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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.

Seasonal Allergies and Your Skin

As the weather begins to change, bringing lots of light and warmth, your skin will begin to change with it. You may start to notice small differences from the warmer temperatures or that your sweat glands working overtime. However, did you know that your seasonal allergies also have an effect on your skin?

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Allergies are chronic and occur when the immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. This causes individuals to experience a number of reactions, ranging from mild to fatal. Allergies are unique to individuals, meaning different people suffer from a different mix of allergies. It’s also possible to not suffer from allergies at all if you happen to be one of the lucky ones.

Commonly known as hay fever, seasonal allergies occur during different times of the year, like spring, summer, and fall. This is generally when plants pollinate, causing higher pollen counts in the air. They are different from normal allergies in the way that they only affect an individual at certain times of the year. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it is important to be aware of the ways they can cause new issues for your skin as well as irritating existing conditions.

Skin Conditions and Seasonal Allergies

Eczema

Research shows a link between eczema and allergies. While eczema resembles an allergic reaction, it is not directly caused by allergies. However, allergies can cause flare-ups in those who suffer from the condition. Once you’ve come into contact with the allergen, your immune system starts to overreact which causes your skin to exhibit a reaction similar to that of eczema. Seasonal allergens include dust mites and pollen. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat symptoms associated with eczema.

Hives

Also known as urticaria, hives are caused by a number of different triggers and are symptomatic of red, raised and itchy patches of skin. Hives can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. One common trigger is an allergen coming into contact with the skin. Seasonal changes bring about higher counts of pollen, which means you are at a greater risk of coming in contact with a potential irritant.

Dryness

Skin dryness is not directly caused by seasonal allergies but often occurs as one suffers from the adverse effects of allergies. Allergies can cause the nose to run and the eyes to water. This means that you may use tissues to wipe your nose more often than your sensitive facial skin can handle. Chapping and dryness around the nostrils can be uncomfortable and often painful. Some ways to avoid drying out the skin when your allergies are causing your nose to run is to use tissues with lotion, apply a salve regularly or even apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the area to keep the skin protected. Your dermatologist can recommend products specific to your skin type and needs.

Seasonal allergies can cause an array of new issues for skin and cause existing conditions to worsen. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, suffer from seasonal allergies or are seeing flairs ups of existing conditions, it is time to call your dermatologist.

4 Common Skin Conditions Among Newborns

A new addition to the family is always a cause for joy and celebration. We know that some parents may worry more than others, especially if it’s their first. Now that the baby is here, there may be some unforeseen, but common, skin issues appearing. Some have no need for concern, but others do require your attention. Sometimes simple treatments do the trick, and others require a trip to the dermatologist. If one of the following skin issues does appear, here is how to care for your bundle of joy.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is very common for newborns and infants. The rash is caused by any number of things including excessive contact with fabrics, adhesives, urine, stool or with moisture even. You may notice your baby seems more uncomfortable or fussy than usual. If your baby has the red, scaly patches of diaper rash, it can be easily managed.

To prevent this rash, make sure you are frequently changing their diaper after they’ve soiled it. Clean areas covered by the diaper during each change. It’s wise to add a barrier cream or moisturizer so your baby’s skin doesn’t become dry with the wiping. If the rash persists, there are many effective, over-the-counter creams to heal and soothe the rash.

Cradle Cap

Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, appears as small, oily flakes on a newborn’s scalp. This is often caused by excessive oil production around the hair follicles. It is no cause for concern as it can naturally resolve itself.

However, there are simple treatments to help care for the affected areas and resolve cradle cap more quickly. By using a gentle, infant shampoo, the flakes can be loosened and fall off. A primary care physician can prescribe a medicated shampoo if symptoms persist. It is important to make note of the appearance of cradle cap, as it may be an indication of atopic eczema.

Atopic Eczema

If you are noticing rough, dry skin with a red color on your newborn’s cheeks, elbows or knees, it’s possible they have atopic eczema. There is no known cause for eczema, although it may stem from genetics. Eczema can be triggered by a number of things like soaps, detergents, high temperatures or dust mites. The condition may only remain through infancy or can occur throughout the newborn’s lifetime.

Eczema is extremely common and treatable, although it is not curable. For your baby, use a gentle, sensitive-skin bath soap and be sure to bathe them in cool or lukewarm water. Gently pat them dry and apply a gentle moisturizer to soothe the skin. Finally, if the symptoms persist, visit a dermatologist. They can prescribe a safe steroid to apply during a flare-up and help monitor the condition for the future.

Hemangioma

This is a type of birthmark that usually appears as a bright red, rubbery raised nodule, commonly on the face, neck or chest. Hemangiomas are actually a collection of blood vessels that have reached the skin’s surface. While a hemangioma may be present at birth, they often appear in the weeks following and grow in size.

Hemangiomas should not be a cause for concern and will reduce in size, eventually disappearing over time. However, if the birthmark is near the eyes or ears, it is important for a primary care physician or dermatologist to examine it and determine if it may impact your child’s vision or hearing. In this case, dermatologists can use laser treatments to shrink the hemangioma and protect your baby’s hearing or vision.

It is important to be proactive in treating conditions that may appear with your newborn. If you feel unsure about symptoms of your child, bring them to be examined by your dermatologist or primary care physician. If your newborn suffers from atopic eczema or has a hemangioma, the experienced 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 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!

Winter Skin Conditions

Spring weather may be on the way, but warmer days could be a long time coming which is especially difficult our skin. The consistent dryness of our indoor heat coupled with the coolness in the air can be exhausting on our skin. The two most inflamed skin conditions during the winter months are psoriasis and eczema. The cold weather tends to strengthen itchy, irritated patches. Here are a few facts about each:

Psoriasis causes severe skin inflammation due to overly active inflammatory pathways. Psoriatic skin cells are produced and mature too quickly. This tends to appear on the hairline, elbows and kneecaps.

Eczema and psoriasis can look very similar, but there are many differences. Eczema includes a decreased effectiveness of the skin’s ability to heal from external elements. Additionally, skin with eczema tends to lose hydration and become dry easily.

If you suspect you may have eczema, psoriasis, or just very dry skin, call Knoxville Dermatology Group at (865)690-9467 to schedule an appointment with a practitioner.

Managing Eczema as Spring Arrives

dermatology

There are some things in our life that we’ve learned to work around, like a cowlick along our hairline, a prominent freckle, or stray hairs in our eyebrows. But working around red, irritated skin, especially as spring greets us, can be frustrating and even cause self-consciousness. Spring is the season to let skin breathe after a long winter, and Knoxville Dermatology is in your corner when it comes to eczema.

Eczema is inflamed skin that sometimes becomes moist and oozes. Unfortunately there’s no cure for this genetic skin condition, but it is a condition that can be managed. Eczema is often triggered by stress, excessive heat, certain fabrics, and even certain foods. Pollen, mold and dryness also increase your likelihood of a flare-up. For starters, it’s important to keep your body hydrated and nourished with a healthy balance of water, antioxidants and protein.

If you are currently experiencing a flare-up, avoid scratching at all costs. Scratching and rubbing can further irritate your skin and may cause deep infection. Our certified dermatologists can work with you to figure out the best skincare products and methods to help control and manage eczema. Some forms of eczema require just a topical treatment, while others clear up with an oral antibiotic. We want to help you welcome spring with healthy skin that you can feel confident about, so call us today to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions about eczema 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.

Psoriasis or Eczema: How to Tell the Difference

Psoriasis and eczema are both chronic skin conditions with similar effects and symptoms. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, we want to help you know the difference and manage the symptoms.

There are several signs that can help you distinguish between the two. For example, psoriasis can be inherited genetically and therefore run in the family.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that if a family member has it you will automatically follow suit. However, you will be more susceptible of contracting it. Flare ups may occur with certain triggers like stress, medications, weather conditions and diet.

Eczema is not typically tied to genetics. The body’s immune system plays the main role in developing this skin condition. It usually affects children and infants, whereas psoriasis is more prevalent in adults.

Another helpful tip is to check the location of irritated skin. If your rash is on the back of your elbows or the front of your knees, then you are most likely experiencing a psoriasis flare up. If your rash is on the inside of your arms or the back of your knees, then you’ve likely got a case of eczema.

While scientists are still trying to figure out specific causes of these conditions, it is certain that psoriasis and eczema are not contagious. Treatments for both include lotions, creams and sometimes medications. Schedule an appointment today with one of our certified dermatologists to figure out the best treatment option for you.

If you have any questions about psoriasis or eczema 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.

Figuring Out Eczema

The term “eczema” refers to a variety of skin conditions. Usually it involves red, irritated skin that occasionally results in small, fluid-filled bumps that can become moist and ooze. Whatever condition you may be dealing with – atopic, infantile, etc. – your Knoxville Dermatology team is here to help you manage your symptoms.

While there are no ways to prevent the genetic skin condition, eczema can be managed and improved. Avoiding triggers such as pollen, mold and dryness helps diminish flare-ups. Other triggers can include some foods, emotional stress, excessive heat, and certain fabrics and skincare products. Also, make an effort to curb your tendency to scratch at a rash, as scratching and rubbing can further irritate the skin and cause deeper infection.

Our certified dermatologists can find the best treatment options for you. They may recommend antihistamines to help with the itching, ultraviolet light treatment to clear rashes up, or an oral antibiotic to prevent and treat secondary infections. Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams, are commonly used for treating eczema as well. We’re ready to help you manage your eczema and keep it under control, so call and schedule an appointment with one of our certified dermatologists to determine the best treatment plan for you.

If you have any questions about eczema 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.

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.

What to Expect with Eczema

We deal with a lot of skin diseases here at Knoxville Dermatology Group. One of the most common skin conditions we see is eczema. It’s no wonder since it affects more than 30 million Americans. We are here to say that we want to help you manage your eczema.

When you come in, we’ll discuss your symptoms. An eczema rash is different for every person. Generally, people with eczema suffer from dry, sensitive, intensely itchy skin. Some people get leathery patches, others get oozing or even swelling.

We’ll also talk about your flare-ups and figure out what triggers them. Some triggers are associated with allergies from fruits or certain fabrics. Flare-ups can occur when you come into contact with irritants like certain soaps, detergents and disinfectants.

Once we discuss the causes, we can help you effectively manage your symptoms with medical treatments.

If you have any questions about eczema 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.