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Understanding Common Children’s Skin Conditions

July 9, 2019

Understanding Common Children’s Skin Condition

Summertime is officially here, which means Summer camps are back in session. Below are some common children’s Skin Conditions that may arise during the Summer.

Hives

Hives are red raised bumps or welts on the skin that are moderately to extremely itchy. They can appear anywhere on the body and can range in size. Several factors could cause hives. Foods like nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk are the most common. Medications such as penicillin, aspirin, and ibuprofen, vitamins, eye and eardrops, laxatives or other non-prescription items can also cause hives. If your child is exposed to dust, animals or molds, specific detergents, fabric softeners or hair sprays, they could all be responsible. In addition, some affected children develop hives during exercise.

To treat hives, it is best to avoid any of the provoking factors listed above when possible. Antihistamines are especially effective in certain cases. If the hives do not respond to medicine, there are several topical treatments that can help. Your dermatologist will recommend the best course of action to reduce hive flareup quickly.

Head lice

Lice are a common problem for children. Although they are not dangerous, they are contagious, annoying and sometimes difficult to get rid of. It’s best to treat head lice as quickly as possible once they are found because of these reasons.

Even though lice are very small, they can be seen by the naked eye. Lice eggs resemble dandruff before they hatch. Lice eggs hatch within 1-2 weeks after they’re laid. The adult louse is as small as a sesame seed and will be gray or tan.

Your child may start to complain about itching or comment that something is “moving around” on their head. If these symptoms are present, make an appointment with your doctor. They will most likely recommend a medicated shampoo, cream rinse or lotion to kill the lice.

To prevent reinfestation, wash all bed linens and clothing that has been worn in the previous days. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, and soak hair-care items (brushes, combs, hairbands) or throw them away.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, is a type of staph bacteria. Groups of kids who spend a lot of time together in close quarters (schools and camps) are at risk. It can spread through direct contact with infected skin or by sharing personal items like towels or clothing.

MRSA infections often develop around open sores, scrapes or bites. Red, painful bumps appear and some children experience a fever. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to the blood, lungs, bones or other parts of the body. Depending on the seriousness of the infection, your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics or remove a skin abscess.

To prevent MRSA infections, there are several simple steps that you and your child can take. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds, keeping cuts and broken skin clean and covered with a bandage, avoiding sharing towels, uniforms, and athletic equipment or other items that come into contact with bare skin.

For more information on children’s skin conditions, contact your dermatologist.

Skin Remedies after a Day at the Pool

July 31, 2014

Nothing beats cooling off at the pool during these hot and humid summer days. Whether you lounge pool-side or head to the sandy shores, the sun and water can strip your skin of its moisture. How do you treat dry, tight and itchy skin after a quick soak? Your Knoxville Dermatology friends have some tips.

First things first. Before you step outside, make sure you’ve applied plenty of sunscreen to your face and the rest of your body. Use a waterproof sunscreen if you know you’re going to be sweating, swimming or splashing around. This preparation will protect your skin from sunburns, peeling and premature aging. To protect from chlorine and salt water, apply a thick moisturizer with squalene and zinc before putting on sunscreen. Protect your hair with a few drops of hair oil or serum to create a barrier between your hair and the water.

Once you get to the pool or beach, reapply sunscreen every 40 minutes to ensure continuous protection. Take a shower at your earliest convenience because the chlorine will continue to dehydrate your skin.. Use a gel instead of soap and a mild shampoo for best results. Do not blow dry hair, but apply a few drops of hair oil to re-moisturize your locks. Towel dry skin and hair and apply a thick lotion all over, even between fingers and toes!

Your skin and hair can survive a scorching summer with these easy steps. Your friends at Knoxville Dermatology are all about helping you celebrate this season with surf, sand, and pool-side fun – without sacrificing your summery glow!

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.

Hairy Situations

July 22, 2014

A lot of “experts” have come out to say this or that about hair care. You’re either shampooing too much or not enough. Or you lather, rinse and repeat all wrong. Let your Knoxville Dermatology team debunk the top shampoo myths for you.

  1. Washing every day is bad for your scalp and hair. This depends on your hair type. If you have oily hair, it’s perfectly safe and healthy to wash your hair daily. Use a gentle formula with moisturizing ingredients if you do. If you have dry or coarse hair, it may be better to play it more conservative and wash every other day. Regardless of your hair type, stay away from harsh formulas that strip your head and hair of its natural oils.
  2. Hair gets used to a shampoo after a while. Hair is dead and can’t get used to anything. There’s no need to switch up shampoos or brands if you love the results.
  3. Applying conditioner is a must. This is completely true. Shampoos can’t clean and moisturize hair adequately. It’s extremely important to moisturize after shampooing, but if you have oily hair, you can just apply from the ears down to the ends.

It’s also very important to take care of your scalp. A healthy scalp paves the way for healthy hair. So when you lather in your shampoo, use your fingertips instead of your nails and massage your entire head. This stimulates blood flow, keeping skin oxygenated and healthy. Your hair care routine may take some time to develop but no matter what, stay away from harsh chemicals and be sure to treat hair with conditioner for luscious locks.

If you have any questions about summer hair/skincare 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.

Ease the Wildfire Rash

June 26, 2014

Have you ever felt a prickly sensation after a brisk run or a bike ride? This sensation of “prickly heat” is a heat rash, and your Knoxville Dermatology team knows just how to ease those symptoms.

Also known as summer rash or wildfire rash, heat rash happens when your sweat gets pushed or leaks into the deeper layers of your epidermis. This causes small red bumps and the itchy, prickly feeling. Once you feel that, remove a few layers or loosen your clothing to let your skin breath. Sometimes wearing clothing that’s too thick or too tight can cause your skin to block the sweat glands.

It’s also important to allow your body to cool down. Find a shady spot to rest while you drink some water, but do not towel dry your skin because this may cause further irritation. If your heat rash is particularly prickly, calamine lotion or aloe vera ointments help alleviate the symptoms. You should always consult a doctor before applying any other ointment to your skin. Rash irritation can be easily addressed, and these tips will help bring comfort so you can get back outside and enjoy the summer.

If you have any questions about heat rash 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.

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  • Update Your Sun Safety – Tips to follow this Summer July 1, 2020
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  • Steps We Are Taking To Protect Our Patients April 29, 2020

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West Knoxville123 Fox Road
Knoxville, TN 37922
Sevierville 657 Middle Creek Road
Sevierville, TN 37862
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