Skip to main content

Careful Trekking

Although the rain puts a damper on our outdoor plans, it has cooled things off for us in East Tennessee. That makes for perfect camping weather once everything dries. However, adventures in the great outdoors come with certain annoyances such as ticks.

Ticks are small arachnids that can latch onto your skin after contact in a wooded or grassy area. Ticks don’t jump or fly, so they can only reach out with their legs to select a host. They bite into your skin and feed on blood. As they feed, they grow in size and become easier to spot. However, you’d rather discover them sooner than later because some of them carry harmful and dangerous diseases. Always check yourself for ticks after you have been outside, especially in the mountains. Don’t forget to check your scalp, neck and legs!

The best method of removal is to use tweezers to grasp the tick securely. Be sure to get as close to the skin as possible and pull upward. If you find yourself with a tick and are uncomfortable performing this procedure, call one of our offices to schedule a visit!

If you have any questions about tick bites 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.

A Foe Outdoors

Chiggers are parasites we all know and love to hate. But for those less familiar with these pests and the pain they instill, your Knoxville Dermatology Group is here to help!

Chiggers, the larvae of harvest mites, are usually found in a wooded or grassy area. They jump onto you as you walk by then they burrow into your pores where they feed on skin cells. Sounds terrifying, yes? These bugs know their limits though and detach once they are done feeding.

This causes itchy, red bumps or a rash to appear. Some chigger cases may even cause a fever. All of these symptoms range depending on your allergies and can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Currently, chiggers aren’t known to carry any communicable diseases in the U.S. But overseas and traveling outdoorsmen should be extra careful. For example, chiggers in Asia have been known to carry a disease called scrub typhus.

The best method of prevention is to be well-clothed and covered when walking through wooded areas. Leave as little skin exposed as possible. Another precaution you should take is to use insect repellant. The ingredient dimethyl phthalate in sprays helps ward off chiggers. If you are experiencing a rash or reaction from chigger bites, schedule an appointment with one of our certified dermatologists for their recommended treatment.

If you have any questions about chigger bites or 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.

 

Camping and Hiking Precautions

Have you been out hiking or camping yet? The rain has helped keep things cooler, but it’s summer in East Tennessee and we all want to get out in nature! We’re ready to hit the trails, but let’s talk about something real quick – ticks.

You know you should worry about ticks, but you’d rather worry about the hike, right? Well, a few preventative measures will help the hike be worry-free and tick-free. For starters, wear long sleeves and long pants, with pants tucked into socks so ticks can’t easily slip onto your skin. Also if you wear lighter-colored clothing, it’ll be easier to spot ticks. Spray exposed skin and even your clothing with insect repellant. And upon returning home, immediately remove clothes and thoroughly inspect your skin, including your scalp.

Taking these precautions won’t eliminate the chance of ticks latching on, but they will help you hike with a little less stress. If you do find a tick on you, feel free to call one of our certified dermatologists or schedule an appointment.  So go out and enjoy the beauty that is East Tennessee!

If you have any questions about ticks 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.

Ice Skating on Market Square

It’s true the coming months will require more layers. It’s true you may be drinking more cocoa and less lemonade. But you don’t have to hibernate all winter long- you’ll surely go stir crazy. Find some time to get outdoors for a hike, ice skating, or skiing. To keep skin healthy in the winter, it’s important to create a barrier that protects from the dry air.

Cold winter air has very low moisture content and steals water molecules from the skin. If you factor in wind, you may as well forget about any moisture in the air. We add layers of clothes when the weather is cold, but moisturizing cream should be used to treat dry skin. Protect your skin by applying moisturizing cream before you get dressed and step outside. It’s better to take preventative measures than simply try to treat skin after you’re already red, dry and itchy.

There are other things to try in the winter months to keep skin healthy. Winter showers should be shorter and use cooler water, because hot water strips natural oils from the skin. You may also want to ask Santa for a humidifier. Keep it on at night when your skin dries out the most. Lastly, stock up on lip balm. Slather your lips before sleep to prevent chapping.

Are you experiencing signs of dry holiday skin? During the holidays, or anytime throughout the year, skin health should be taken seriously. Please call us today at 865-690-9467 if you have any questions about your skincare routine or changes in your skin. 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.