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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.

 

Baby Got Bacne

When we hear acne, memories of high school and puberty come to the forefront of our minds. While many people’s faces clear up past this phase, it isn’t uncommon to experience acne—and even bacne—in our adult lives. Dealing with zits on your face is one thing, but blemishes on your back can be tougher and in hard to reach places. With swimsuit season here, you are probably ready to learn how to manage your bacne once and for all! 

Acne vs. Bacne: 

Many people think that the only difference between acne and bacne is the location it appears on your body. With the back being hard to reach, it is often difficult to clean and exfoliate the problem areas completely. Also, serums used to treat the face often don’t respond as well on the back because the skin there is much thicker and resilient. The skin on the face receives more blood supply that lets acne heal faster and reduce scarring.  

Causes of Bance:  

Although some people are just more prone to bacne than others, there are conditions that will make it worse. Acne happens when our pores become clogged and can’t excrete the oily-sebum that keeps our skin healthy. Men are more prone to bacne thanks to their over-active sebaceous glands and the amount of hair on their backs. Personal products like hair products and body soaps may be blocking your pores and even causing bacne. Scented products use ingredients that will clog your pores, so try using a plain wash made for sensitive skin. Excessive sweating due to exercise can also be a cause. Daily showers, wearing clean clothes and keeping your skin dry are basic hygiene skills and factors to keep in mind.  

Bacne Treatments:  

With tougher skin on the back than the face, products used to treat bacne need a stronger formula, but typically contain the same ingredients. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) work to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to smooth and clear the back of any dead skin cells that will clog pores. Using a loofah or a scrub with beads in it will irritate the acne and spread the bacteria across the back. Beta Hydroxy Acides (BHAs) are the most effective acne treatments and are designed to clean out dirt from your pores. Applying these to clean, dry skin on a regular basis can significantly improve your skin.  

Want to manage your bacne? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 to set up a consultation! 

What Face Wash Should You Use?

Being aware of your skin type is the first step to keeping clear skin. The second step is to keep it clean. Our skin types can change with the seasons, for example, someone who has oily skin in the summer may have combination skin in the winter. Check our previous blog here to find out your skin type. No matter the season, it’s important to keep our skin clean and free of dirt and oil.

Combination skin – Combination skin is best treated with a cleansing gel facial wash that is water-based. Cleansing gels that are alcohol-based can be too drying. Water-based formulas remove oil but still deliver a small amount of moisture that won’t clog pores.

Oily skin – Cleansing mud face washes are great for oily skin. Loaded with natural ingredients like charcoal or clay, the thick mixture helps empty pores and soak up excess oil. Many of these washes lather into foam and counteract sebum caused by hormone fluctuations.

Dry skin – Creams and balms are the best wash consistency for dry skin types. These use oils to remove dirt without removing your skin’s natural moisture. Rich cleansers help replace whatever moisture your skin is missing.

Keeping our pores clean of oil and dirt is essential to clear skin. Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at (865)690-9467 to schedule an appointment if you have any questions about dermatology.

It’s Acne Awareness Month!

Acne. Everyone has it, nobody wants it. Acne is the result of oil and dead skin cells plugging hair follicles that are meant to breath. It most commonly appears on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. These areas tend to produce the most oil. Teenagers are particularly susceptible, with 70 to 85 percent of teens having some sort of acne. Between 40 and 55 percent of adults age 20-40 are also diagnosed with acne.

There are many contributing factors to acne production. Physical causes include oil production, bacteria, dead skin cells and clogged pores. Non-physical causes of acne include stress, poor diet and certain medications. Hormones are also a common factor. A certain hormone called Androgen causes the sebaceous glands to widen, which results in more oil production. Flare-ups caused by hormones can happen to anyone, but are most susceptible to teens, pregnant women and people taking oral contraceptives.

A person suffering from acne should see a dermatologist for proper analysis, care and medication. Call (865)690-9467 to book an appointment with KDG or visit www.knoxderm.com for more information.

Spring Cleaning: How to Properly Wash Your Face

The U.S. skin care market is projected to reach $11 billion dollars in 2018, according to the Global Cosmetic Industry. With so many products to choose from, it’s possible some products may be doing more harm than good.

The number one rule to taking care of your skin is to know your skin. Dry skin and oily skin should not be washed the same way. Acne-prone and aging skin should also be treated differently.

The best temperature to wash your face is with lukewarm water. Extremely hot or frigidly cold can dry the skin and may not remove oil as effectively.

Choose the right cleanser. Cream-based lotions that contain shea butter or glycerin are great for dry skin types. Exfoliating scrubs help remove dead skin, dirt and oil for oily skin types. If your skin is in between, a pH-balanced cleanser will continue to keep your skin perfectly moisturized.

Cleaning your face is all about gentleness. Using your hands instead of a washcloth is gentler on your skin. Rub the cleanser in circular motions, concentrating on the T-zone. Then gently pat the skin dry instead of rubbing it.

If you have any questions on best practices or need to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, visit www.knoxderm.com or call (865)690-9467.

Guide to Anti-Aging Ingredients

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We all have one thing in common … we age. Many consumers turn to anti-aging creams and makeup to reverse wrinkles. However, non-prescription products aren’t required to undergo testing to prove their effectiveness. To ensure you have a product that actually does its job, look for these key ingredients:

Retinol- Retinol is a vitamin A compound that speeds up cell turnover by stimulating cellular repair and pumps circulation of blood. This boosts collagen and elastin and works best in the dark overnight.

Hydroxy Acids- Hydroxy acids such as alpha, beta and poly hydroxy acids are exfoliants that remove dead skin so that it becomes even and smooth. It also allows other anti-aging ingredients to work faster.

Coenzyme Q10- Also referred to as Vitamin Q, this ingredient helps retain the elastic tissue in your skin. It also aids in protecting the skin from sun damage and preserves collagen.

Tea Extract- Green tea extracts are the most common amongst anti-aging creams. These extracts contain antioxidants that repair skin damage and stimulants that energize the skin.

Peptides- Peptides are amino acids that produce collagen to firm skin. This ingredient is known to be used in products that help stretch marks, scars and wrinkles. All of these ingredients were cross-checked through the Mayo Clinic, Allure, and Everyday Health. Other helpful ingredients include Niacinamide, grape seed extract, and Vitamin C. To examine other ways to help prevent your skin from aging, contact a dermatologist or visit www.knoxderm.com.

Image courtesy of 7Crafts at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Reasons for Adult Acne

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The plague of our teenage years can come back to haunt us as an adult. It may seem unnatural to you, but plenty of adults suffer from adult-onset acne every year. Here are some common reasons for acne:

Certain hair and skin products can clog pores and cause breakouts. Be sure your facial products include the words “oil-free,” “non-acnegenic,” “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”

Acne can be a side effect of various medications.

A change in hormone levels is one of the leading causes of acne in women. This primarily stems from changes in birth control, menstrual cycles and pregnancy.

Heightened levels of stress can also cause a hormonal flare-up. Our bodies produce androgen when we stress, which stimulates our oil glands and causes acne.

Acne may also be passed down through genetics.

You can avoid acne by keeping your face clean, being smart about make-up, and using an over-the-counter medication. If you see no progress treating the acne, see a dermatologist for other treatments and guidance. Acne may be frustrating, but can be controlled with a little patience.

Image courtesy of nenetus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net