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Much Ado about May: Melanoma Awareness Month

May Melanoma Awareness Month DermatologyMay is an important month of the year. Summer gets into full swing, as May celebrates the finish line of the school year, graduation ceremonies, weddings, and perhaps the beginning of new career paths. The cold, dreary winter is in the rearview mirror, as we cruise into warmer, longer days. But most importantly, May serves as Melanoma Awareness Month.

Designated by The American Academy of Dermatology, Melanoma (or Skin Cancer) Awareness Month is an effort to raise awareness about the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma is aggressive, and if left untreated, it can spread all over your body. Melanoma cases have tripled over the past four decades, positioning it as one of the top 10 causes of new cancer cases.

We can’t stress the importance of prevention and early detection enough. A tool we use frequently to help identify the warning signs of skin cancer is the ABCD’s of Melanoma:

  • A for Asymmetry – if one half of a mole is different than the other half
  • B for Border Irregularity – if the mole’s edges are uneven, blurred or notched
  • C for Color – if the mole’s color is uneven and has varying shades of black or brown
  • D for Diameter – if the mole’s diameter is greater than six milliliters

Call us at (865) 690-9467 if you notice any of these changes in your skin. Let’s enjoy the summer by protecting our skin from skin cancer!

Know When to Go

There are lots of errands we tend to put off, such as getting your annual checkup or returning that dress you bought on impulse. Visiting the dermatologist is no different. So your friends at Knoxville Dermatology Group have compiled a priority list so you know when to go!

–         If a mole changes in size, color or symmetry,

–         If a new mole or growth appears,

–         If a single mole is changing, itching or bleeding, or

–         If you have small reddish moles near multiple larger moles…

…these are signs you should contact one of our certified dermatologists immediately. Early detection is key when dealing with any questionable skin condition. We also help with eczema, hives and rashes, seborrheic dermatitis and keratosis, allergic reactions, rosacea and shingles. A complete list of our services can be found here. Please contact us if you have any questions about your skin and skincare routine too.

If you have any questions 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.

Avoiding the Worm

As a kid, we probably all thought ringworm was the outline of a real worm living under your skin. Thankfully we know better now. We know it’s a skin infection but what else should we know?

We should know that ringworm occurs when a type of fungus called tinea grows and multiplies on skin.  It gets its name from the ring-shape the fungi forms on your skin. Tinea thrives in warm, moist areas and can easily spread from person to person. You should also watch out for combs, unwashed clothing and shower or pool surfaces. Ringworm is more likely when you are often wet even sweating and from minor injuries to your skin, scalp or nails.

If you begin experiencing itchy, red, raised and scaly patches that blister or ooze, call us immediately so we can discuss the best treatment options. Other symptoms to look out for are bald patches if it affects your hair or thick, discolored nails.

If you have any questions about ringworm 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.

Feeling Flushed

A flushed face is expected after a great surprise, but when the redness doesn’t fade, or when it flares up unexpectedly, you may be dealing with rosacea.

Rosacea is a common skin disease that causes redness and sensitivity on your nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. Some people experience bumps or pimples, others suffer from burning and soreness. Rosacea typically flares when something causes the blood vessels in the face to expand. Flare-ups can be triggered by exercise, sun and wind exposure, hot weather, stress, spicy foods, alcohol and even hot baths.

Although the cause for rosacea are uncertain, rosacea doesn’t seem to be an infection caused by bacteria. It appears to be more common in people with fair skin or those who have a family history of rosacea. If your rosacea keeps you from feeling confident or continuously bothers you, talk to one of our certified dermatologists. They can discuss the best options to have you looking and feeling better.

If you have any questions about rosacea 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.