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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.

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.

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.

 

Knoxville Dermatology Group Joins Anne Arundel Dermatology

Here at Knoxville Dermatology Group, we’re focused on providing the best possible dermatological services to the people of the greater Knoxville area.

But we also recognize that there’s strength in numbers. Merging with other practices allows us to scale up our business. That means more high-quality cosmetic and general dermatology treatments for patients like you.

With this in mind, Knoxville Dermatology Group is pleased to announce that we’ve merged with Anne Arundel Dermatology (AAD)!

Anne Arundel Dermatology is a leading provider of dermatological services in Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee. It’s one of the fastest-growing practices in the eastern United States and offers a comprehensive suite of dermatologic services, offering general dermatology, advanced treatment options for skin cancer and cosmetic procedures.

Here’s what Knoxville Dermatology Group owner Matt Hanggi had to say about the merger:

“KDG evaluated a number of different partners to assist us with our next phase of growth. Anne Arundel Dermatology stood out for us; emphasis on patient care, support and resources afforded to the clinical team, and approach to growth were all important factors for KDG and AAD checked those boxes.

“Our practice and our patients will benefit tremendously from the commitment of AAD to support our future growth and expansion plans.”

To learn more about Anne Arundel Dermatology, visit their website here.

Travelling outside the Volunteer State soon? Looking to find an out-of-state dermatologist with the same high standards of care you’ve come to expect from Knoxville Dermatology Group?

You can find a list of Anne Arundel Dermatology’s Virginia and Maryland locations here – and you can request an appointment here.

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!

Don’t Let Athlete’s Foot Take You Out of the Game

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a common foot infection that affects up to 70%  of the population as some point in time. The fungal condition causes the skin on the foot to itch, sting, burn or even peel. Athlete’s foot is contagious and is contracted by contact with the bacteria. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments like showers, locker rooms or swimming pools. Although both athletes and non-athletes alike can suffer from athlete’s foot, the infection received its name since athletes frequent the places it’s most often acquired. It’s closely related to other fungal infections like ringworm and jock itch.

Although athlete’s foot is not life-threatening, it is still a fungal infection and can spread to other parts of the body. As kids go back to school and return to sports, or college students return to a communal shower, or you or your family spend time in the late summer heat, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot and how to treat it. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about athlete’s foot.

How It’s Acquired

Athlete’s foot is a contagious infection and is contracted by contact with someone or something carrying the bacteria. It’s most commonly caught by walking barefoot in public places like bathrooms or swimming pools. Sharing footwear with someone who has athlete’s foot is another way to contract the infection, or a skin or nail injury can also make people more susceptible.

What It Looks Like

Athlete’s foot may not always have the same appearance. Redness, scaling, dryness and cracks or peeling are all signs that can be present between the toes or the soles of the feet. For some, it produces itching and burning. The symptoms are similar to other conditions like contact dermatitis and psoriasis. Since it can be mistaken for these other conditions, it can be helpful to see a dermatologist.

How to Prevent It

The best way to prevent athlete’s foot is by practicing good hygiene. These tips can also help:

  • Wear shower shoes or sandals when walking around pools, locker rooms or public showers
  • Keep your feet dry and in clean socks and footwear
  • Make sure you dry your feet between the toes
  • Wear footwear made of natural fabrics which aren’t too tight and allow the feet to breath.
  • Spray your footwear with a disinfectant to kill germs
  • If someone in your household has athlete’s foot, do not share any towels, shoes or linens
  • Keep bathroom surfaces like showers and tubs clean

How to Treat It

Most cases of athlete’s foot are treated with over-the-counter remedies that come in the forms of powders, sprays, ointments and lotions. In most cases, the infection responds best to these treatments. One of the best home remedies is tea tree oil, an ingredient used in many over-the-counter treatments. The oil has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. To use, mix the oil with coconut oil and apply to the affected skin two to four times a day. Studies have also shown that ajoene, a chemical found in garlic, has healing and preventative properties.

It’s important to monitor athlete’s foot since if left untreated, or if the condition worsens, it can cause a secondary infection and tissue breakdown. It can become very painful. An allergic reaction can also occur causing blistering. Diagnosing it and treating it early is crucial as once it reaches the toe nails it’s difficult to eliminate.

When to Contact a Dermatologist

If the infection does not improve within a week, make an appointment with a dermatologist. A dermatologist will examine the feet and look at a skin scraping under a microscope to determine if fungus is present. In a matter of minutes, a diagnosis is achieved. If you experience recurring athlete’s foot, it can also be helpful to see a dermatologist. It could be another condition requiring an entirely different treatment. Also, if the athlete’s foot is severe, over-the-count remedies may not be effective and require anti-fungal pills taken by mouth.

To make an appointment with a dermatologist to inspect a worrisome case of athlete’s foot, call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467.

 

Psoriasis Management for Teenagers

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that affects one to two Americans out of every hundred. The condition causes red, raised lesions on drier areas of the body. These areas typically include the elbows, knees, scalp, buttocks or anywhere that experiences friction. The intensity of psoriasis ranges from mild to severe and can even cause arthritis-like joint pain. Psoriasis is a manageable condition, but treatments vary from person to person.

A psoriasis diagnosis can be detrimental to anyone, but it can be especially hard to accept as a teenager. Most teens are already self-conscious, but a skin disorder can cause lasting self-esteem issues. There aren’t as many prescription medications approved by the FDA available for minors to help manage the condition. It’s normal for teenagers to suffer from acne and to experiment with hair and makeup. Teens with psoriasis should talk with a dermatologist to find the best products to keep flare ups under control.

Makeup

A rite of passage for teenagers is learning how to wear makeup. All teens, not just ones with psoriasis, should be choosing products that cater to their own individual skin type. It’s important to hydrate with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer and primer to prepare the skin for makeup application. Those with psoriasis should be using liquid-based foundations, which will provide more coverage to problem areas. Powder foundations can clog the pores, dry the skin out and lead to flaking. It’s important to wash your face and remove all makeup before going to bed.

Hair Care

Changing your hair up is a normal part of being a teenager, but many think they can’t due to the irritation psoriasis causes to the scalp. It’s important to look at the ingredients in the products you’re using to make sure they cater to sensitive skin. Avoid sulfates in shampoos and wash your hair every couple of days.

The National Psoriasis Foundation says that hair dye will do little to affect the condition. It’s suggested to wait until there isn’t a flare up on the scalp. It’s also important to talk to your hairdresser to make sure the products being used won’t cause any irritation.

Acne

Acne is something many teenagers deal with, but those with psoriasis should pay closer attention to their skin care routine. Use a mild, non-drying cleanser once or twice a day to keep your skin exfoliated and clean. Avoid excessive washing and use an oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Greasy moisturizers will block the pores and cause irritation. Using an over-the-counter skin cleanser prescribed by a dermatologist will provide the best results to clear your acne.

Looking for consultation and product recommendations to help manage your psoriasis? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today to schedule an appointment!

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!

What’s Causing Your Pigment Irregularities?

To find an irregular dark spot on your skin can be a little concerning. Most of these spots are harmless and caused by aging, sun damage or even an underlying condition. We want our skin to be smooth and clear, so it’s important to address these spots as soon as they’re detected. Here are some different skin conditions that could be causing your pigmentation irregularity.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation causes patches of skin to become darker than normal due to sun damage, inflammation, acne or any other skin injuries. This occurs when extra melanin, the pigment that produces skin color, forms in pockets on the surface of the skin. This condition isn’t dangerous— but can make someone feel self-conscious about their appearance. Although any skin type can develop hyperpigmentation, those with darker skin tones are more prone.

Solar Lentigines

Commonly referred to as “liver spots,” solar lentigines are irregular, brown spots that appear on the sun-exposed parts of the body. This includes the face, hands, shoulders and calves. The lesions are also harmless and mostly occur on Caucasian people above the age of 40. The best way to prevent solar lentigines is by wearing sunscreen and getting minimal amounts of sun exposure.

Melasma

Melasma is a cosmetic condition that occurs frequently in women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. Too much sun exposure when there is a hormonal imbalance of estrogen and progesterone will cause this. Women on birth control, doing hormonal replacement therapy and going through menopause can also develop melasma. These spots may fade after hormones are rebalanced or after the baby is born, but can also never go away.

Having pigment irregularities and looking for treatment. Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 to make an appointment to talk to one of our health care professionals.