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Understanding Common Children’s Skin Conditions

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.

How to soothe a sunburn

How to soothe a sunburn

There’s nothing like a sunburn to ruin your fun on a vacation. With the coming of warmer weather, the rise of sun-related risks come into play. Learn how to soothe a sunburn so that it won’t ruin your fun. Even though a suntan is associated with vitality and beauty, the results of prolonged exposure aren’t so pretty. Soothing a sunburn is easy with the right steps and processes, continue reading to learn how to properly care for overexposed skin.

Hydration

When it comes to treating a sunburn, moisture is key. It is important to hydrate the body from the inside out, especially when exposed to the intensity of the sun. When you get sunburned, fluids retract from the skin’s surface and cause the body to become dehydrated. Be sure to increase your water intake to make up for the loss of fluids. As for the exterior skin, be sure to hydrate using a gentle, water-based moisturizer. Be sure to apply a thick layer when the skin is still damp and repeat over the next few days to keep the inflamed area moist.

Aloe

This herbal remedy is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially on sunburns. Additionally, the plant serves as a natural moisturizer for the skin, which is perfect for overexposed, peeling skin. Aloe vera is applied in various ways including through a gel, oil or from the plant itself. Placing this remedy in the fridge before use is a great way to add an additional source of cooling to the skin!

Control the Pain

Reducing the inflammation as quickly as possible is ideal. When you first begin to notice that sunburn is forming, try taking a quick dip into a cold pool or water source to cool down the skin. Remove yourself from the sun and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Continue taking an NSAID until the sunburn has calmed down or when there isn’t any pain felt. Use ice water to drench a towel or cloth and gently apply the cold compress to the burn. This will cool down the area and reduce inflammation. Diluting vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a warm bath will tremendously reduce the sting from a sunburn.

Leave Your Skin Alone

If blisters and peeling skin begin to form due to overexposed skin- don’t pick at it. Picking at the skin will further the inflammation and could lead to infection. It is important to keep the burned area clean and moisturized at all times. If the blistered area spreads over a large area or if fever and chills develop, it is time to seek a medical professional.

The skin experts at Knoxville Dermatology Group are skilled professionals who are able to treat a wide variety of skin conditions, such as skin burns. To see how the experienced dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group will help you, call today at (865) 690-9467 or visit our website.

3 Must-Have Products for Protecting Sun-Kissed Skin

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Are you ready to embrace your sun-kissed skin this summer? The sun’s UV rays are damaging to the skin, so it’s important to protect the body’s largest organ before stepping out to the beach. Although sun-kissed skin gives us the appearance we desire, many don’t realize the impact it has on our skin’s health. In fact, in a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, 60 percent of men and 54 percent of women think that tan skin means healthy skin. However, when the sun darkens your pigment, it’s actually damaging healthy cells in the process. To achieve the sun-kissed look we all want, be sure to use these three must-have products to keep your skin healthy.

Sunscreen

We know you’re using sunscreen when you lie out to tan but are you using the one that’s right for your skin? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, so it’s important to choose a product that will be the healthiest and safest for you.

To make sure your skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen you use must be broad-spectrum, water-resistant and have an SPF of at least 30. Use your product on your body as you spend time outside, even if you don’t think you’re receiving UV rays. Even on cloudy or rainy days, 40 percent of the sun’s UV rays still reach the earth’s surface.

For the best protection and natural aging, we recommend working a facial sun protectant into your morning routine. By adding this step, that takes just a few seconds, your skin will thank you down the line. It’s necessary to choose a different product for your face than the body. Facial sunscreens are formulated with antioxidants to keep your pores clear and skin moisturized, all while protecting it from harmful UV rays.

Lip Protectant

Pucker up! Use a lip protectant to keep your lips hydrated and kissable this summer. Nearly 70 percent of people who use sunscreen while at the beach will forget to apply some protection to their lips. What’s the fuss? Our lips do not have melanin or sebaceous glands in them, meaning they are more susceptible to sun damage and dehydration.

One of the easiest ways to keep our lips hydrated is by drinking water. However, without exfoliation, the skin on our lips will promote dry skin and cause them to crack. Use a lip scrub and soft toothbrush to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Follow the exfoliation with a lip balm containing an SPF of at least 30 to provide back up protection and hydration. Refrain from exfoliating too often or too forcefully because this will leave the lips red and raw.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a common practice at the end of winter, to shed the skin of any and all dead cells that accumulated throughout the cold season. However, it’s also important to exfoliate the skin as we start to soak up the sun in the warmer months. Exfoliation increases blood circulation, which is the main factor in achieving healthy, glowing skin.

It’s recommended to exfoliate twice a week with a body scrub that contains grainy particles, usually of sugar or salt. By exfoliating dead or dying skin cells before tanning, you’re allowing the healthiest cells to receive sun. Doing this will help your tan last longer and remain even.

The dermatologists and medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group have years of experience of providing safe sun tips, recommending products and checking for signs of skin cancer.

Don’t Sweat It: A guide to managing sweat

It’s that time of year when our bodies are constantly veiled in a thin layer of uncomfortable moisture. Due to a condition called hyperhidrosis, some people are prone to producing an excessive amount sweat. Everyone sweats; but hyperhidrosis causes people to perspire unpredictably, even in cooler weather and during non-strenuous conditions. Regardless of whether you have hyperhidrosis, sweating impacts people’s everyday life. Fortunately, there are ways to manage it.

Do I have hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a common condition that nearly one in every 20 people in the U.S. have. Although sweating is a natural body process, the condition limits people from doing routine tasks like writing with a pen or gripping a steering wheel. Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact people’s social relationships, activities and emotional health in a negative way.

Types of Hyperhidrosis:

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.

  • Primary hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating without a physical condition and is localized to the usual active regions.
  • Secondary hyperhidrosis is due to an underlying condition and is more generalized to the whole body.

How do I treat it?

Hyperhidrosis is a very managable condition, yet many do not seek treatment. Of the people diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, 60 percent do not know it is a medical condition and 47 percent do not know it’s treatable. A dermatologist can help determine the best form of treatment for your particular situation.

Sweat Hacks

Whether you have hyperhidrosis or not, here are some tips that can help you manage it:

  • Caffeine. Caffeine is a sweat trigger, so cutting back on coffee and tea will help reduce the amount of daily sweat.
  • Deodorants. Deodorants mask body odor, but do not stop excessive sweating. “Clinical strength” antiperspirants contain ingredients like aluminum chloride, which will temporarily block sweat pores.
  • Foods. Spicy foods can increase the amount of sweat you produce.
  • Fabrics. Cotton and other natural fabrics are breathable and will allow air to reach your skin.
  • Water. Sweating happens when your body temperature gets too high. Drinking water and staying hydrated will help regulate your body temperature.
  • Alcohol. Reducing alcohol intake is good for your health and can reduce the amount of excessive sweat.

With up to five million sweat glands in the human body, sweating is a part of everyday life. It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing, but we all do it. If you sweat excessively enough that it impacts your everyday life, it may be time to visit a dermatologist.

Schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group to determine which treatment option is right for you. To make an appointment, contact us at (865) 690-9467 or online at www.knoxderm.com.

Safely Get That Summer Glow

Want to hit the beach with a summer glow? Don’t put your skin at risk by visiting the tanning bed. In fact, people who use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. There are other ways to get the darker complexion you’re looking for this summer.

Self-tanners come in lotions and sprays. Rubbing self-tanner on your body darkens your skin over time with a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that reacts with dead skin cells, simulating a tan. Be careful – the tanning won’t make your skin less susceptible to sunburns, so apply sunscreen when going outdoors. Also, be sure to exfoliate your skin before applying a sunless tanning product to remove excess dead skin cells.

Not only is using a sunless tanner significantly better for your health, it’s cheaper, too! Sunless tanners can be found at your pharmacy, other big-box stores and online. If you have questions about your skin, call (865)690-9467 to schedule an appointment with our dermatologists.

How to Care for Your Feet During Sandal Season

Take care of your feet – they take you everywhere you go. Especially with sandal season coming up, here are some precautions you can take to avoid common foot problems.

Corns and calluses develop from repeated friction on the skin. Keeping your toenails trimmed and wearing properly fitting shoes can prevent them from appearing. If you already have some, soak them in warm water and gently file with a pumice stone.

Athlete’s foot is very common and comes from walking barefoot in moist places like a pool deck or locker room. It results in itchy, cracking skin on the soles or in between the toes. Athlete’s foot can be prevented by keeping your feet dry and protected – wear sandals on moist grounds, wear socks that dry quickly, and avoid closed shoes when it’s hot outside.

Blisters seem inevitable, but they don’t have to be. Blisters come from chafing of body parts or clothing on the skin. They can be prevented by preventing the chafing that causes them. Applying petroleum jelly or powder to the chaffing area, wearing moisture-wicking clothing and soft bandages are good precautions. If you develop a blister, leave it alone. Cover it in a loose bandage so it is protected and able to breath. Most blisters heal after about two weeks.

Stay one step ahead of your feet this summer. Call (865)690-9467 to book an appointment with a dermatologist if you have questions about foot care.

Sun Safety for Your Skin: It’s Really Not “All about That Base”

spf30

When you visit the tanning salon before hitting the beach, you’re not just paying for a base tan. You’re also potentially putting your health in danger.

Indoor tanning is a risky, often addictive behavior among teens and adults alike. Yet, despite the long-term risks and warnings, around 30 million people visit the tanning salon every year, and 2.3 percent of those tanners are teens!

Indoor tanning increases your risk of developing skin cancer, premature wrinkles, eye damage, and immune suppression. Recent studies revealed a 59 percent increased chance of developing melanoma in individuals who had been exposed to the damaging rays of indoor tanning machines.

The idea that getting a base tan to avoid getting sunburned and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer isn’t based on research and is not endorsed by medical professionals. In fact, you don’t have to get sunburned to get skin cancer. Any exposure to UVA or UVB light from either an indoor tanning device or the sun can lead to skin cancer, so cover up and protect your skin next time you hit the beach!

Safeguard Your Skin against Basal Cell Carcinoma

moisturizer

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. About 8 out of 10 skin cancers found in patients are diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer is found in the lowest layer of the epidermis, also known as the basal cell layer, and develops on the sun-exposed areas of the body.

 

Basal cell carcinoma is usually found on your head and neck, but without treatment, it can invade other tissues and parts of the body. Signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinomas include:

 

  • Flat, firm and pale areas
  • Raised, red patches
  • Small, pearly bumps that may appear pink or translucent in color
  • Recurring open sores

 

With the arrival of summer’s longer days and extended time outside, apply sunscreen repeatedly and top off your outfit with a hat. Loose-fitting, cover-up clothing and beachwear are also a great ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

 

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.

 

Summer & Sun Damage

Knoxville Dermatology Group clear skin

When we think of summer, a serene beach scene often comes to mind. Summer to us means sun and relaxation by the shore. Extended hours outside require extra attention to your daily skin routine. To maintain your even skin tone and avoid sun damage, dutifully apply sunscreen every day! It’s our mission, as your Knoxville Dermatology team, to inform you about the best and safest methods to prevent skin damage like sun spots or hyperpigmentation, no matter the season.

Sun damage occurs when your skin isn’t properly protected. For example, your skin is at great risk if you haven’t reapplied sunscreen in the appropriate amount of time, or you are exposed during the sun’s “peak” hours with very little protection. This damage alters your skin’s DNA structure over time. Also, your skin increases its melanin production as you build up a tolerance to the sun, causing patches of skin to darken at a different rate than the rest of your skin. This is known as hyperpigmentation.

Protection is a much easier preemptive strike against the sun than correction. Moisturize your face and neck with sunscreen every day. Staying hydrated also helps keep skin supple and glowing. If you know you will be spending a lot of time outdoors and in the sun, reapply sunscreen all over at least every two hours. Feel free to speak with one of our certified physicians about any splotches or changes in your skin.

Tanning Facts – Bottle, Bed or Sun (Part 1)

It’s hard not to associate summer with sunshine and tanning. We all covet that “healthy glow”, but what measures are we willing to take to get it? To make things easier for the tan-lovers out there, your Knoxville Dermatology team put together the facts about bottle, bed and sun tanning. In this entry, we’ll talk about a tan in a bottle or sunless tanning.

Bottle:

Coppertone® started the wave of sunless tanning options in 1960 with their QT® or Quick Tanning lotion. We’ve seen several versions of the pour-on tan ranging in colors as unnatural as orange to a subtle golden honey color. Now the sunless tanning options extend into tanning accelerators and pills.

The most effect alternative to sunbathing is self-tanning lotions that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. This colorless sugar interacts with your dead skin cells to change their color. This color change lasts about five to seven days.

While the topical sunless tanning lotions are considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, the FDA hasn’t approved the use of DHA for application to areas near your eyes, mouth or nose so be sure to avoid these areas. Bronzers, whether in powder or moisturizer-form, allow you to add color to those areas while still being safe for your skin. Spray tans are harder to monitor but protect your eyes with tanning goggles and hold your breath while the spray is being applied.

Tanning accelerators and tanning pills have yet to receive scientific data to support the claim of aiding melanin formation so it’s best to play it safe with these sunless tanning options.

Regardless of what sunless product you use, it is important to apply sunscreen daily. Even if the product contains a sunscreen, it won’t be of much help since they lose their efficacy within hours of application.

For more information on sunless tanners, call us at 865-690-9467. If you want help with your self-tanning lotions, click here for tips on application and maintenance.