Vita Dermatology Blog

07 Mar

Posted at 00:32h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Care Information, Skin Disorders by

Most Of Us Carry Neanderthal Genes

Apparently about 50,000 years ago, a few amorous Homo sapiens gazed across the campfire at a few receptive Neanderthals and decided to mix genetic material. Out of all the early humanoids to walk this earth, we are the only surviving species. The prospect of interbreeding between the two species has long been debated and subject of science fiction. But now we have proof that not only did interspecies breeding occur, but most of us carry Neanderthal genes. In fact every time you look in the mirror, more Neanderthal than Homo sapien may be looking back.

06 Mar

Posted at 00:00h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Hands and Fingernails, Medical Dermatology, Skin Care Information, Skin Care Tips, Skin Disorders by
[caption id="attachment_974" align="alignright" width="300"]Nail Fungus Treatments Toenail fungus plagues about 12% of Americans. Some are genetically prone to getting it; and therefore will probably get it again despite the best of treatments.[/caption]

Nail Fungus

In medicine, just as in life, things are not always what they appear to be. Chances are that if you have a funky looking or off-color toenail, someone has helpfully informed you it is fungus. If they are very helpful, they even mentioned that your doctor has a pill for it. The cause of distorted nails is myriad. We see frustrated patients who have been shelling out co pays for medications but just “can’t seem to get rid of this fungus!”

Toenail fungus plagues about 12% of Americans. Some are genetically prone to getting it; and therefore will probably get it again despite the best of treatments. Going barefoot, being an athlete, and having a weak immune system are other risk factors. Fungi love warm dark moist places, be it old rotting logs in the forest or your earthy smelling sneakers.

20 Feb

Posted at 00:00h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Care Information, Skin Care Tips, Skin Disorders by
[caption id="attachment_965" align="alignright" width="300"]The Bleach Cure The New York Times published an article on a medical breakthrough for a type of fatal skin infection called necrotizing fasciitis, aka, "Flesh-eating bacteria". The secret ingredient? Purified diluted bleach.[/caption]

The "Miracle" Bleach Cure

Sometimes the stars align and the universe continually puts things in front of you until you take notice. Over the past few months patients have been raving about a new product they’ve bought from veterinarians and equestrian outlets. This miracle product "kills everything" they say. Marketed for uncomplicated skin infections, this product promotes a cure for well…just about everything. Got ringworm? Sores? Abscesses? Skin Rot? Then this $35 a bottle product is for you! (It is not hard to imagine the old Patent Medicine Salesman circa 1900 barking out the same promises to a local rubes). What is this miracle product you ask? I actually chuckled out loud when I read it: Diluted bleach.

06 Feb

Posted at 00:00h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Hair, Medical Dermatology by
[caption id="attachment_956" align="alignright" width="400"]Female Hair Loss Hair loss is more common in older ladies but, since it is largely hormonal driven, can really be seen in any age. It is not uncommon to see the beginnings of genetic and hormonal hair loss in women as young as thirty.[/caption]

Female Hair Loss

What does a bald guy know about hair loss treatments? It is a fair question and one you may have asked if you glanced at my photo. Well losing my hair in my early twenties has spawned an appetite for the topic, if not a healthy dose of vengeance towards the process. As life altering as it was for me though, I still cannot imagine how devastating going bald is to a woman. At least I had icons like Michael Jordan and Andre Agassi to pave the way for me. Can you name a famous bald woman? Society accepts baldness on the male but still does a double take if a female walks by with a shiny head. Often people assume the woman is having health issues.

23 Jan

Posted at 00:00h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Disorders by
[caption id="attachment_940" align="alignright" width="300"]President Kennedy & Addison’s Disease Behind JFK's perpetual tanned skin, there was actually an underlying autoimmune disease.[/caption]

President Kennedy & Addison’s

Next month marks the 50th anniversary of both the Whiskeytown National Park dedication by John F. Kennedy and his subsequent assassination shortly after. It’s difficult to pen anything regarding JFK that people haven’t read a hundred times over. I hope to change that here.

President Kennedy seemed the image of youth and vigor in an office traditionally held by men physically way beyond their prime but valued for their experience and gravitas. JFK broke the mold with his full head of hair, movie star smile, and perpetual tanned skin. It is the perpetual tan that gives away his underlying fragility. One could be forgiven for assuming he tanned from long weekends on the yacht.

23 Oct

Posted at 00:00h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Cancer by

Melanoma Is The Deadliest Cancer

You have heard the message by now: Melanoma is deadly. You also probably know that it is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and that one American every hour dies from melanoma. Millimeter for millimeter, it is the deadliest cancer. Rather than bore you with statistics on this horrid disease, allow me to share with you some fascinating background on it you may not have heard before.

09 Oct

Posted at 00:00h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Allergies, Skin Care Information by

Allergic Skin Reactions

“Anybody can become allergic to anything at any time.” These were the wise words of man I trained under who specialized in allergic skin reactions. I find myself repeating this mantra daily. Usually when a mystery rash has crept into one’s life, human nature tends to blame anything new. Was it the new shampoo? New kitten? Spray the yard guy used? Or the (insert new event/product here)? After all why would your tried and true products suddenly turn on you? If eliminating the new exposure doesn’t cause the rash to disappear, you should consider an allergy to an old product. The product didn’t change. You did.

26 Sep

Posted at 00:00h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Skin Care Information by

Bruising In Older Patients

“I promise I don’t beat him” chuckled the ninety-one pound octogenarian about her husband’s black and blue forearms and hands.

I have been surprised with how much concern and worry there is around bruising of the forearms in my older patients. I personally have distinct memories of my grandparents’ arms being black and blue at times; sometimes with little tears. I think I just assumed everyone knew this was not unusual. Granted it does not happen to everyone. But it is so common that I was always a little perplexed when patients seem confounded by it. But one day I asked, “I understand you are concerned. But don’t you have friends your age that this is happening to also?” And the man’s answer put it all in perspective for me: “Yes, but I never figured it would happen to me!”

12 Sep

Posted at 00:00h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology by

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Sometimes truth and everyday reality is stranger than fiction. Had someone told me that someday I would be discussing one-eyed cyclopean sheep and sonic hedgehogs with my skin cancer patients, I would have laughed. But alas! Dermatologists are now sharing the bizarre tale of these creatures with patients diagnosed with complicated forms of a common skin cancer called Basal Cell Carcinoma.