Medical Dermatology

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.