Vita Dermatology Blog

07 Jun

Posted at 16:22h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams by

Sunscreen Isn't Full-Proof Sun Protection

Sunscreen gets the bulk of our attention when it comes to sun protection. I wear sunscreen and I recommend you do as well. However as the old saying goes: “to err is human”. Most of us are simply inept at using our sunscreens. We don’t put it on thick enough. We sweat it off. We forget. We sometimes don’t care. The reasons we fail are endless. And so with summer right around the bend, I would like for you to consider your hats and how much they do, or don’t, offer you protection.

31 May

Posted at 23:16h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Care Information, Skin Care Tips by

What’s the Nit-Picking Problem?

Another child and distraught mother materialized right at closing time this week. “He cannot go back to school until it is treated!" the tired working mother bemoaned. Head lice are the scourge of grade schools everywhere, from the ritziest private schools on down. And they are not going anywhere anytime soon. While harmless to the kid, adults go berserk—casting glances of judgment upon the family and banning the child from school and social events. Parents take it particularly hard and are start harboring deep feelings of guilt and question how hygienic their homes and housekeeping skills really are.

20 Mar

Posted at 21:36h in Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, Skin Cancer, Skin Care Specials, Vita Specials by
The timeframe for this special has now passed.
Please check back later for more specials.

Red Bluff Acne Peel

In March of 2014, Vita offered several specials on acne peels and laser hair removal.

Those specials have since passed, however, you can still visit Vita Dermatology for acne peels to reduce sun damage and acne, or keep your legs nice and smooth with our laser hair removal treatments.

20 Mar

Posted at 20:04h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Cancer, Skin Care Information, Skin Disorders by

Doctor Finds Another Possible Deadly Health Problem Associated With Agent Orange

As if veterans exposed to Agent Orange needed another thing to worry about, a new study published in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery identifies a potential new connection between certain types of skin cancers and exposure to Agent Orange.

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.