While Nashvillians tend to be a good-natured bunch, there are three things we like to complain about: traffic, shopping for a home (no complaints from the sellers!), and allergies.

If you recently moved to Nashville and find yourself wondering, “Were my allergies this bad before I came here?” you may be relieved to know you’re not mistaken. Wherever you came from, the allergies probably weren’t as bad they are here in Nashville! (Okay, maybe “relief” isn’t the right emotion – but, at least you’re right, right?)

Nashville Ranks in the Top 30 for Allergies

Every season, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) releases a report on the Allergy Capitals of the U.S. In Spring 2016, Nashville ranked at #29, pushed further down the list from its previous ranking at #23. (If it makes you feel any better, Memphis ranked #2 and consistently appears at the top of allergy and asthma lists.)

In the Fall 2016 allergy season, Nashville ranked #27 (down from #20).

What Causes Allergies in Nashville?

Springtime brings a variety of blooming flowers and budding trees, which create the perfect storm for pollen-sensitive residents. With long growing seasons and a geography that causes air to “sit” over the Middle Tennessee region for extended periods, pollens and other irritants can accumulate in the area, irritating sinuses for weeks or months on end.

In the fall, ragweed (“hay fever”) can cause those infamous symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, congestion, headache, and irritation of the throat and eyes. Of course, our homes can also act as host to a variety of allergens, from dust, mold, and mites to pet dander.

Allergy Testing Methods

Nashville ENT specialists at St. Thomas Medical Group have several methods for screening allergies.

• • Skin Prick Testing: The most common form of testing, the skin prick method involves creating several pricks on the skin with droplets of various allergens. After 20 minutes, test results can be read. Results may prompt further testing. (See below.)
  • Intradermal Dilutional Testing (IDT): Using this method, the healthcare provider injects small amounts of allergens under the skin of the upper arm. The test can take three hours.
  • Modified RAST (mRAST): This blood test measures the amount of ImmunoglobinE (IgE) specific to each allergen. IgE is an antibody the immune system produces in reaction to an allergen. These antibodies are what cause the symptoms you have observed as an “allergic reaction.” It can take two to three weeks to receive results from the lab.

Treatments for Nashville Allergies

There are several methods that may be recommended to you for managing allergy symptoms. These may include:

• • Medication Therapy: Antihistamines, nasal sprays and other drugs can be helpful in many cases for reducing allergy symptoms. Many of these drugs are available over the counter without a prescription.
  • Desensitizing Immunotherapy (IT): Also known as “allergy injections,” immunotherapy is an option for some patients. Injections may be done weekly in a physician’s office; some immunotherapy drugs are taken orally under the tongue twice a week at home.
  • Avoidance Therapy: As you may guess, this therapy is based on strategically eliminating or reducing exposure to known allergens. Your ENT specialist may be able to recommend air filters, cleaning methods, household modifications, and lifestyle changes that can help you reduce exposure to known allergens.

Find a Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor In Nashville, TN

St. Thomas Medical Group is home to three ENT specialists. Meet:

Mitchell K Schwaber, M.D.
Steven Enrich, M.D.
Matthew Speyer, M.D.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Nashville ear, nose and throat specialist at St. Thomas Medical Group, call +1 (615) 297-2700.

Most of us can remember at least one semi-traumatizing experience from our teen years involving acne, right? With those days likely behind you now, acne may have fallen off your radar – aside from the occasional pimple or blemish.

And then one day you pick up your newborn to find… baby acne? Yes, baby acne is surprisingly common! Our Nashville pediatricians at St. Thomas Medical Group have put together this brief Q&A to address your questions and help you care for your infant.

Is baby acne normal?

First off, yes! Don’t worry. Baby acne is quite common among infants. (And it won’t cause them anywhere near the level of social embarrassment they’ll have the opportunity to experience fourteen years later!)

Newborns still have many maternal hormones circulating in their system in the first few weeks following birth. These hormones can cause pimples to develop on the face (chin, cheeks, forehead and eyelids, for example). It’s not uncommon to see baby acne on the chest, neck or back, too.

Before you blame yourself, Mom, it’s worth mentioning that baby acne isn’t only caused by maternal hormones. Because the pores in your newborn’s skin aren’t completely developed, your baby may be susceptible to developing acne caused by some other external irritant.

When does baby acne start?

Forty percent of all newborns develop baby acne at two to three weeks of age. (In some cases, baby acne may be present at birth.) This condition can last until six months of age. It’s important to note that baby acne does not cause scarring (like acne later in life), nor is it an indicator of future teen/adult acne issues.

What helps baby acne?

Baby acne typically resolves itself without any specific home-care or professional medical care. However, you can gently cleanse and pat-dry the area two or three times a day. Do not use acne medicine, soap, lotion or any other chemicals. Also, just as is the case with adult acne, no squeezing or picking!

Can I be sure it’s baby acne? Or is it something else?

Of course, not all raised or pimply-looking skin conditions are baby acne. Infants may develop similar signs of irritation as a result of milia, heat rash, diaper rash, infant eczema or cradle cap. If you’re concerned that skin irritation could be something more than baby acne, talk to your Nashville pediatrician at St. Thomas Medical Group.

What’s the difference between milia and baby acne?

Milia (small white bumps that sometimes develop on an infant’s face) are similar to baby acne, but completely unrelated. These bumps are typically present at birth, while baby acne typically develops several weeks later. These white bumps occur when small flakes of skin become trapped in pockets just beneath the surface of the skin. Nearly half of all babies have milia on the upper cheeks, chin or nose. These little bumps are neither painful nor contagious and will resolve on their own in just a couple of weeks. No special washing, scrubbing or treatment is necessary.

Baby acne (and milia) is usually more upsetting to new parents than to the baby. Both of these conditions just require a little time and patience! In a few weeks (or months at the latest) your baby will develop a smooth, clear complexion!

See a Pediatrician In Nashville, TN

Are you concerned about baby acne in your infant? To schedule an appointment with a board-certified pediatrician in Nashville, contact St. Thomas Children and Adults Medical Group by calling +1 (615) 297-2700. Our Nashville pediatricians have offered quality care at the intersection of Green Hills, Sylvan Park and Belle Meade for over 40 years.

The Guardian Angel program was started by the St. Thomas Health Foundation in 2007 as an opportunity for patients and family members to honor their physicians, nurses, hospital associates or other care givers who made a difference in their visit or hospital stay.

The physicians of St. Thomas Medical Group have been consistent recipients in this honorable award.

Most recently and of special note, our Medical Director, Dr. Timothy Mangrum received his 50TH Guardian Angel recognition!!
This earned Dr. Mangrum the prestigious platinum service award.

St. Thomas Medical Group is proud of its Guardian Angels, the outstanding physicians that have provided excellent specialized and family driven quality care since 1976.