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3 Must-Have Products for Protecting Sun-Kissed Skin

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Are you ready to embrace your sun-kissed skin this summer? The sun’s UV rays are damaging to the skin, so it’s important to protect the body’s largest organ before stepping out to the beach. Although sun-kissed skin gives us the appearance we desire, many don’t realize the impact it has on our skin’s health. In fact, in a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, 60 percent of men and 54 percent of women think that tan skin means healthy skin. However, when the sun darkens your pigment, it’s actually damaging healthy cells in the process. To achieve the sun-kissed look we all want, be sure to use these three must-have products to keep your skin healthy.

Sunscreen

We know you’re using sunscreen when you lie out to tan but are you using the one that’s right for your skin? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, so it’s important to choose a product that will be the healthiest and safest for you.

To make sure your skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen you use must be broad-spectrum, water-resistant and have an SPF of at least 30. Use your product on your body as you spend time outside, even if you don’t think you’re receiving UV rays. Even on cloudy or rainy days, 40 percent of the sun’s UV rays still reach the earth’s surface.

For the best protection and natural aging, we recommend working a facial sun protectant into your morning routine. By adding this step, that takes just a few seconds, your skin will thank you down the line. It’s necessary to choose a different product for your face than the body. Facial sunscreens are formulated with antioxidants to keep your pores clear and skin moisturized, all while protecting it from harmful UV rays.

Lip Protectant

Pucker up! Use a lip protectant to keep your lips hydrated and kissable this summer. Nearly 70 percent of people who use sunscreen while at the beach will forget to apply some protection to their lips. What’s the fuss? Our lips do not have melanin or sebaceous glands in them, meaning they are more susceptible to sun damage and dehydration.

One of the easiest ways to keep our lips hydrated is by drinking water. However, without exfoliation, the skin on our lips will promote dry skin and cause them to crack. Use a lip scrub and soft toothbrush to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Follow the exfoliation with a lip balm containing an SPF of at least 30 to provide back up protection and hydration. Refrain from exfoliating too often or too forcefully because this will leave the lips red and raw.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a common practice at the end of winter, to shed the skin of any and all dead cells that accumulated throughout the cold season. However, it’s also important to exfoliate the skin as we start to soak up the sun in the warmer months. Exfoliation increases blood circulation, which is the main factor in achieving healthy, glowing skin.

It’s recommended to exfoliate twice a week with a body scrub that contains grainy particles, usually of sugar or salt. By exfoliating dead or dying skin cells before tanning, you’re allowing the healthiest cells to receive sun. Doing this will help your tan last longer and remain even.

The dermatologists and medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group have years of experience of providing safe sun tips, recommending products and checking for signs of skin cancer.

Psoriasis – What, When, Where, Why and How?

Around 2 percent of the population develops psoriasis at some point in their lives, making it a relatively common skin condition. While psoriasis is not curable, it is easily treatable with the help of your dermatologist. When diagnosed with a skin condition, it can be confusing and hard to find all of the right answers. Let this blog serve as a brief overview of the condition or a starting point for further conversations with your dermatologist.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition that causes a buildup of dead skin scales. This creates raised, silvery-red patches across the body, which can be itchy and painful. This form of the condition is called plaque psoriasis, and is also the most common type. However, you should be aware that psoriasis can appear in the form of these other types:

  • Guttate: This is typified by small lesions dotting the skin. Usually, guttate psoriasis appears in childhood after cases of strep infection.
  • Inverse: Inverse psoriasis shows up in the body’s folds. This includes areas of the body such as the armpit, behind the knee or the groin.
  • Pustular: If you suffer from pustular psoriasis, you will see blisters filled with noninfectious puss surrounded by red skin covering areas of the body like the hands or feet.
  • Erythrodermic: This is the most severe and rare type of psoriasis and causes skin to come off in sheets and clothes. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a more intense and painful type of plaque psoriasis.

When does Psoriasis Normally Develop?

More often than not, psoriasis develops around the ages of 15 to 35. There is no definite time that psoriasis appears; however, it can develop at all age. Around 10 percent of those with the condition will be diagnosed under the age of ten. For children with psoriasis, it is very common appears after the child has contracted strep throat. If you have young children, be sure to monitor their symptoms well after illnesses, like strep throat, bronchitis or an earache, to be sure they have not developed psoriasis.

Where on the Body is Psoriasis?

Unfortunately, psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. Most commonly, it is found on the knees, elbows and scalp. Where you experience psoriasis may be linked to the type of psoriasis you have. For example, those with pustular psoriasis often have bad flare ups on the hands and feet, whereas those with inverse psoriasis normally only experience flare ups in the fold of their skin like the armpit or under the knee.

Why do I have Psoriasis?

There is no known cause for psoriasis; however, it is known that immune systems and genes have a hand in the development. Caucasians are more likely to develop psoriasis than other races, although it can develop no matter your race. Those who carry the psoriasis gene are more likely to develop the condition, so if both parents carry the gene, their child has a 50 percent chance of having psoriasis.

If you do suffer from psoriasis, different parts of your environment may trigger flare ups of the conditions. Triggers may include:

  • Stress
  • Medication
  • Skin Lesions (cuts, burns, bruises)
  • Allergies
  • Diet
  • Weather (extreme heat or dryness)

How Can I Treat Psoriasis?

Again, psoriasis has no cure but is easily managed and treated. Treatments like phototherapy, steroid medications, topical ointments and regular dermatology visits are great ways to care for the condition. There are also small ways to improve your psoriasis by managing triggers. Administering self-care, getting plenty of rest and paying special attention to your environment are great ways to help account for your triggers.

If you struggle with psoriasis, don’t wait to seek treatment. There are many things to do to help manage your symptoms. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are experienced in hundreds of skin conditions and can get you back on the path towards comfort. To make an appointment visit use online or call (865) 690-9467.

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 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.

Say Goodbye to Scarring

Wounds are unavoidable, whether they’re from scraping your knee to having a routine surgery. However, scars can be avoided. Properly caring for a wound can help prevent it from scarring, which will ultimately keep your skin smooth and clear. While you can’t completely count on the prevention of a scar, it’s important to take the best possible care of a laceration and if necessary, let the professionals do the rest. Here are some simple tips on how to care for your wounds to lessen the potential for scars.

But first, what is a scar?

Good question. Scars come in different forms and vary completely due to the type, depth or severity of the wound. According to Everyday Health, a regular scar, one you might get from a surface-level wound or a fall on the sidewalk, is usually small, thin and flat against the skin. The next type of scar is known as a hypertrophic scar. These are thicker than normal scars, and are more raised and red in color. Very similar to the hypertrophic scar is the keloid scar. These are raised and red as well, but expand beyond the wound itself. Keloid scars are a genetic condition, causing raised skin surrounding the scar to produce an excess of scar tissue. This overproduction is hard to predict and even harder to control, so it is best treated by a dermatologist.

Now, how do I prevent scarring?

  • Clean the wound: This is vitally important to prevent infection or the wound from reopening. Cleaning a cut can be as painless as applying a mild soap with water or dousing the wound with a bit of hydrogen peroxide.
  • Apply petroleum jelly or an antibacterial gel: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, applying either of these will keep your skin moist. This way, the wound cannot dry out, thus preventing scabbing, which takes longer to heal. If you choose to use petroleum jelly instead of antibacterial gel, be sure to clean the lesion daily and give it air to breathe.
  • Keep it covered: Make sure the wound is continually covered by an adhesive bandage. By doing this, the moisture from the previously applied gel will be locked in and the laceration will stay moist. Aside from trapping moisture, this also keeps the wounds protected from the elements or foreign objects that could infect it.
  • Don’t get lazy: As your wound heals, don’t forget change the bandage daily, as well as reapply the petroleum jelly or antibacterial gel daily. Staying on top of your wound care will help in a quicker recovery.

My wound has healed, now there’s a scar!

Just because your cut is no longer visible, does not mean you’re done healing. There are still very important tips to follow to get your wounds to heal seamlessly.

  • Stay out of the sun: The skin on a scar is incredibly sensitive. Make sure you keep it protected, whether that be by covering it with clothes, bandage or sunscreen. Discoloration can make the scar appear worse than it is.
  • Doctor’s orders: If your wound required a doctor’s attention, be sure to ask them about wound care. They will be able to offer specific instructions to care for your wound, especially if stitches were necessary.
  • Be patient: Scars can take months or even years to heal, depending on the wound’s severity. If you think you’ve waited long enough for scar-free skin, then it’s time to see your local dermatologist.

Are you fed up with pesky scars that just aren’t seeming to heal? It may be time to see a dermatologist to come up with an individualized treatment plan to help treat your scars. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, our doctors are committed to the best quality care and will always put you first. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

Ticked Off with the Lone Star Tick

Imagine having a summer barbeque in your backyard—one you’ve had many times before. A few hours or so after consuming a big juicy steak, you start to feel a weird sensation. Your eyes begin to itch, and hives appear on your body. It feels like an allergic reaction, but it can’t be because you’re aware of all your allergies. A visit to the doctor and a few tests tell you that you’ve developed an alpha-gal allergy, which causes a reaction to mammalian meat. This can come as a shock, especially if you’ve been eating red meat regularly your whole life. But a single bite from the Lone Star tick, can turn your immune system and your world upside down.

The Lone Star Tick and Alpha-Gal

This anomaly is a relatively new condition appearing mostly in the southeastern states. Alpha-gal is short for galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, a carbohydrate molecule that is found in red meats and other foods. If a Lone Star tick, named for the Texas-shaped mark in its back, happens to be carrying this molecule at the time it bites you, it can activate your allergy immune system. Your body will then be wired to create antibodies that will fight off the alpha-gal molecules. There is no cure for this allergy, but medical professionals do have treatments that help manage symptoms.

Pest Control:

As the virus is starting to spread to northern states and other parts of the country, doctors are urging patients to use proper protection when outdoors. Warm weather allows people to spend more time outside, but also makes the allergy easier to catch. Therefore, the allergy is primarily in the southern states. Using insecticide and avoiding grassy, woody trails can reduce the risk of tick bites.

Tick Check:

Checking your body and bathing with soap and hot water after outdoor activities is the best way to avoid diseases transmitted by a tick bite. Begin your check by taking all your clothes off and washing them immediately. Starting at the scalp, check thoroughly for any small bumps. Continue down behind your ears, to your neck and armpits. Keep moving down your body and use a mirror to catch any hard to see places like the back.  Ticks are especially attracted to dark areas, so be sure to examine your arms, the back of knees, ankles and groin area extra carefully. Continue checking your body and scalp the next few days in case anything was missed.

Looking to control your allergies and their reactions? At Knoxville Dermatology Group, we offer allergic reaction support for anyone struggling with abnormal allergy conditions. Call today to make an appointment, or visit our website online.

Skin Care Tips for Every Age

Our skin evolves with age. A 22 year-old will have a different skin regimen than a 62 year old. Should you be worrying about acne or wrinkles? What can you do at your age to benefit your skin later?

20’s & 30’s

Fighting acne is the main concern, especially in your 20’s. Water-based, oil-free wash is usually successful. Keep your skin free of dirt and oil by removing makeup and washing your face daily.

Signs of aging begin to develop in your 30’s. Start using anti-aging lotions as soon as possible. Fine lines and uneven skin tone can be helped with a repairing moisturizer.

40’s & 50’s

The skin may begin losing some of its texture in your 40’s. Wrinkles and age spots may begin appearing. Products with peptide in them even out pigment and increase collagen growth.

An estrogen drop in your 50’s may make dry out your skin and decrease its elasticity. Combat this symptom of hormonal changes with glycolic acid, which helps increase skin cell production and turnover.

60+

Expand your skin care regimen to include all skin aspects. Apply SPF every day to keep the sun from advancing sun aging. Use cleansers that won’t dry out your skin and products with hydroquinone to help eliminate dark spots on the face hands.

Need some extra advice, schedule an appointment with KDG by calling (865)690-9467.

What You Should Know About Tattoos

Tattooing is an ancient practice. Today, one in five Americans have been “inked” in their lifetime.

What is a Tattoo?

Tattoos use small needles to inject dye into the skin. These needles penetrate the epidermis, which is the very first layer of the skin. These needles puncture at 50-3000 times per minute. Skin cells react to a tattooed area as if it is wounded – meaning skin care services cannot be performed in the area until the tattoo is fully healed.

Healing

Healing time ranges by each individual. There are precautionary steps you can take to prepare your skin for tattooing. Protect your skin from the sun by using at least SPF 15 lotion. Thick, wrinkled skin from too much sun exposure is difficult to tattoo on and can slow the healing process. Additionally, keep your skin healthy by exfoliating and moisturizing.

What if I change my mind and want it removed?

Tattoo removal can be a very extensive process. A laser breaks up the pigment colors with a high intensity light beam. Depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo, this process could take multiple visits to obtain your desired results. The long process of tattoo removal is further reason why you must strongly consider getting inked in the first place.

Tattooing can trigger psoriasis. It can also take longer to heal if you have an autoimmune disease. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo and have questions on how it will affect your skin, call (865)690-9467 to schedule an appointment with KDG.

What’s a Boil?

Doctor, Boils, Skin, Infection

Image courtesy of Suat Eman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Boils are a common skin infection that are caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus, more commonly known as staph. The germ can enter the body through a hair follicle or tiny breaks in the skin caused by shaving, ingrown hairs and various cuts or scrapes. A boil usually begins as a red area and develops a tender lump. A boil may develop a white pocket of pus after seven days. Boils are contagious through skin-to-skin contact and should be covered with a bandage to prevent spreading.

Boils most commonly appear on the face, armpits, neck, shoulders, and buttocks.  Symptoms of an advanced infection include swollen skin around the boil, fever, swollen lymph nodes near the infection and the appearance of more boils. Boils can be avoided by cleaning minor skin wounds, keeping a healthy immune system and practicing good personal hygiene. Intravenous drug use can occasionally cause boils, as well as Type 2 Diabetes and exposure to harsh chemicals.

Seek medical care for a boil if a fever develops, pain becomes severe or the boil does not drain. Also seek medical care if you have a suppressed immune system, diabetes, or a heart murmur.

 

Safeguard Your Skin against Basal Cell Carcinoma

moisturizer

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. About 8 out of 10 skin cancers found in patients are diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer is found in the lowest layer of the epidermis, also known as the basal cell layer, and develops on the sun-exposed areas of the body.

 

Basal cell carcinoma is usually found on your head and neck, but without treatment, it can invade other tissues and parts of the body. Signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinomas include:

 

  • Flat, firm and pale areas
  • Raised, red patches
  • Small, pearly bumps that may appear pink or translucent in color
  • Recurring open sores

 

With the arrival of summer’s longer days and extended time outside, apply sunscreen repeatedly and top off your outfit with a hat. Loose-fitting, cover-up clothing and beachwear are also a great ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

 

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.