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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.

Hives versus Rashes: Know the Difference


Spring offers a chance for our skin to breathe and renew itself. With your skin exposed, effects of airborne and contact irritants in the form of hives or rashes will occur if you have overly sensitive skin. These irritants come in the form of pollens, substances you are allergic to or semi-poisonous plants like poison ivy. It is important to note the difference between hives and rashes, as they mean different things for your body and are treated in different ways. Read on to explore the differences in hives and rashes and how to distinguish between the two skin irritations.

Hives

Spot the Difference

Medically known as urticaria, hives are red, raised and itchy patches of skin.  Hives can be found on the neck, chest and any other areas exposed to the trigger irritant. Cases of acute hives can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. However, some suffer from chronic hives which may last on and off for months or years. Hives are also connected to angioedema, which is the swelling of the deeper layers of the skin.

Know the Cause

Hives are typically triggered by irritants or allergens that come into contact with the skin, however it is difficult to determine the origin of a case of hives. Certain drugs, foods and bugs that you are allergic to may also cause a reaction. Even temperature, sunlight and exercise will help determine whether or not you will develop hives.

Treating Hives

When experiencing acute hives, apply cool, wet compresses to the area to relieve some of the heat. To avoid flair-ups, keep indoor temperatures low and use a gentle detergent. If you suffer from chronic hives, talk to your dermatologist about the number of treatments he or she can prescribe. Most commonly, treatment includes antihistamines or corticosteroids, which help calm the itch and soothe  the affected areas.

Rashes

Spot the Difference

The most common type of rash is eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. This is a condition that causes your skin to become itchy and red.  An eczema flare-up is different from a hives rash in that eczema flare-ups have fluid in their bumps and crust over when you try to scratch them. Symptoms also include dryness of skin, itchiness at night, red or brownish patches and scaly, cracked skin. Eczema is a chronic condition, unlike hives, and appears periodically.

Know the Cause

A rash is not a diagnosis of a condition, but a symptom of something more concerning. Eczema, poison ivy and athlete’s foot are all conditions that affect the skin’s ability to protect itself. This also decreases the skin’s effectiveness to retaining moisture, thus causing cracked, dry patches. In your skin’s lessened ability to protect itself, it becomes more vulnerable to environmental factors like changes in weather and exposure to allergens.

Treating Rashes

There are many ways to treat a rash. The simplest way is to use gentle products and make sure your skin is clean. Rinse exposed skin, change clothes and moisturize after a few hours outdoors. Eczema rashes often flair-up in the outdoors, as allergens, pollens and warmer temperatures are harsh on vulnerable skin. It is imperative to understand your triggers and the best ways to avoid them. You should make regular trips to your dermatologist to monitor the health of your skin – a dermatologist recommends more effective treatment options made specifically for you and can prescribe medications like antihistamines or soothing creams.

It is important to know what is ailing your skin to get the help you need. Whether it’s a rash or hives or you just don’t know where to start, visit the dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group today. The experienced staff can get you the help you need in no time.

Beware of the Shingles

Just the mention of shingles can send a shiver down your spine. If you’ve braved chickenpox, then you could be at risk for shingles.

It isn’t a life-threatening condition, but it can be extremely painful as it reaches deep down into nerve endings.. This skin rash is born from the same virus that causes the dreaded childhood disease, chickenpox. It can appear anywhere on your body but typically manifests itself as a single strip of blisters around the left or right side of your torso. Shingles is most common in senior adults but has also been known to attack younger people. It can be triggered by stress or other factors that lead to a weakened immune system.

Much like chickenpox, signs and symptoms include pain and burning, a red rash and fluid filled blisters that can break open. Symptoms of shingles usually affect only a small section of one side of your body. You should contact one of our expert dermatologists if you suspect that  you may be experiencing signs of Shingles. As is true in most cases, early detection and treatment will have you feeling better soon.

If you have any questions about shingles 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.