General Dermatology in Knoxville, TN

Your skin is your body's largest organ, and when something doesn't look or feel right, it can affect everything from your comfort to your confidence. Whether you're dealing with persistent acne, an itchy rash, facial redness, or a skin growth you're concerned about, having the right diagnosis is the first step toward healthier skin.

At Refine Dermatology, we provide comprehensive general dermatology care for patients of all ages in Knoxville and the surrounding communities. Led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jill Salyards, our practice takes a personalized, physician-led approach to diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions. We know that no two patients or two skin concerns are exactly alike, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs.

While many skin conditions can appear similar, they often require very different treatments. If you've spent weeks or months trying over-the-counter products without seeing improvement, we're here to help you get answers and find a treatment plan that works.

What Is General Dermatology?

General dermatology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Some concerns develop suddenly, while others are chronic conditions that require ongoing care to keep symptoms under control.

Our goal isn't just to treat the symptoms you see on the surface—it's to identify what's causing them and create a plan that helps you achieve healthier skin for the long term.

Whether you're visiting us for a common skin condition or something more complex, you'll receive compassionate care rooted in the latest evidence-based treatments.

Common Skin Conditions We Treat

Acne

Acne is one of the most common reasons patients visit our office, and it's certainly not limited to teenagers. Adult acne is incredibly common and can be caused by a combination of excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, inflammation, and, in some cases, hormonal changes.

The right treatment depends on the type and severity of your acne. For some patients, prescription topical medications such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide are enough to clear the skin. Others may benefit from oral medications or hormonal therapies.

One of the most important things we remind patients is that acne takes consistency. Even the most effective treatments need time to work, and following a personalized treatment plan is often the key to long-term improvement.

Eczema

If your skin is constantly dry, itchy, irritated, or sensitive, eczema may be the cause. This common condition occurs when the skin's protective barrier becomes weakened, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to penetrate the skin more easily.

Treatment focuses on restoring that skin barrier while reducing inflammation. We often recommend fragrance-free moisturizers that contain ceramides, identifying personal triggers, and using prescription medications during flare-ups when necessary.

Many people simply try to live with eczema, but treating it early can make a significant difference in preventing worsening symptoms and improving quality of life.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that commonly affects adults and often appears as persistent redness, facial flushing, visible blood vessels, or acne-like bumps on the cheeks and nose.

Because rosacea can easily be mistaken for acne or sensitive skin, receiving an accurate diagnosis is important. Treatment often begins with prescription topical medications, although oral medications may be recommended for more severe cases.

Many patients also find that avoiding personal triggers—such as heat, alcohol, spicy foods, or even chocolate—helps reduce flare-ups and keep their skin looking its best.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as dandruff, doesn't only affect the scalp. It can also cause redness, flaking, and irritation around the eyebrows, nose, ears, and beard area.

This condition is related to an overgrowth of a naturally occurring yeast on the skin. While it isn't contagious, it often requires ongoing management.

Treatment may include medicated shampoos, prescription creams, or topical solutions that reduce inflammation and help control symptoms.

Warts, Skin Tags & Other Benign Skin Growths

Not every skin concern is a rash or inflammatory condition. We also evaluate and treat many benign skin lesions, including skin tags, warts, cysts, cherry angiomas, seborrheic keratoses, dermatofibromas, and other non-cancerous growths.

Some of these growths can be removed in the office if they're bothersome or cosmetically concerning, while others simply need to be monitored over time. The most important step is determining exactly what the growth is so you can make an informed decision about treatment.

Additional Conditions We Treat

Our team also diagnoses and treats many other common dermatologic conditions, including:

• Psoriasis
• Contact dermatitis
• Skin rashes
• Hair loss
• Nail disorders
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Vitiligo
• Lentigos
• Cysts
• And many other conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Many skin conditions respond well to over-the-counter products, but there are times when professional care can save you both time and frustration.

It may be time to schedule an appointment if:

• Your skin condition isn't improving with at-home treatment.
• Your symptoms continue to worsen.
• Your skin is painful, itchy, or interfering with your daily life.
• You're experiencing frequent flare-ups.
• You've noticed a new or changing skin growth.
• You're simply unsure what's causing your symptoms.

Many patients spend months trying different products before seeing a dermatologist. Unfortunately, treating the wrong condition can delay healing—and sometimes even make symptoms worse. Receiving an accurate diagnosis early allows us to recommend treatments that are both safe and effective.

Whether you're visiting us for persistent acne, chronic eczema, rosacea, or another skin condition, our goal is to help you feel confident in both your diagnosis and your treatment plan.

Schedule Your General Dermatology Appointment

Healthy skin starts with the right diagnosis.

If you're struggling with a skin condition that isn't improving—or you've noticed a new concern you'd like evaluated—our team is here to help. At Refine Dermatology, we're committed to providing expert, compassionate care in a welcoming environment, so you can feel confident every step of the way.

We look forward to helping you achieve healthier skin!

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does a general dermatologist treat?

General dermatologists diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. This includes acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, skin rashes, warts, skin tags, hair loss, nail disorders, cysts, and many other common concerns.

When should I see a dermatologist instead of treating my skin at home?

If your symptoms aren't improving after several weeks of over-the-counter treatment, continue getting worse, are painful or bothersome, or you're unsure what's causing them, it's time to schedule an evaluation with a dermatologist.

Can adults develop acne?

Absolutely. Acne affects people of all ages and is one of the most common conditions we treat in adults. Hormones, genetics, stress, and excess oil production can all contribute to adult breakouts.

What happens during my first dermatology appointment?

Your dermatologist will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, examine your skin, and explain your diagnosis. From there, we'll create a personalized treatment plan based on your condition and goals.

How long does it take for treatment to work?

Every skin condition is different. Some improve within a few weeks, while others require several months of consistent treatment. We'll discuss what you can realistically expect and schedule follow-up visits if needed.

Can skin tags and warts be removed?

Yes. Many skin tags and warts can be treated or removed in the office. During your appointment, we'll recommend the best option based on the type, size, and location of the growth.

What if I don't know what's causing my skin problem?



That's exactly what we're here for. Many skin conditions look alike, making self-diagnosis difficult. A professional evaluation allows us to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment.