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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.

How to Screen Your Sun Protection

If everyone’s skin is different, then why do we try to protect it like it’s the same? Companies create makeup and skin care products designed to cater to different skin types. However, when it comes to sunscreen, people rarely research what they are buying, and which product will best protect their skin. Luckily for you, the American Academy of Dermatology released tons of tips and information that will help you choose a sun protection that will best guard your skin.

What to Buy

Sunscreen is typically sold in the forms of lotions, sticks and sprays. You will want to purchase something that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen must be applied every two hours, or after swimming and physical activity.

While lotions are recommended due to their full-coverage, sticks and sprays tend to be more convenient. A stick of sunscreen should be applied in four layers for maximum coverage. Rubbing it in after application ensures that an even layer has been covered. Spray sunscreen should be applied generously to your skin. Do not use a spray on a windy day to avoid inhaling the chemicals.

Types of Sunscreen

There are two different types of sunscreens available on the market: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens work like a shield, as they sit on the surface of the skin to deflect the sun’s rays. This type of sunscreen should be used by people with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens will include ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreens are designed to be applied easier to the skin. These products don’t leave the white residue that is frequent in physical sunscreens. Instead of reflecting the sun’s rays, chemical sunscreens absorb them. Ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate and homosalate are common in these products. The FDA has also issued a warning against sunscreen pills, which have been found to be ineffective.

Ingredients to Avoid

It’s very important to look at the ingredients in sun screen to see if it is suitable for your personal skin type. Recently, Hawaiian legislators banned the distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients are used in chemical sunscreens and have raised environmental concerns. The chemicals are also linked to the damage of marine life and coral reefs.

The FDA has yet to ban these chemicals, as they are still approved and considered safe for human use. In fact, according to American Academy of Dermatology President Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, all of the active ingredients in U.S. sunscreens have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for human use..  When one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, the FDA is encouraging everyone to take the proper steps to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays.

Do you have a concerning spot you need looked at? Or need help finding suitable sun protection for your skin? Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today to make an appointment at (865) 690-9467.

How to Protect Yourself During National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month? With warm weather here, it’s hard to not want to spend time in the sun. Being out in the sun makes our skin glow and everyone a little happier. It can also make us forget the threats that are associated with spending too much time in its’ rays. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It often goes undetected until it’s too late. Here is everything you need to know about protecting yourself while you enjoy the summer months:

UV Index:

The three most common forms of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light. The UV Index ranks exposure levels to ultraviolet light based on a zero to 15 scale. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing sun protection if the UV Index is a level three or higher. Weather apps calculate the UV Index for when you want to check the ultraviolet levels in your area.

Wear Sunscreen:

This is an obvious one! You should never be out in the sun without some sort of protection. Your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. It should also be broad spectrum to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming, sweating and toweling off. Check the expiration date on the bottle to see if it has exceeded its shelf life before using.

Avoid Indoor Tanning:

The use of tanning beds is not safe for your skin and is definitely not recommended. One session in the tanning bed increases the risk of developing melanoma by 20 percent. A tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays, so even getting a base tan is harmful to your skin.

Regular Skin Checks:

When detected early, skin cancer is very treatable. Self-examining your skin for suspicious moles can help you catch it before its too late. Observe the places on your body that receive the most sun exposure like your neck, legs, feet, elbows and arms. Ask a friend for help checking those hard-to-see places like your back and scalp.

If you do find a concerning spot contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 or on their website www.knoxderm.com.

A Sunscreen Vocabulary Guide

When planning fun in the sun, don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin. With hundreds of sunscreen manufacturers lining the shelves, it’s especially difficult to choose the best option. Here are some basic definitions of sun protection that will help you decide the best lotion for your day outside.

UVA/UVB Rays – The two types of UV light that can hurt your skin are called UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the deeper levels of your skin, including the dermis, which is the skin’s thickest layer. UVB rays burn the top layer of your skin. Increased exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin aging, wrinkling and skin cancer.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – SPF is measured by how long it will take for protected skin to burn compared to skin without sunscreen. However, each level of SPF is only slightly stronger than the previous (SPFs over 50 are only slightly more protective than 30.) These are only a measure of UVB rays, because UVA protection isn’t rated.

Broad Spectrum – Broad spectrum means the product protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Because SPF’s measurements are tricky, the term “broad spectrum” is a good sign to look for.

Water-Resistant – Water-resistant is pretty self-explanatory, but manufacturers sometimes leave the exact measurement off the bottle. “Water resistant” as a general rule means the SPF will have its protective effects for up to 40 minutes of swimming/sweating.

If you have any concerns about your skin or skin-aging, contact Knoxville Dermatology Group by calling (865)690-9467.

Don’t Skimp on Your SPF!

Why SPF is important for your skin

Before you step out of the house this winter, protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with SPF. Even though the summer days have long gone, the need for sun protection still remains. Skimping on the SPF can hurt you in the long run, causing wrinkles, skin discolorations and even skin cancer. Here’s what you should know:

What is SPF?

SPF stands for sun protection factor, and is an indicator of the amount of time you can spend in the sun before getting burned. Unfortunately, SPF is only a measurement of protection from the sun’s UVB rays, and not the more silent threats of UVA rays.

What’s the difference between UVB and UVA rays?

UVB rays are the culprits behind nasty, blistering sunburns. UVA rays, however, are the primary cause of skin cancer and wrinkles. You can protect yourself from UVB rays with any type of SPF protection, but you will need to look for sunblock with specific ingredients in order to protect yourself from UVA rays.

Can I protect myself from UVB and UVA rays with a greater SPF?

SPF refers to a product’s ability to protect against sunburn caused by UVB rays. A higher SPF only provides a small increase in protection. To determine if your sunscreen can also protect you from harmful UVA rays, check the formula for one of the following active ingredients:

  • Zinc oxide
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Avobenzone (or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane)
  • Mexoryl SX (or ecamsule)
  • Tinosorb
Can I combine two different SPFs to get one SPF number?

Unfortunately, SPF doesn’t work that way. Combining sunscreen products doesn’t mean that their individual SPF numbers will add up to one greater SPF number. However, layering is still beneficial!

Remember to apply sunscreen every day to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA rays. Even if the sun isn’t shining bright this winter, its rays can still cause damage, reflecting against the clouds and snow and penetrating through glass windows that aren’t coated for UV protection. Applying the right type of sunblock or sunscreen is the only way to ensure you are protecting your skin.

5 Tips for Protecting Your Baby from Sunburn

Baby-on-the-BeachApplying sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but you might be surprised to learn that it’s not so safe for the little ones. Infants under 6 months have skin that is far too sensitive for both the sun and most sunscreens. It’s best to wait until they’ve developed a stronger natural sun protection in their skin before exposing them to harmful sun rays or the strong ingredients found in most sunscreens.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is best to keep infants younger than 6 months out of the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During those hours, the sun’s UV rays are the strongest, so both adults and babies are at greater risk for sunburn.

To keep your baby safe from painful sunburn, we recommend these 5 methods:

  • Keep your baby cool by staying in shaded areas or providing your own shade by using an umbrella.
  • Clothe your baby in loose fitting clothing that will protect his or her skin from exposure to the sun.
  • Have your baby wear a cute wide-brimmed hat at all times.
  • Watch your baby for signs of sunburn or dehydration, like redness, irritability and excessive crying.
  • Provide your baby with sufficient liquids to prevent dehydration, such as baby formula or breast milk.

If you have any questions about changes in your or your baby’s 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.

July – National UV Safety Month

July isn’t just for fireworks and hotdogs – it’s National UV Safety Month. This is a great time to spread the message of safe fun in the sun. Whether you step up your current skin protection routine or make sure your loved ones stay protected, it is always a good idea to be conscious of the sun’s effect on your skin.

The sun releases energy or radiation in several different forms. Two common forms are the sunlight you can see and the heat you can feel. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are another form of invisible energy released from the sun. Although these are invisible to the eye, the effects are very visible.

Your skin, the largest organ, protects you against heat, sunlight, injury and infection. When you damage your skin with harmful amounts of UV rays, this can cause vision problems, age spots, leathery skin and can weaken your immune system. UV rays have been found to cause some forms of cancer. Overexposure may result in smaller but chronic health issues on your skin, eyes and immune system.

The sun gets a bad rap with talk of overexposure and skin cancer. Although these are very serious matters, there are some benefits to being out in the sun. A controlled amount of UV exposure induces production of vitamin D. This vitamin helps with calcium metabolism, building up your immunity, increasing cell proliferation, monitoring insulin secretion and blood pressure and lifting your mood.

To get the most out of your time in the sun, revisit our tips for summer skin safety.

If you have any questions about skin protection or any 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.