumidifier in the room your child sleeps in. For any case of eczema, a dermatologist can prescribe physician-strength medicines and moisturizers.

Does you or your child have a skin condition that could affect them from going to school?  Our dermatologists are specialists in cases involving eczema, shingles and provide assistance for head lice. Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 or visit us online!

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.

New Age of Psoriasis Treatment

There is nothing more self-conscious than having a visible rash on your skin. Psoriasis is a common, genetic autoimmune disease that causes people’s skin cells to grow at a faster than normal rate. This creates red, scaly patches on areas like the knees, elbows and scalp. Although it’s not contagious, many people living with psoriasis feel isolated and excluded. The good news is, there has been recent progress on new therapies that have amazing results in treating the condition.

Biologics

Biologics are medicines made from proteins, antibodies and other substances that are found in living things. Doctors inject these medicines into the bloodstream, which then block the altered immune system that contributes to psoriasis. Biologics are intended to curb white blood cells, block one of the main messenger chemicals in the immune system, stop interleukins and bind to proteins that create redness. Although they can be expensive, most biologics are FDA approved and clinical trials showed that it lowered psoriasis activity in at least 75 percent of patients.

Phototherapy

Psoriasis phototherapy works by focusing ultraviolet light on the problematic areas. Even regular exposure to sunlight can dramatically improve symptoms in patients. In recent years, more effective forms of light therapy have been approved by the FDA. UVB therapy focuses the ultraviolet rays directly on the affected areas,  requiring fewer treatments.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are ointments that are applied directly to the affected skin. These are a great option for patients looking to get relief, without the system-wide side effects that come with pill or injection treatments. There are various prescription creams and retinoids that aim at relieving inflammation and itching.

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.

Streak Free Spring!

Spring is blooming, and sunlight has returned. Want to darken your complexion for spring? UV tanning beds increase the chance of developing melanoma by drastic amounts. Using self-tanner is a safer alternative that can deliver even better results.

Pick the Right Kind for You

Picking the right type of self-tanner is very important to the process. There are many different self- tanners to choose from, but they all have one thing in common, they are safer than a UV tanning bed. Be sure to read labels before purchasing as some may give quicker or darker results than others.

Before Application

Be sure to shower before application. Exfoliate your skin first to remove dead skin cells. This will provide for a smoother application with less streaks. Try using an in shower exfoliant for your body and face. It is also beneficial to shave your legs before application, as shaving after can wipe away applied tanning lotion.  After these steps, apply an oil- and fragrance-free lotion to your hands, the backs of your heels, and to your elbows and knees. These areas are typically dry and will absorb more pigment than other parts.

Application and After

Most self-tanners come in a foam or lotion form and are typically easy to apply. To avoid streaks and orange fingers, use a mitt for application. If you would prefer to not use a one, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after application to alleviate your hands of a potential orange color. Be sure to wipe off your nails using a cotton swab or makeup remover so no to ruin your nails. After application, try to wear loose fit clothing for 15-30 minutes or if you are in a hurry, use a blow dryer to help speed up the process.

Applying self- tanner can be scary but is safer than the alternative of the UV tanning bed. If you think self-application is not for you, book a spray tan with your local spray tan service. Just remember, stay out of UV tanning beds!

Don’t Let Ingrown Hairs Get In Your Way

“No shave November” is long gone and with warmer weather and spring break approaching, it’s time to start shaving more often. Unfortunately, for many people with more consistent shaving comes razor burn and ingrown hairs.

What is an ingrown hair?

Ingrown hairs occur when a hair is trapped inside the follicle or when it grows back into the skin. Then an inflammatory response typically occurs signaling that you have an ingrown hair. This means that you will experience redness, itchiness, pain and/or a raised, pimple like blemish.

Ingrown hairs often heal on their own. For the pesky ones that don’t want to go away, there are several ways to treat them. Try using tweezers to lift the ingrown end, but don’t puck or dig it out as this could make it worse. Also, try using products that contain azulene or allantoin to reduce the swelling.

How to treat

The best way to treat ingrown hairs is to take precautionary steps to prevent them. Ensure that you are using proper shaving techniques including: not shaving too closely, shaving the direction of your hair growth and using a sharp razor. Exfoliate your skin in areas where you shave when you shower to dislodge ingrown hairs. Also, use products containing active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, after you shave.

If you have questions or concerns regarding ingrown hairs call to schedule an appointment with KDG  at (865)690-9467 or visit www.knoxderm.com.

These holiday habits are hurting your skin

The holiday season is in full swing. Christmas parties, office gifts and holiday dinners usually involve one thing – food. Eating more than usual during the holiday season is a commonly accepted principle. However, taking advantage of the phrase “eat, drink and be merry” can be harmful for your skin.

Eat – Carbs and candy are holiday favorites, but they cause a spike in blood sugar. This spike can unleash hormones, which stimulate oil production. High-sugar diets can cause collagen and elastin to break down, which loosens your skin.

Drink-  Heavy drinking can cause dehydration, which dulls and dries your skin. Some skin conditions can also be inflamed by alcohol consumption. Alcohol also dissolves vitamin A, which repairs your skin through collagen.

Be merry- Don’t stay at your holiday party too late. Sleeping seven to nine hours a night is essential to keeping your skin youthful and healthy.

You don’t have to sacrifice your skin during the holiday season. Enjoy everything in moderation and keep up with your daily skin routine. To schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group, call (865)690-9467

Men’s Health Month: How to Shave Properly

June is men’s health month. While men have the same basic skin needs as women, skincare is perceived as feminine hygiene. Men tend to have oilier skin than women and need to follow the same washing and exfoliating regiment. Shaving mishaps are the most common skincare error for men.

Proper shaving starts before the razor touches your skin: razors should be kept on a dry surface to prevent bacteria growth. Changing the razor blade also improves sanitation. Men with sensitive skin should try an electric razor to soften the chance of irritation.

Knowing your skin type is important to choosing the right product for a smooth shave. Oily skin types should stick to using creams and dry skin should use gels. Normal skin types can use both types. Also look for moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin, in your shaving products.

Shaving after a hot shower or using hot water to wash your blade and face are the best way to open pores for a smoother shave. Shave in the direction of the hair growth to prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn. Another good practice is to use long strokes and work slowly to prevent cutting yourself. A moisturizing aftershave will help soothe and soften your skin.

To schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, call (865)690-9467 or visit our website.