Skip to main content

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.

Cooking this holiday season? Be sure you know how to treat minor cooking accidents.

Cooking this holiday season? Of course you are! The holidays are about two things, food and family. However, some of the most common kitchen injuries can leave you spending more time in the emergency room than around the table. Here is a list of the most common minor cooking accidents, how to treat them and when you should see a doctor or a dermatologist.

Burns

The holiday seasons are ripe with major and minor burns. The danger zones? Frying the turkey, boiling the macaroni and pulling the sweet potato casserole out of the oven, among many others. Whether the burn came from bumping over or touching a burning pan, it is important to treat the burn promptly and correctly. First, you need to determine the degree of the burn. Depending on how bad the burn is, you may have to seek medical treatment immediately:

  • First Degree Burn: Mild burn; results in pain and redness.
  • Second Degree Burn: More severe burn; damages the lower layer of the skin. A second degree burn may result in redness, swelling, blistering and pain.
  • Third Degree Burn: Most serious burn, affects all layers of skin and possibly deeper. May result in serious pain, blackened or charred skin.

The most common cooking accidents are mostly contained to first degree burns. First degree burns are also the only burn you should treat without the help of a medical professional. Although your initial instinct may be to run the burn under cold water, this traps the heat in your skin and makes the burn heal much slower. What you should do is apply a burn cream or anti-inflammatory, like aloe vera or antibiotic ointment. You can take any acetaminophen such as Tylenol to help with pain management. Be sure to regularly change out bandages and reapply creams to keep the burn sanitized.

For second and third degree burns, be sure to visit your doctor or dermatologist to receive correct burn treatment.

Cuts

As careful as you are during cooking, it’s easy to get a cut or accidentally slice your finger. Accidents happen, but it’s best to be prepared for when they do. Remember, only treat cuts yourself if they are minor flesh wounds. If you are unable to control the bleeding, visit the emergency room immediately.

If, however, you have a minor flesh wound there are three simple steps to keep in mind as you treat the cut.

  1. Clean the cut. You can clean out your cut by flushing it with a bit of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, followed by antibacterial soap and water.
  2. Apply an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin. This will help the cut heal more quickly.
  3. Bandage cut tightly. This will allow you to keep cooking and to protect the wound from infection.

If you cut yourself too deeply and needed to take a trip to the emergency room for stitches or other wound treatment, you may develop a scar. Scar treatment looks different for everybody and is dependent on the severity of the wound. If you have scarring from a cut, a dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan to lessen its appearance.

Eye Irritation

Eye irritation can occur during cooking, especially while preparing spicy foods or handling peppers. It is best to keep your hands away from the face during cooking and keeping them clean to avoid mishaps like eye irritation. If a bit of spice or pepper does reach your eye, causing a burning sensation, don’t panic. Most importantly, do not rub your eye. This will most likely cause more of the irritant to reach your eye, which will cause more pain. Secondly, go directly to the sink. Open your eye and begin to flush water into it. Do this until the irritant has been washed from your eye. You may experience redness after an episode like this. Using eye drops for eye irritation is okay, but the redness will recede naturally as well.

Accidents happen, so be prepared! If a more serious accident occurs, always seek medical help for correct treatment. If you have a cut or burn that leaves scarring, there are many ways to treat this. The experienced dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are ready to help you develop a treatment plan to reduce the appearance of scars and pigment irregularities. If you have a scar from a burn or cut and need help leaving it in the past, 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.

Calm the Razor Burn

Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos

Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos

Most of us welcome a little break from shaving during the winter. “No shave November” has even taken on a life of its own. But there’s something about that smooth skin feeling that is irresistible. So after a shave break when we pull the razors back out during these chillier months, we are more susceptible to razor burn. The official name for this bumpy situation is folliculitis.

Razor burn, or folliculitis, is an infection caused by either bacteria or a fungi. The infection leads to the small, pimple-like bumps that itch or burn after shaving. Commonly triggered in the scalp, face, groin and thighs, folliculitis affects damaged hair follicles. Irritation usually occurs as a result of friction from clothing or shaving. It may seem an obvious and simple solution, but keeping skin moisturized can help you avoid these pesky bumps.

If you do experience a bout of razor burn, try pressing a warm, moist rag on the area. This will allow pores to open up and the damaged follicles to relax a bit. ALWAYS use clean razors when shaving to prevent any further infection. If you continue to experience itchiness or pain, please contact one of our certified dermatologists. Depending on the severity, a topical or oral antibiotic or anti-fungal medication should do the trick. You don’t have to “feel the burn” post-shave, and we’ll help you get quick relief.

If you have any questions about razor burn or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Warts 101: the Grinch Can Have ‘Em

Don’t let the possibility of warts deter you from reaching out to shake your uncle’s hand or to show off that new engagement ring during the holidays. Though they are stubborn and seem to pop up with no warning, they can be easily treated!

First, be aware that it is possible to spread the infection. Don’t pick at your wart, as this can cause it to spread to other parts of your body. Also, if you have an open wound, be especially careful. Warts can be contagious and passed along to others if an infected person comes in contact with an open wound.

There are many over-the-counter remedies, but nothing knocks out a wart quite like a visit to a trusted dermatologist. Two popular in-office treatments are cryotherapy or lasers and electrotherapy. One uses extremely cold temperatures and the other uses heat to cauterize the water. Both are equally effective and depend on your preference and the stubbornness of the wart. Schedule a consultation with one of our certified dermatologists, and we’ll help you ward off the warts!

Are You Using Parabens?

parabens

What do you know about your makeup products? Maybe you’ve heard the beauty myths about bat excrement in mascara or fish scales in lipstick. But what do you know about parabens?

We recently wrote about when to throw away and replace your makeup products. In an effort to extend product shelf life, pharmaceutical companies are  now including preservatives called parabens  to protect makeup against microbial growth and help maintain product integrity. Scientists continue to research the relationship between parabens and tumors, as biopsy samples have revealed the presence of parabens in breast tumors. And although cosmetic companies promise a minimum concentration of parabens in their products, it’s best to monitor your exposure because they are so widely used.

There are product lines that offer paraben-free products. A safer option would be to use oil-based organic products that don’t contain water (which is why cosmetics need a preservative). Schedule an appointment and talk to one of our dermatologists about the best products for your skin.

If you have any questions about parabens or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

What is a Retinoid?

In our previous post about dark spots, we mentioned adding a retinol or retinoid to your skincare routine. So what would adding a retinoid to your skincare routine do exactly?

Well let’s start with what a retinoid is. Retinoid is an umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen and speed up cell turnover, which helps with discoloration. Jennifer Linder, M.D., says, “The best anti-ager is sunscreen; the next is vitamin A. Nothing else approaches it.” It helps with acne, wrinkles and other signs of aging and even psoriasis.

As you age, your skin loses its ability to renew itself and its elasticity. This makes wrinkles, dark spots and lines more evident. Adding retinoids into your routine helps your skin boost collagen production in a more natural way.

The ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight, so apply any creams just before bed for the best results. Also, ease yourself into using retinoids as they can cause dryness, redness and flaking. Start by using it every third night. If you don’t notice any irritation, then gradually bump it up to every other night. Call one of our certified dermatologists so you can determine the best retinoid for your skin.

If you have any questions about retinoids or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Feel Good and Look Good Long-Term

There’s no denying the powerful effect of a dose of Vitamin D via the sun’s rays. That ray of sunshine gives us a boost of confidence for the summer, but the love affair isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Over exposure to the sun can lead to premature wrinkles and age spots, pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions and elastosis.

Elastosis is the destruction of the elastic and collagen tissue that causes the lines and wrinkles, as well as the thickening and yellowing of skin. Along with smoking, this disorder is caused by years of sun exposure. All of these things make us look older but who says we can’t stop the effects now?

We can start by applying products with SPF 30 every day before we step outside, even if we are just going to work. If you plan to spend more than two hours outside, bring sunscreen with you and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Wearing hats and staying in the shade are other ways to avoid over exposure. Discontinue smoking and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. Exfoliate at least once a week and follow up with a moisturizer that fits your skin’s needs (whether you have oily, dry or combination skin) and an appropriate retinoid to boost collagen production. If you already see signs of elastosis, schedule an appointment with one of our certified dermatologists to determine the best skincare routine and/or measures for your skin.

If you have any questions about elastosis or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

What to Do with Acne Scars

We’ve all dealt with acne in one way or another. And when we see a pimple, nothing’s more tempting than popping it right then and there to get it over with. But this somewhat simple maneuver produces a long-lasting aftermath – acne scars.

There are many types of acne scars. They can range from deep pits to angular or wavelike marks. Some may even develop hyperpigmentation or dark marks. Scars are the body’s way of repairing damage. When you see deep acne scars, it is because your skin took a huge collagen loss from an inflammation.

The easiest way to a clear face is to not pick at your acne, but sometimes acne is so severe that scarring is unavoidable. While scar creams and moisturizers do help, some people turn to lasers for a more noticeable change. Our MediSpa office provides a skin rejuvenation method that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. We will provide you with after-care instructions like avoiding exfoliants and which skin care products can speed the healing process and maintain the health of your skin. Contact our MediSpa offices and schedule an appointment today!

If you have any questions about acne scars or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.