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What’s Causing Your Pigment Irregularities?

To find an irregular dark spot on your skin can be a little concerning. Most of these spots are harmless and caused by aging, sun damage or even an underlying condition. We want our skin to be smooth and clear, so it’s important to address these spots as soon as they’re detected. Here are some different skin conditions that could be causing your pigmentation irregularity.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation causes patches of skin to become darker than normal due to sun damage, inflammation, acne or any other skin injuries. This occurs when extra melanin, the pigment that produces skin color, forms in pockets on the surface of the skin. This condition isn’t dangerous— but can make someone feel self-conscious about their appearance. Although any skin type can develop hyperpigmentation, those with darker skin tones are more prone.

Solar Lentigines

Commonly referred to as “liver spots,” solar lentigines are irregular, brown spots that appear on the sun-exposed parts of the body. This includes the face, hands, shoulders and calves. The lesions are also harmless and mostly occur on Caucasian people above the age of 40. The best way to prevent solar lentigines is by wearing sunscreen and getting minimal amounts of sun exposure.

Melasma

Melasma is a cosmetic condition that occurs frequently in women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. Too much sun exposure when there is a hormonal imbalance of estrogen and progesterone will cause this. Women on birth control, doing hormonal replacement therapy and going through menopause can also develop melasma. These spots may fade after hormones are rebalanced or after the baby is born, but can also never go away.

Having pigment irregularities and looking for treatment. Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 to make an appointment to talk to one of our health care professionals.

BLU-U Your Way to Better Skin – Benefits of Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy

CT2A7543 Too much sun exposure can have a significant impact on the health of your skin. In addition to sunburn and dryness, prolonged subjection can over the years result in sun spots, premature skin aging and an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Among the most common condition is called actinic keratosis, otherwise described as scaly, discolored spots. There are several different strategies for treating these skin patches, including Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy.

What is Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that is combined with special drugs, called photosensitizing agents, that can kill cancer cells and treat certain skin problems. Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy, or BLU-U, is used to treat actinic keratosis.

CT2A7570What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis, or AKs, are rough-textured, dry patches on the skin. These patches are caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning. AKs can occur on areas typically more exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, hands, arms and ears. They may be red, pink, tan or skin toned and can grow larger than the size of a quarter.

Why is important to treat AKU?

Besides being dry and scaly, AKs are the most common precancerous cells. These spots are considered to be the first step in skin cancer development and should be treated as soon as possible. Although most AKs stay benign, studies have shown that 10 percent develop into skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, which can become disfiguring, and at times, deadly. It is important to seek the care of a dermatologist if you have AKs, so you can get treated as soon as possible. Frequent skin examinations can help detect potentially cancerous cells early.

How does it work?

BLU-U blue light therapy is actually pretty simple. A topical solution is applied to the AK spots. The solution is absorbed by the AK cells and is converted to a chemical that makes the cells sensitive to light. When the AK cells are exposed to the BLU-U illuminator, the resulting reaction destroys the AK cells, paving the way for new healthy skin as it heals

Why is Blue Light Therapy is a good choice for you?CT2A7562

BLU-U therapy is not only effective but convenient. The two-part, two office visits and treatment is completed within 24 hours and has low down time. It’s easy because a qualified healthcare professional will administer the entire treatment for you. No additional medications are required.

Results are also quick. Recovery begins right after your BLU-U blue light treatment, with clinical trials showing no appearance of scarring.

If you would like to learn more about Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy, Knoxville Dermatology Group can help. Call us today at 865-690-9467 to get in touch with one of our qualified skincare professionals and begin your journey toward healthier skin.

Summer & Sun Damage

Knoxville Dermatology Group clear skin

When we think of summer, a serene beach scene often comes to mind. Summer to us means sun and relaxation by the shore. Extended hours outside require extra attention to your daily skin routine. To maintain your even skin tone and avoid sun damage, dutifully apply sunscreen every day! It’s our mission, as your Knoxville Dermatology team, to inform you about the best and safest methods to prevent skin damage like sun spots or hyperpigmentation, no matter the season.

Sun damage occurs when your skin isn’t properly protected. For example, your skin is at great risk if you haven’t reapplied sunscreen in the appropriate amount of time, or you are exposed during the sun’s “peak” hours with very little protection. This damage alters your skin’s DNA structure over time. Also, your skin increases its melanin production as you build up a tolerance to the sun, causing patches of skin to darken at a different rate than the rest of your skin. This is known as hyperpigmentation.

Protection is a much easier preemptive strike against the sun than correction. Moisturize your face and neck with sunscreen every day. Staying hydrated also helps keep skin supple and glowing. If you know you will be spending a lot of time outdoors and in the sun, reapply sunscreen all over at least every two hours. Feel free to speak with one of our certified physicians about any splotches or changes in your skin.

Fresh-Faced and Even Toned

Who doesn’t want an even, healthy glow? But sometimes acne or sun exposure take center stage. Whether or not other people notice, we always notice our own spots and marks. Those dark marks are caused by an increase in melanin called hyperpigmentation.

Acne and sun exposure aren’t the only ways we get these unsightly marks. Sometimes we get a new faded freckle from pregnancy or Addison’s disease. The major cause, though, is overexposure to the sun. Regardless, we should always wear SPF 30 to limit our sun exposure.

Vitamin-C and other retinols help in lighten these dark spots. For lighter marks or less severe hyperpigmentation, it is okay to use mild over-the-counter creams to help lighten (I would use a different word like diminish or lessen) these marks and even your skin tone. For more extreme cases like dark sun spots, it’s best to consult a dermatologist about which products to use. Feel free to call us to schedule an appointment today!

If you have any questions about hyperpigmentation 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.

Summer Skin: Sun Damage & Hyperpigmentation

By summer’s end, your skin routine may begin to change. You should be trading water-based moisturizers for creamier ones, but still using SPF 30 daily because sun damage and hyperpigmentation can affect your skin even as the weather cools down.

Sun damage is what happens to your skin when the accumulation of sun exposure alters your skin’s DNA cells. Continued damage from the sun can cause your skin to become dry, flaky or even prematurely wrinkled. These changes to your skin happen over time- not just in the summer. Damage happens as a result of continued exposure and not enough protection (applying SPF 30 every two hours).

Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by sun damage. It is the darkening of a patch of skin caused by increased melanin production. When you tan, sometimes you burn a little at first but you slowly build up a tolerance. That’s your skin increasing its melanin production. Hyperpigmentation can be spread all over your skin or simply confined to smaller areas such as your face or the back of your hands. It could also indicate underlying causes.

There is an easy way to prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Moisturize and protect your skin with at least SPF 30 throughout the year. Make sure you drink enough fluids and exfoliate once or twice a week. Feel free to speak with one of our certified physicians about any splotches of darker color you notice on your skin.

If you have any questions about skin protection or any 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 in Knoxville to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Key Ingredient,Key for You?

Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-acne ingredients. However, regular use of benzoyl peroxide may be the source of possible skin problems. Knoxville Dermatology Group encourages you to learn more about active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, found in many skin care products.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl Peroxide is medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. When applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel.  There are many benzoyl peroxide products available; many can be purchased without a prescription. However, a dermatologist should recommend the appropriate products upon assessment of skin.

The Pros
Clears Acne Fast
Benzoyl peroxide clears blemishes fast by killing acne-causing bacteria.  Products that contain lower concentrations are as effective as those with higher concentrations.  Thus, skin does not have to endure dryness to achieve desired results.

 

Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent
According to a study published in Cosmetic Dermatology, benzoyl peroxide reduces oxygen in the skin and bacteria in the pore. Moreover, the ingredient works to reduce inflammation within the blemish.

The Cons
Causes Dehydration and Premature Aging
Benzoyl peroxide causes irritation, namely dryness, which in turn ages skin. Vigilant use of moisturizers can help this drawback.

 

 

Can Lead to Hyperpigmentation
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is characteristic of acne and benzoyl peroxide adds to its severity. Hyperpigmentation is especially severe for people of medium to dark skin tones.

 

Induces Sun Damage
Because benzoyl peroxide cleans the pore, it thins the skin increasing susceptibility to sun damage.

 

Common Side Effects
Dryness and peeling; skin that feels tight. Redness may occur.

How to Use It
Dermatologists agree the key with benzoyl peroxide is moderation. It was invented as a product for short-term use, thus users should take heed and scale back use.  If side effects are still an issue, there are many other agents, like salicylic acid and retinol that work just as well.