articles

Back-To-School with Trillium Creek Dermatology

July 28, 2021

Back-to-School includes schedules, books, clothes, supplies and a visit to your dermatologist is a must. Before you stock up on supplies, make sure their skin is ready by scheduling an appointment with one of our skin experts here at Trillium Creek Dermatology.

GET ON A SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Heading back to school can cause a lot of anxiety. This added stress leads to acne flare-ups, hair loss, eczema and psoriasis flares. That’s why the perfect time to go see your dermatologist is before school starts.

There are over-the-counter topical treatments available for cases of mild acne and, when used according to directions, these topical acne treatments can provide an effective remedy. For moderate to advanced cases, however, and for those not responding to conventional treatment, you will require a prescription medication.

We’ll create a customized skin care plan that may include: topical therapy, prescription treatments, oral antibiotics, vitamins, hormone/birth control pills, and acne laser treatments.

REGULAR SKIN CHECKS

Moles on a child’s skin are usually nothing to worry about. New moles appear during childhood and adolescence and naturally increase in size. It’s also normal for moles on a child’s skin to darken or lighten. Some moles fade away. These changes are common and rarely a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can begin in a mole. In fact, melanoma is rare in young children. There are times when a mole should be checked by your Trillium Creek dermatologist.

Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable. Full skin exams should be done at least once a year, especially if your child has many moles, or there is a family history of melanoma. Our dermatologists should be consulted if there is a specific concern.


Fall sports are a fun time for kids to learn teamwork and sportsmanship, but returning to sports can bring a host of irritating skin conditions. Don’t let sports related infections interfere with your kid’s game! Read on for what you can look out for, by sport, and when it may be time to call your Trillium Creek dermatologist.

FOOTBALL
Excessive sweating caused by helmets and shoulder pads can cause acne and miliaria (heat rash). Avoid sharing pads, clothes, and helmets to prevent the spread of infections including tinea (ringworm) and impetigo. Washing with a benzoyl peroxide wash or Sulfo-Lo Antibacterial Cleansing Bar Soap immediately following practices and games will help to keep the skin clean and will hopefully prevent these skin conditions. Should you contract any new rashes or lesions on your skin, see your Trillium Creek dermatologist.

Contact sports always contain a risk of physical injuries to the skin. Turf burn is one that can accompany a fall. You can prevent turf burn by wearing additional padding. Should you get a turf burn, it is important to wash it thoroughly with a gentle soap and be sure that any debris is removed. You can use petroleum jelly to soothe and protect the injury. Inspect it daily, keeping an eye out for signs of infection. If any redness, swelling, warmth or discharge develops, contact your Trillium Creek dermatologist for help clearing up the infection.

SOCCER
With soccer being a physical and active sport like football, conditions like acne, miliaria, and turf burn are also possible from participation. Soccer players, like most outdoor athletes, are also prone to sunburns. Wear a physical sunscreen (containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) that has an SPF 50 or greater and is sweat- resistant and waterproof. Maintaining hydration is also key for most outdoor athletes who develop sunburns. If you develop a burn, apply aloe vera gel to the burned skin, take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve the pain, and most importantly, get out of the sun and be sure to drink extra fluids for the next few days. If symptoms are severe with redness or blistering, swelling, dehydration, headache, fevers, chills, and/or nausea, you should seek medical attention immediately.

GOLF
Golfers are out in the elements for long periods of time. It is important to protect your skin, even on cloudy days. Cover your skin in lightweight, breathable clothing and hats. Cover exposed skin with a broad-spectrum physical sunblock with an SPF 50 or higher. Nice weather and green grass bring out the bugs. Bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets are the most common stings that occurs. These stings are not generally dangerous, unless you have an allergy. In the case of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. Apply ice and cool, wet dressings to relieve pain and swelling. Your Trillium Creek dermatologist may recommend antihistamines, topical steroids, and even prednisone at times depending on the severity of the reaction.

Following a stray ball off the course into wooded areas exposes you to poison ivy and oak. Should you come in contact with either of these, wash your skin and all the clothing that may have come in contact with the oils as soon as possible. A topical corticosteroid cream will relieve the itch. Severe cases can be treated with systemic steroids such as prednisone.

CHEER
Jumping and cheering can be hard on the feet. Cheerleaders can easily develop calluses from their shoes rubbing on their feet. Corn pads and wearing wider shoes as well as filing down the callus with a pumice stone can help with discomfort. Cheer uniforms don't breathe well. Tight-fitting, spandex-like materials can trap sweat against the skin, causing acne. Wear cotton undergarments, and wash all clothing regularly. Allow clothing to dry completely before wearing it again to prevent acne and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide wash can be used, as well as prescription acne medications.

CROSS COUNTRY
Cross country runners are also very hard on their feet. In addition to calluses, runners frequently have to battle athlete’s foot. This fungal infection can be fought with Lamisil cream on the feet and Zeasorb AF powder in the shoes. Rotating shoes to allow time for sweat to dry before wearing them again is advised. Runners also have to combat insects and poisonous plants they encounter in the wooded areas in which they run. They can follow the same treatments as golfers should they have issues with either a sting or a reaction to a plant.

VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball players are prone to many of the same injuries and infections as many other sports players. They can suffer from calluses, athlete’s foot as well as many other sport-related injuries. It is important to change and wash knee pads regularly as these can carry bacteria and fungus, which can cause skin infections.

TENNIS
Much like soccer players, tennis player must be careful to avoid sunburns, acne, miliaria, and turf burns. They, too, must try to prevent calluses and athlete’s foot. Proper clothing and shoes will be greatly beneficial in preventing these uncomfortable ailments.

Schedule your appointment with Trillium Creek Dermatology today. Visit them on the web at https://www.trilliumcreekohio.com/ or call 330-725-0569.