The weather has finally made the transition from winter to spring here in Knoxville, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the warmth.

While we love the change in weather, our skin doesn’t always reciprocate the feeling. We have some tips today to easily take your skin from dull to fresh.

- Simplify your skincare. Throw away your thick, winter moisturizers and opt for a light lotion with SPF 30+. Look for gentle yet effective cleansers that target your trouble areas (acne, anti-aging).

- Exfoliate. Cell turnover slows during the winter, causing your skin to look dull. Increase the cell turnover and brighten up your skin by exfoliating at least four times a week.

- Update your makeup. Substitute heavy foundation for light, tinted moisturizer. You still get coverage but it lets your skin breathe. Also, use cream shadows and blush to play up your features.

Now go outside and enjoy this weather with your spring-ready skin!

If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet. The fungus which causes athlete’s foot thrives in moist, warm places, such as showers, gyms and around swimming pools. Since these are places that athletes frequent, they are exposed to the fungus more than the general population, hence the name athlete’s foot.

It is very contagious and can be spread by touching the affected area on a person who has the fungus. The symptoms of athlete’s foot vary, but can include any combination of the following: peeling, cracking and scaling of the feet; redness or blisters; and itching and burning.

Some cases of athlete’s foot can become severe. If you experience the previously listed symptoms at extreme measures (i.e. scratching your feet is causing them to bleed), or if you develop a fever, you should see a dermatologist immediately as these can be a sign of a bacterial infection.

Athlete’s foot can be prevented by practicing good hygiene with your feet. This means keeping feet dry and clean whenever possible. It is also advised that your feet be covered or protected when you are in places that are likely to have the fungus. Wearing sandals in communal showers, such as those at gyms, and wearing socks when walking on floors where a lot of people tread barefoot are other ways to keep from getting athlete’s foot in the first place.

Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Visit with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential. Schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group today at 865-690-9467.

Lice is often times associated with children (remember the lice checks in elementary school?), although anyone is susceptible to catching it. These unwanted insects live on humans and feed on our blood. They are usually found on the scalp and along the hairline.

Getting rid of lice can be tricky because they are such small insects and are easily spread. Sometimes the eggs are placed on the new host when items such as brushes, stuffed animals and even clothes are shared.

The most common treatment is some form of over-the-counter cream or shampoo that is designed to kill the insects and their eggs. After performing the treatment, patients may use a fine-tooth comb to remove the insects and eggs as well. Two of these treatments are usually needed to ensure all the head lice and their eggs have been killed. If this doesn’t work, you should see a doctor.

Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Visit with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential. Schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group today at 865-690-9467.

There is a condition that affects the immune system and results in hair loss on the scalp and body called alopecia areata. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, alopecia areata affects approximately two percent of the population, including more than 4.7 million people in the United States alone. Alopecia areata usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches on the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss or complete body hair loss. This common skin disease is highly unpredictable and cyclical. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, as the disease course is different for each person.

Diagnosis and Treatment
The characteristic “exclamation point” hair signals the presence of alopecia areata. A biopsy of the scalp is sometimes necessary for a diagnosis. As with many chronic disorders for which there is no single treatment, a variety of remedies are promoted but results vary by person. Furthermore, there is no known effective method of prevention, although the elimination of emotional stress is helpful. Research has not found any drugs or hair-care products associated with the onset of alopecia areata.

What You Can Do• Do not apply contact irritants as this may cause further worsening and sometimes cause permanent scarring if the reaction is severe.
• Find the cause (posture, stress, etc.) and remove it if possible.
• Wear lotion and a high SPF sunscreen every day to prevent exposure to unhealthy rays. Wear hats and accessories for additional protection.
• See your doctor for professional level help

Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Visit with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential. Call 865-690-9467 today to schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group.

All through our lives, our skin is changing. From birth to childhood, skin has different qualities than teen years. Mature skin also involves changes and it is important to realize some of the common traits, problems and solutions for aging skin in order to address specific issues that need to  be recognized and properly treated.

We are exploring this area of dermatology in this week’s Skin School blog article to better educate our  clients (current and potential) and help them achieve overall healthy skin.

Mature Skin Traits

As we get older, our skin undergoes a number of changes. How skin ages depends on several factors: lifestyle, diet, heredity, as well as other personal habits.

The most common characteristic of elderly skin is dryness. This is because as we age, our skin begins to thin. As it thins, it is less able to retain moisture, thus leading to dry skin.

Dry skin can lead to problems in a younger person, but can cause even more problems for the elderly. Because their skin is thin and can be easily torn, bacteria get in, thus increasing their chances of developing an infection.

Sun damage is another common trait of aging skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin damage from the sun is due to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light, which “breaks down elastic tissue (elastin) in the skin and causes the skin to stretch, sag, wrinkle, and become blotchy, occasionally with pre-cancerous growths and even skin cancer.”

Sun exposure (UV radiation) is the most common cause of pre-cancers and skin cancer, either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Many Americans (a million each year) will develop a skin cancer by age 65.

Skin changes that accompany aging include:

• Roughened or dry skin
• Benign growths such as seborrheic, keratoses, and cherry angiomas
• Loose facial skin, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and jowls (jaw line)
• Transparent or thinned skin
• Bruising easily from decreased elasticity

Common Skin Conditions in Older Adults:

• Wrinkles: Wrinkles are the most visible sign of aging skin. They follow chronic sun exposure and form when the skin loses its flexibility. Smokers tend to have more wrinkles than nonsmokers.
• Facial movement lines: These lines (often known as “laugh lines” and “worry lines”) become more visible as the skin loses its elasticity (in your 40′s or 50′s). The lines may be horizontal on the forehead, vertical above the nose, or curved on the temples, upper cheeks, and around the mouth and eyes.
• Age spots: “Age spots” are brown patches that appear on sun-exposed parts of the body (face, hands, and forearms), usually during the adult years.
• Bedsores: Bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers) are skin ulcers that develop from pressure when people lie in bed or sit in a chair for long periods of time. Bedsores are a fairly common disorder in elderly people who have difficulty moving on their own. People with diabetes are more prone to bedsores because of their poor circulation and decreased feeling in their skin. Frequent rotation or re-positioning helps to prevent bedsores.

Tips for Preventing Mature Skin Conditions

Nothing can undo sun damage, but the skin can occasionally repair itself. Here are some tips to help keep your skin healthy.

• Use sunscreen when outdoors. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more provides the most   protection.
• Wear a hat and long sleeves when outdoors and sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Avoid the use of tanning booths and sunlamps.
• Examine yourself regularly for “changing moles” and new growths.

This is part one of a 2-part series on mature skin and its care. Tune in next week for more information about mature skin and how to keep it in great shape!

Would you like to learn more about the treatments and products available to get your skin in better shape? A member of our team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group can help! Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Is what you put on your plate as important as what you put on your skin? YES! Physicians, health experts and dermatologists alike agree that skin health is reflective of our diet. Therefore, diets rich in vitamins and antioxidants are more likely to reveal a clear, smooth and vibrant complexion.  This blog will explore exactly which foods are best (and worst) for skin so you can reassess your diet and make changes if necessary. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, the health of your skin is our number one priority. We hope informative articles such as this enhances your skin health knowledge, so you can take a more pro-active approach to your skin care.

Skin that is dry, dull, sallow and even slow to repair itself is an indication of a weak diet. When your diet lacks variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates then it will show in your appearance, namely the skin.  Health experts emphasize the importance of eating a balanced diet not only to support skin’s appearance, but to ward off illness and disease. So what foods are best for skin and why?

Low-Fat Dairy Products- Yogurt
The health of our skin cells is dependent on dietary vitamin A, often found in dairy products.  Furthermore, low-fat yogurt is highly recommended as it is also high in acidophilus, the “live” bacteria that is good for intestinal health.  These live bacteria and enzymes promote normal digestion which is strongly tied to healthy-looking skin.                                                                                                                                                                                          

Fruit- Blackberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, Plum
These “fab four” fruits have the highest “total antioxidant capacity” of any food according to studies.  These fruits contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect skin cells from damage to their DNA. For instance, free radicals formed from sun exposure can contribute to cell disintegration and premature aging. However, antioxidants and phytochemicals serve as a guard and block these effects, thus helping skin retain its youth.

Essential Fatty Acids- Salmon, Walnuts, Canola Oil, Flax Seed
Cell membranes are important because they hold water in; the stronger that barrier is the better cells can hold moisture, thus allowing skin to appear supple and plump.  Essential fatty acids are necessary to maintain a healthy cell membrane.  A balance of essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 aids skin health. Since many people lack omega 3s, incorporating more fish, walnut and flax seed oil is recommended.

Eating good-quality oils is another way to keep skin well lubricated. Oils labeled cold pressed, expeller processed, or extra virgin are the best choices. Keep in mind, any fat is high in calories so limit consumption to two tablespoons per day.      

Selenium-Rich Foods
The mineral selenium present in whole-wheat bread, cereals; turkey, tuna and Brazil nuts play a key role in health of skin cells.  Studies shown in the American Academy of Dermatology indicate skin damaged by sun may suffer fewer consequences when selenium levels are high. In addition, skin cells with high levels of selenium are less likely to suffer from oxidative damage- often linked to the risk of cancer.

Avoid foods that contain white-flour, sugar and white rice. All these items can affect insulin levels, thus causing inflammation and break outs.

Water

Proper hydration is vital to our skin cells. Not only does water hydrate cells, but it helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out. This is pertinent to overall health and helps skin look clean and clear.

Although it is recommended we drink around eight glasses of water each day, the type of water is equally important to amount. Do not shy away from hard water, as it is high in minerals. Soft water may taste better, but it loses the health benefits because it has been de-mineralized.

Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to gain more knowledge about your skin so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential!

At Knoxville Dermatology Group, any one of our board certified physicians can provide you with general information regarding proper care for nails; however, we suggest you contact a podiatrist to answer specific questions you may have.

Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to gain more knowledge about your skin so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential!
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.