Medical Dermatology

25 Sep

Posted at 20:44h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Care Information, Skin Disorders by

Albinos In East Africa

It is 2014 isn’t it? One would like to believe some degree of pragmatism and scientific thought has woven its way into the world by now right? Don’t get your hopes up too high. Allow me to tell you about life as an albino in east Africa.

Albinism is a genetic skin condition in which individuals are born without the ability to make pigment. The skin is extremely pale and the eyes tend to be a soft blue or pinkish hue. This predisposes albinos to early skin cancers and a lifetime of poor eyesight since neither the skin nor the eyes are shielded by normal pigment. Life as an albino is tough enough as it is. Now imagine you are a native African albino, standing out glaringly white against your family and community of dark skinned people.

22 Aug

Posted at 22:43h in Medical Dermatology, Skin Care Information, Skin Disorders by

Both psoriasis and eczema (or atopic dermatitis) cause red, scaly skin rashes and can occur on the same parts of the body which is why sometimes people confuse one for the other. They do have somewhat different symptoms so a dermatologist is the best person to diagnose which skin condition it is and how to treat it. Here are some of the characteristics of psoriasis and eczema and how to tell the difference between the two:

09 Jul

Posted at 20:46h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Disorders by

Molluscum Skin Disease

Molluscum isn't dangerous, but it's inconvenient for parents.

“A pox upon your house!” cried a dying Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. ( I know it’s actually “a plague upon your house” but somewhere along the line we started saying “pox.”)

The highly contagious nature of pox viruses has been known for centuries. Smallpox ranks as one of the most formidable killers in history. And other pox viruses, like monkeypox and chickenpox, are no laughing matter despite their humorous names.

18 Jun

Posted at 19:46h in Authors, Dr. Derrick Adams, Medical Dermatology, Skin Care Information by

Large Breasts And Sweat Issues

Big breasts and summer sometimes do not mix well in the North State. I am not talking about falling out of your bikini at Shasta Lake either. I’m talking about boob sweat. Boob sweat may sound funny to some, but enough women seek medical advise on it for me to write this article. Embarrassing as armpit stains can be to both sexes, boob sweat carries the added insult of rashes, irritation and yeast overgrowth. One of my patients laments that her “melons become watermelons” in June.

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.