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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.

What is a Pediatric Dermatologist?

What is a Pediatric Dermatologist?

Imagine this: a child has a pesky patch of skin that no matter how many times a pediatrician sees the rash, it does not seem to be improving. It might be time to visit a Pediatric Dermatologist.

Pediatric dermatologic care focuses on skin conditions that affect infants, children, and adolescents. Skin changes are frequent in children. A Pediatric Dermatologist has the qualifications to understand these changes and provide medical care as needed.

Pediatric Dermatologists treat many skin conditions prone to children: skin infections, moles, birthmarks, hives, psoriasis, cysts, rashes, acne, and warts. Additionally, Pediatric Dermatologists are trained to consider children’s individual needs. They help children feel comfortable as they are examined and treated.

Children cannot always say what is bothering them, and they cannot always answer medical questions and be asked to wait and sit patiently. That is why it is essential to see a Pediatric Dermatologist.

Pediatric Dermatologists have specialized training to recognize normal growth and development, and when to worry. Some medical disorders, such as infantile hemangioma blood vessel growths, are not found in adults – only infants and children.

Similarly, with psoriasis, it affects children differently and may show different symptoms that only a Pediatric Dermatologist would recognize. Pediatric Dermatologists are also expertly trained in pediatric medication management.

At Knoxville Dermatology Group, we have providers who are trained in Pediatric Dermatology. To schedule an appointment, please call our office or visit us online.

How Stress Affects Your Skin

Stress has a destructive relationship with our skin. Everything in the body is correlated, so it transpires onto our most outer layer. Stress has an immense impact on both the extrinsic and intrinsic factors of our skin, which can cause the body to react in various negative ways. The skin is much deeper than just the outer layer, as our mind and the organ work together. If you are a victim to stress and might possess stress-related symptoms, ask yourself the following:

  • How am I eating?
  • How am I sleeping? Have my sleeping patterns changed?
  • When my skin issue started, what was going on in my life?
  • Are my symptoms stress related?

Understanding Your Stress Hormone & How it Works

Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone which fuels the its’ “fight-or-flight” response. This hormone is released during periods of stress which in return increases heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, respiration and muscle tension. Cortisol also reduces the body’s system functions that are not needed during times of crisis, such as the reproductive, digestive and immune systems. Other functions of cortisol include:

  • Regulates blood pressure
  • Increases the body’s glucose production (blood sugar levels)
  • Enhances the body’s energy and restores balance
  • Assists in memory formation
  • Controls your sleep/wake cycle
  • Regulates inflammation

How does cortisol work? Two glands in the brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary, sense if the bloodstream contains the right level of cortisol. If levels are too low, the brain adjusts the amount of hormones it produces. The adrenal glands sense these signals and then determine the amount of cortisol to release. Most of the cells in the body contain cortisol receptors, which receive and use the hormone in various ways. The body’s needs vary from day to day, which causes the level of cortisol production to rise and fall accordingly.

 Stress vs. Skin

The major concern with stress and skin is inflammation. When stress affects the body through the skin, it can develop through three different skin conditions: acne, rosacea and psoriasis. The common denominator between these stress-caused symptoms is the reddish color, which comes from inflammation.

Acne

During periods of excessive stress, one may experience more acne-related breakouts than usual. High levels of cortisol result in elevated sebum (oil) production which causes pores to become clogged. Once pores are clogged, the development of inflammation and bacteria cause acne to form.

Rosacea

According to the National Rosacea Society, there have been multiple scientific studies on how the process of facial flushing and redness are linked to high levels of stress. Heat and stress are triggers of rosacea and can cause redness flare-ups to the skin.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis and stress have an intertwined relationship. Stress causes psoriasis, while psoriasis can cause stress. While professionals are not sure how stress directly affects psoriasis, they assume it has something to do with the immune system and its functionality.

Stress can also accelerate the aging cycle in the body, resulting in wrinkles and dark circles. Wrinkles form as a result from dehydration and loss of collagen. Similarly, dark circles are largely related to dehydration in the body and a lack of sleep. To combat the effects stress has on wrinkles and under eye circles, one must stay hydrated and conscious of their stress levels.

Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist

As the effect of stress on the skin comes off as quite complex, it is important to refer to a professional with all of your skin-related concerns. Some stress-related skin questions include the following:

  • How can I combat stress-related symptoms with my specific skin type?
  • What signs/symptoms should I look for when deciphering stress-related skin conditions?
  • How can I manage my cortisol levels?

If you struggle with stress-related skin symptoms, seek professional treatment right away. There are various means of treatment and remedies to have you feeling the absolute best in your own skin. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are licensed professionals who are experienced in hundreds of skin conditions. To make an appointment visit us online or call (865) 690-9467.

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.

Identifying the Cause of Your Hair Loss

Hair loss is very common and should not be a cause for concern, as there are many viable options for renewed hair growth. However, it is important that you try and discover the cause of your hair loss. This can be done through research or talking with your dermatologist. Keep reading to discover potential causes of your hair loss.

Stress

Stress can lead to a number of health issues including thinning of the hair. Don’t let this scare you! The most important thing to do if you are experiencing this, is to take care of yourself. Try taking supplements like biotin to strengthen hair and nails. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and be gentle with your hair.

Age

The truth is, as you age, your hair ages with you. Each day, you naturally lose hair and your body replaces it with new hair growth. However, during the aging process, this new growth occurs less and less. This quite common and depends heavily on your genetic and family history. Women experiencing menopause may also see changes in hair growth, quite severely. Hair thinning or loss normally occurs during these hormonal changes. As these changes start to balance out, your hair may return back to its original state.

Family History

Genetics play an incredibly strong role in determining female and male pattern hair loss. Pattern hair loss usually affects the hairline and top of the scalp in males, and general thinning of hair in females. If you have a family history of hair loss, you are much more prone to experiencing hair loss of a similar type. Prevention for losing hair is possible, so if you believe you are more prone to pattern hair loss, or hair loss of any kind, talk to your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Hairstyle

Do often wear your hair in a ponytail, bun, braids or cornrows? This may be cause for concern, as tight hairstyles like the ones mentioned can cause traction alopecia. This is where the hair becomes loosened and begins to fall out or break due to repeated stress. If you or your child often wears hairstyles that tightly pull at the hair, consider a looser style or even decide on rocking your natural hair!

Medical Condition or Side Effect

  • Medication: Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of medications you have be prescribed. If you are seeing overactive hair loss due to medication, there may be a different medication you can try. If not, speak to your dermatologist about ways to prevent further hair loss.
  • Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is a condition in which the body starts to attack its own hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. There are no cures, but treatment options are available. Your dermatologist may be able to prescribe different options such as topical medications, steroid injections and more.
  • Psoriasis: Psoriasis on the scalp can cause red, scaly patches and the inability to grow hair in affected areas. By treating the psoriasis itself, the skin can heal and begin growing new hair once more. By talking to your dermatologist, they can create a psoriasis treatment plan that may include options like phototherapy, biologics or topical treatments.
  • Chemotherapy: During chemotherapy treatments, which are used to treat diseases like lupus and cancer, your hair follicles are inadvertently targeted. Do not be alarmed by this. It is a completely normal side effect of chemotherapy. Once treatments have finished, your hair should begin to grow back. Again, talk to your doctor or oncologist about these side effects and to learn more about chemotherapy and hair loss.

There are many reasons you may be experiencing a loss of hair or lessened new hair growth. If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor or dermatologist and learn about ways that they can help. Always remember, however, hair loss is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, the experienced staff can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and help you with treatment. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us 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.

Psoriasis Management for Teenagers

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that affects one to two Americans out of every hundred. The condition causes red, raised lesions on drier areas of the body. These areas typically include the elbows, knees, scalp, buttocks or anywhere that experiences friction. The intensity of psoriasis ranges from mild to severe and can even cause arthritis-like joint pain. Psoriasis is a manageable condition, but treatments vary from person to person.

A psoriasis diagnosis can be detrimental to anyone, but it can be especially hard to accept as a teenager. Most teens are already self-conscious, but a skin disorder can cause lasting self-esteem issues. There aren’t as many prescription medications approved by the FDA available for minors to help manage the condition. It’s normal for teenagers to suffer from acne and to experiment with hair and makeup. Teens with psoriasis should talk with a dermatologist to find the best products to keep flare ups under control.

Makeup

A rite of passage for teenagers is learning how to wear makeup. All teens, not just ones with psoriasis, should be choosing products that cater to their own individual skin type. It’s important to hydrate with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer and primer to prepare the skin for makeup application. Those with psoriasis should be using liquid-based foundations, which will provide more coverage to problem areas. Powder foundations can clog the pores, dry the skin out and lead to flaking. It’s important to wash your face and remove all makeup before going to bed.

Hair Care

Changing your hair up is a normal part of being a teenager, but many think they can’t due to the irritation psoriasis causes to the scalp. It’s important to look at the ingredients in the products you’re using to make sure they cater to sensitive skin. Avoid sulfates in shampoos and wash your hair every couple of days.

The National Psoriasis Foundation says that hair dye will do little to affect the condition. It’s suggested to wait until there isn’t a flare up on the scalp. It’s also important to talk to your hairdresser to make sure the products being used won’t cause any irritation.

Acne

Acne is something many teenagers deal with, but those with psoriasis should pay closer attention to their skin care routine. Use a mild, non-drying cleanser once or twice a day to keep your skin exfoliated and clean. Avoid excessive washing and use an oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Greasy moisturizers will block the pores and cause irritation. Using an over-the-counter skin cleanser prescribed by a dermatologist will provide the best results to clear your acne.

Looking for consultation and product recommendations to help manage your psoriasis? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today to schedule an appointment!

Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Dandruff is small white flakes that appear on the head and scalp that can migrate to the shoulders. Many have faced issues with dandruff but if side effects persist, it could be something else. Another condition, seborrheic dermatitis, has similar implications to dandruff but is far more serious.

Dandruff

More than 50% of the U.S. population is affected by dandruff. It typically begins in puberty and is more common in men. Dandruff builds when there is an excess of skin cells that grow and die off quickly. Things like stress or sickness can increase the chances of dandruff, and often cold, dry weather does as well. There are many ways to fight dandruff using drugstore products or at home remedies. Dandruff isn’t anything to worry about. If after use of drug store products the scalp becomes red or irritated, you may need to seek medical attention.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis is slightly more serious than dandruff. It looks the same as dandruff, with flakes appearing on the scalp, able to spread. Seborrheic Dermatitis is known to appear with a burning red scalp. It is more common to spread all over the body where hair is present as opposed to solely the scalp. It can appear on eyebrows, arms and even the face. Seborrheic Dermatitis is often referred to as dandruff, seborrheic eczema or seborrheic psoriasis.

If you notice an increase in dandruff or any other side- effects, contact KDG at 865-690-9467 to see one of our providers.

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.

Psoriasis Awareness Month

Hand with Psoriasis

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system and genetics. About one-third of psoriasis patients have the disease in their family history. Psoriasis can also be triggered by other serious diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

There are five types of psoriasis, listed below in order of the most common:

Plaque Psoriasis – Appears in red patches with white buildup of dead skin cells.

Guttate – Appears as small, dotted lesions.

Inverse – Smooth, red lesions that most commonly appear on skin folds like knees and armpits.

Pustular – Characterized by white blisters of pus.

Erythodermic – Appears on most of the body as a widespread redness.

Psoriasis can show up anywhere, but most commonly appears on the scalp, hands and feet, face, and in skinfolds. Psoriasis is considered mild if it covers less than three percent of the body, moderate if it covers three to 10 percent and severe if it covers greater than 10 percent.

If you notice a rash that is not treatable with over-the-counter medicine, visit a dermatologist. A dermatologist will be able to examine the skin and determine a diagnosis. Call Knoxville Dermatology Group at (865)690-9467 for an appointment today.