The holiday season in Tennessee can cause a potpourri of skin flares, from acne to rosacea to eczema and psoriasis. Enjoy the season and all of its indulgences, but be prepared with a dermatology-approved treatment plan!

Skin Flares, Inflammation, and Triggers During the Holidays

Skin flares involving acne, rosacea, and eczema are a result of inflammation in the skin. Inflammation is a result of excessive triggers. Some triggers for skin conditions include alcohol, sugar, caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, and extreme temperatures (hot/cold). Under normal circumstances, a cocktail or spicy dish might not result in a new pimple. However, as we move through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and into the New Year, the compounding effects of indulgences begin to show on the skin.

Additionally, lower outdoor temperatures, central heat, decreased sleep, and increased stress and emotions associated with the holiday season, contribute to an overall increase in skin inflammation.

At Tennessee TeleDerm, we understand that many of these triggers are out of our control. In fact, we wouldn’t trade this season for anything! Enjoy your parties! Enjoy the massive family meals! Have fun at your child’s holiday music performance! Just be prepared with a treatment regimen from a dermatology expert, whether it be a dermatologist or dermatology nurse practitioner. Let Tennessee TeleDerm help you through this season!

Tips for Managing Skin Flares this Holiday Season

• Treat your skin before the flareups begin. If you have prescription treatments for your skin condition, refill them now. Don’t wait until your skin is a mess to start treatment.
• Schedule a dermatology appointment. If you don’t have a treatment regimen, schedule an appointment now! Most treatments take some time to begin working. Starting now means you are armed with a plan and prescriptions by Christmas. With an online appointment at Tennessee TeleDerm, patients in Tennessee can get convenient online dermatology care without missing school or work.
• Moderation is key. Your skin condition will withstand some of the known triggers. But too many at once will absolutely flare your skin condition. Plan ahead. What can you avoid or minimize at your next event in order to enjoy others?
• Sleep and meditate. A calm(er) mind and body will withstand more than an overtaxed one. Turn off the noise, put down the phone, and go to sleep. 😊
• Water water water! Most people don’t drink enough water on a daily basis under normal circumstances, but the drier and cooler weather in Tennessee will leave you dehydrated if you’re not careful. Aim for the bare minimum of 64 ounces per day, and then increase based on your activity level and food/alcohol consumption.
• Wash your face at night. Yes, we know it’s hard to do some nights, but really try. This can make a huge difference.

My Skin is Already Flared. Now What? 

Depending on your skin condition, you will first need a treatment plan. Patients can start with over-the-counter products to establish a simple skincare routine. This includes cleansers for your skin type, moisturizers for your skin condition, allergy tablets for itching, and cortisone for your eczema or psoriasis. However, caution should be taken with topical cortisone and allergy pills and not used for more than 2 weeks without speaking to a dermatologist or dermatology nurse practitioner.

Most patients with acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis will find themselves in need of prescription treatment eventually. If you already have a prescription treatment plan and your skin condition continues to worsen, you will need a flare plan. This is common for many dermatology conditions. Sometimes, the treatment regimen simply cannot calm the flare and additional medications, typically oral, are needed. A flare treatment plan is common in dermatology, especially in Tennessee with the season changes. Your plan may include oral prednisone, oral antibiotics, oral antivirals, and/or antihistamines.

Work with Us to Create Your Flare Treatment Plan.

At Tennessee TeleDerm, we offer online dermatology appointments that are safe and convenient. Don’t miss school or work, fight traffic, or wait in an office! Schedule an online appointment with Tennessee TeleDerm and receive the same high-quality care you would in the office! For more information visit www.TnTeleDerm.com.