Skinema, dermatology in the media blog

Da Vinci Code credit?

Dan Brown, author of the controversial best-seller, "The Da Vinci Code," has weathered a number of attacks on the book's subject matter. He recently defended himself in court from two authors who claimed he stole core ideas from their tome. Though their suit was found to have no merit, Brown at least credited the authors' work.

While he's at it, Brown might credit the source of the evil albino character, Silas. This gun-wielding monk generates most of the suspense in the novel and upcoming movie. Dan Brown seems to have combined two evil film albinos seen in the 1970's. It's simple skinema skine-MATH: Add the giant sharpshooting assassin in "Foul Play" (1978) to the robed religious cult leader of "The Omega Man" (1971), and divide by the square root of self-flagellation. The result...is Silas.

	+		=
Gun toting assassin from "Foul Play..."	+	...malicious monk from "The Omega Man"...	=	..."Da Vinci Code's" sinister Silas.

So shouldn't Brown credit the creators of these cinematic classics? Or any of the other 67 films since 1960 that feature vicious albino thugs? Albinism is a genetic defect in the production of skin and hair pigmentation. Those born with the condition must protect themselves from sun exposure and are at high risk for skin cancer. Since people with albinism tend to have visual problems, they are not the ideal choice for jobs as sharp shooting assassins. Here's an original idea: For the next novel or action flick, we suggest giving the evil albino a rest.

More on albinism in movies.

Care to comment?

Psoriasis is a common, disheartening condition shared by an estimated one in 50 Americans. Though not contagious, some sufferers feel like they've got the plague, hiding themselves from society. Their isolation is reinforced by film makers: only rarely is psoriasis seen on-screen.

So I'm delighted to report that a new documentary casts light on those living with psoriasis. The fiery title, "My Skin is on Fire," is a little misleading. One might expect some B-movie horror vehicle, a prequel to the "Nightmare on Elm St." series, where monstrous Freddy Krueger earns his burn scars. Rather, it is a compelling look into the life of film maker Fred Finkelstein who has a severe case of the rash along with painful arthritis. The dermatitis' day-to-day dreariness is leavened by New York-born Finkelstein's humor, whose dry commentary echoes Woody Allen. Treatments, both past, present, and future, are explored. Most importantly, the film sensitively addresses how skin problems can undermine self image and confidence. Finkelstein is taking the flick on tour, but one can also get free DVD's online. Enjoy, and don't forget to moisturize.

Psoriasis in flames

Psoriasis is a common, disheartening condition shared by an estimated one in 50 Americans. Though not contagious, some sufferers feel like they've got the plague, hiding themselves from society. Their isolation is reinforced by film makers: only rarely is psoriasis seen on-screen.

So I'm delighted to report that a new documentary casts light on those living with psoriasis. The fiery title, "My Skin is on Fire," is a little misleading. One might expect some B-movie horror vehicle, a prequel to the "Nightmare on Elm St." series, where monstrous Freddy Krueger earns his burn scars. Rather, it is a compelling look into the life of film maker Fred Finkelstein who has a severe case of the rash along with painful arthritis. The dermatitis' day-to-day dreariness is leavened by New York-born Finkelstein's humor, whose dry commentary echoes Woody Allen. Treatments, both past, present, and future, are explored. Most importantly, the film sensitively addresses how skin problems can undermine self image and confidence. Finkelstein is taking the flick on tour, but one can also get free DVD's online. Enjoy, and don't forget to moisturize.