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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.

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.

Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Dandruff is small white flakes that appear on the head and scalp that can migrate to the shoulders. Many have faced issues with dandruff but if side effects persist, it could be something else. Another condition, seborrheic dermatitis, has similar implications to dandruff but is far more serious.

Dandruff

More than 50% of the U.S. population is affected by dandruff. It typically begins in puberty and is more common in men. Dandruff builds when there is an excess of skin cells that grow and die off quickly. Things like stress or sickness can increase the chances of dandruff, and often cold, dry weather does as well. There are many ways to fight dandruff using drugstore products or at home remedies. Dandruff isn’t anything to worry about. If after use of drug store products the scalp becomes red or irritated, you may need to seek medical attention.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis is slightly more serious than dandruff. It looks the same as dandruff, with flakes appearing on the scalp, able to spread. Seborrheic Dermatitis is known to appear with a burning red scalp. It is more common to spread all over the body where hair is present as opposed to solely the scalp. It can appear on eyebrows, arms and even the face. Seborrheic Dermatitis is often referred to as dandruff, seborrheic eczema or seborrheic psoriasis.

If you notice an increase in dandruff or any other side- effects, contact KDG at 865-690-9467 to see one of our providers.

What Causes Dandruff?

Girl looking for dandruff

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

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

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

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

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

Dandruff – the White Flakes You Don’t Want to See this Winter

 

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos

Winter brings a lot of woes our way – colds and sore throats, escalated heating bills and snow-pocalypses. But one woe that hits even closer to home is dandruff. These flakes unfortunately don’t bring a day off of work, but they are easy to treat.

Dandruff is actually a common condition characterized by an itchy scalp and white, oily-looking flakes. The condition can worsen during the winter months because of the lack of humidity in the air and indoor heating. Dandruff can occur any time of the year, depending on a variety of factors, so getting it taken care of this winter will have you ready when spring blooms begin to appear.

It’s typically associated with dry skin, but irritated and oily skin encourages dandruff more by creating a buildup of dirt, oil and dead skin cells. Buildup can be caused by excessive product usage or even infrequent washing. Diet and age can have a major influence on dandruff’s severity as well. Adding more zinc and vitamin B to your diet should help. Our physicians are a great source for feedback when dealing with skincare changes. With proper treatment, the only white flakes you’ll see this winter are the ones outside for making snow angels.

Dandruff Myths Busted

Dandruff can happen to anyone. But why do we get it in the summer when it’s humid out? Why does it get worse when we skip a day of shampooing? Never fear! KDG is here to debunk those dandruff myths.

MYTH #1: Dandruff means dryness.

False. Your scalp’s flakiness is actually caused by too much oil, not the opposite. According to Jessica Wu, M.D., “…it’s actually due to an overgrowth of a harmless yeast. In some people, the yeast starts to feed on the excess oil and dead skin cells on the scalp, causing the skin cells to shed more frequently and clump into flakes.”

MYTH #2: Skipping a day of shampooing will help dandruff.

False. Shampooing is often the easiest and most effective way to prevent dandruff, especially if you are using a dandruff-control shampoo. It helps clear up that excess oil and dead skin cells and invigorates follicles.

MYTH #3: Dandruff is from your head.

False. Dandruff can happen on your face and body too. Your eyebrows, around your ears and even along the sides of your nose can develop dandruff depending on the amount of oil produced.

Feel free to call us and schedule an appointment with one of our certified dermatologists. In preparation for a visit, make sure you have a list of any hair and skin care products you use. This will help your doctor determine if they may be the cause of your dandruff.

If you have any questions about dandruff 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.

Don’t Flake on Me! – Dealing with Dandruff

When winter hits, moisture seems scarce. We lather on our heavy creams, turn on our humidifiers, ease up on the hot showers, but sometimes dry, flaky skin makes an appearance. It’s not fun at all dealing with dry skin and dealing with it on your scalp can be especially frustrating.

Dandruff is a common condition, but a nuisance nonetheless. Characterized by an itchy scalp and white, oily-looking flakes, dandruff can worsen this time of year due to the lack of humidity in the air and indoor heating. It can be caused by dry skin, irritated and oily skin, not shampooing enough and sensitivity to hair products, but it can sometimes be triggered by stress or fatigue.

Diet and age can have a major influence on its severity. Adding more zinc and vitamin B to your diet should help. Our physicians are a great source for feedback when deciding what hair care products to use and what ingredients to avoid.

During the holidays, or anytime throughout the year, skin health should be taken seriously. Please call us today at 865-690-9467 if you have any questions about your skincare routine or changes in your skin. 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.

Dust Off That Dandruff

Ugh, you notice it again. Those white specks on your shirt or on your couch. It is dandruff, dead skin cells that come from the scalp. Dandruff may be accompanied by itching of the head, ears or neck. These symptoms can be intensified based on a number of environmental factors, such as an individual’s stress level and cold or dry weather.

Dandruff itself isn’t harmful or contagious, but it can be a source of embarrassment. It can also be indicative of other dermatological problems, such as psoriasis, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. Seeing a dermatologist can either identify or rule out these conditions as the cause of your dandruff.

The first thing to do is to make sure you are washing your hair daily. Practicing good hair hygiene is the first step towards getting rid of dandruff. However, this often isn’t enough to solve people’s problems. In that case, your dermatologist can help you identify a solution. There are a number of special shampoos available by prescription that can treat dandruff. A dermatologist will be able to examine and diagnose your dandruff and recommend a shampoo or other treatment to help alleviate your dandruff problems. There are several different options, so if one doesn’t work, your doctor will be able to give you several suggestions until you find one that works for you.

If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.