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The One-Two Punch of Shingles

When you were a kid, you may have had the chickenpox, or at least knew a friend that had them. There are vaccinations these days that make the sickness less prevalent, but that doesn’t mean your chickenpox, or varicella, will never return. If you contracted this rash at some point in your childhood, there is a chance the virus will appear again one day as shingles.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the varicella zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes shingles too. When you first contract the virus as a child, the chickenpox will form as itchy blisters appearing first on the back, chest and face. The blisters will then spread to the rest of the body and leave the child with flu-like symptoms. It can cause anywhere from 250 to 500 blisters across the body that may scar if not healed right. If you had it as a kid, you probably took a week or two off school until the blisters scabbed over and the sickness went away.

Varicella Zoster

Or did it really go away? No. Once infected with the varicella zoster virus, it will never truly go away. After the chickenpox heals, the virus will travel along the nerve fibers and remain dormant in the spinal cord and brain. Decades later, the virus may appear again, this time as shingles, to deliver its second punch.

Shingles

When you first get shingles, or herpes zoster, you may be skeptical about what it is and where it came from. A row of raised, red dots will pop-up only on one side of the torso or face. You may think it’s only hives or a reaction, but a trip to a dermatologist and an examination will tell you it’s shingles. Once you are infected by shingles, it can’t be cured. There are treatments available to lessen the symptoms, but you’ll just have to let the illness run its course.

Once the itchy, red bumps start to appear on one side of your torso or face, the skin in the affected area will start to appear red. There may be a tingling under the skin, but it also can feel like a stabbing pain. You may experience fever, chills or an upset stomach. The rash will then turn into painful, red, fluid-filled blisters that will eventually dry out and crust over.

Will I Get Shingles?

If you have ever had the chickenpox, there is a possibility that it will one day return as shingles. It could be years later, but there is no telling when it will arise. There are some conditions that make it easier for the virus to return. A weakened immune system from medicines or other diseases allows for your body’s defenses to be down, and for the varicella zoster virus to reappear as shingles . Old age and stress are also contributing factors.

If you think you have shingles, visit a doctor or dermatologist immediately. The infection is highly contagious and can spread easily to people without the vaccination. Avoid pregnant women and babies until the sores on the skin have crusted over and started to heal.

Are you looking for a trusted dermatologist to accurately and correctly treat your shingles? Visit Knoxville Dermatology Group online to learn more about our trusted doctors. Visit us online here, or give us a call at (865) 690-9467.

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.

 

How to Ensure Skin Conditions Don’t Keep Your Kids Out of School

School is officially back in session, and the kids are hard at work. Whether you’re relieved or not, it’s important to make sure they stay healthy for the whole year. Many parents forget that their kids come into contact with hundreds of children every day between the classroom, halls or recess. If not careful, you child could develop a skin-related illness or infection and pass it along to other kids. No one needs to miss school. These tips ensure your child will get the “Perfect Attendance” award at the end of the year.

Head Lice

Lice is the classic nuisance that schools will do everything in its’ power to prevent. Contrary to popular belief, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that students diagnosed with head lice do not need to be sent straight home. The organization suggests letting the student finish out the rest of the school day before going home and being treated. This is because head lice have not been shown to spread disease.

If your child does come home with lice, it’s important to follow these treatment instructions to ensure that they can return to school as soon as possible. To treat head lice, get an over-the-counter prescription lice medicine, called pediculicide, and read the measurement and how-to-use instructions that are provided. Comb the treatment through small stands of hair, one at a time, until all parts of the head have been treated. After eight to 12 hours, if the lice are still alive and active, repeat the treatment process. If the lice problem continues to persist, take a visit to a dermatologist.

It’s important to check the heads of everyone in the household and anyone who the child has recently come in contact with. All clothes, hats, bedding, towels or grooming aids must be washed and sanitized. Personal hygiene or cleanliness is not a factor that contributes to head lice. If someone in your child’s school gets lice, make sure all children in the class get checked immediately.

Shingles

Chickenpox used to be a common virus that most kids would get. With a vaccine in place now, the condition is becoming less common. However, anyone who has had a case of the chickenpox is at a slight risk of developing shingles, even children. Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella zoster virus. When a child gets chickenpox, the virus stays in the person’s nervous system forever. When the virus flares up again, it is considered shingles. This is pretty rare in children or teens with healthy immune systems.

A case of shingles will bring symptoms of tingling, itching or even pain before a rash appears. The rash will show up as a group of pimples on the body or face. After a week to ten days, the blisters will break open and scab over. It takes usually two to four weeks for the scabs to heal completely. Children might also experience fever, headache, fatigue or general muscle achiness with an outbreak. Shingles is extremely contagious, so make sure to keep you child home from school and away from friends.

Eczema

One in ten children will experience eczema before the age of five. Eczema is defined as numerous different skin conditions that leave the skin red and irritated. The skin will sometimes have small, red, fluid-filled bumps that ooze. Doctors aren’t sure what exactly causes the condition, but they do believe genetics plays a factor. Kids who develop eczema often have other family members with asthma, allergies or even hay fever.

Good skin care is the first step of treating eczema. In minor cases, a change to your daily habits and hygiene will do the trick. Using an unscented moisturizing or lotion will help keep the skin hydrated. Use it twice a day and after bathing. Dry air can irritate the condition, so doctors recommend keeping a dehumidifier in the room your child sleeps in. For any case of eczema, a dermatologist can prescribe physician-strength medicines and moisturizers.

Does you or your child have a skin condition that could affect them from going to school?  Our dermatologists are specialists in cases involving eczema, shingles and provide assistance for head lice. Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 or visit us online!

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!

Spring in to East Tennessee

Poison Ivy

April showers bring May flowers. Knoxville has seen its fair share of showers this month, leaving many hopeful gardeners ready to plant and garden. This is one of the most beautiful parts of spring. However, whenever you are working outside there is always a risk of running into poison ivy or poison sumac.

Poison ivy is identifiable by its three glossy leaves with pointed tips, and the middle leaflet is usually the largest. During the summer months, the plants can grow yellowish-green flowers in small clusters and grayish-white fruits. Poison sumac is very rare, and only grows as small trees or large shrubs in very wet areas, such as swamps, because their roots need to be in water. The stems are red and smooth with 7-13 smooth leaves growing on them.

Poison ivy and poison sumac both contain an oily resin called urushiol, which can cause an irritating rash when it comes in contact with your skin. The rash generally develops within 12-48 hours, depending on your sensitivity to the irritant and how much oil comes in contact with the skin. It can take several weeks for the rash to subside.

There has always been a myth that the rash is contagious from person to person. Good news – it is not! However, the oil can be transferred to the skin from clothes or other objects that made contact with the plant so you must be extremely careful.

You can soothe the itch by using a topical corticosteroid cream, using calamine lotion, taking cool showers or applying cool compresses. Sometimes this isn’t enough though, and if this is your case, our doctors can help. Remember to protect yourself while enjoying the great Tennessee outdoors! Call 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.