In the early 1800’s a man from France immigrated to Kentucky and married an American woman. More than half their children ended up with very blue skin. Listen this week as Lynne explains the medical phenomenon behind the Fugate family’s indigo hue. Many thanks to Amie for the suggestion! 

Special note: Dr. Helen Shui is truly a doctor, but is working under a pseudonym for privacy reasons. Dr. Lynne Kramer is using her real name. 

Music by Helen Shui and Caplixo. Cover art by Lynne Kramer. 

Sources:

1. A Short History of Kentucky/Central Appalachia, no byline

2. Methemoglobin by Chris Higgins

3. Methemoglobinemia by John T Ludlow, Richard G Wilkerson, and Thomas M Nappe

4. Methemoglobinemia by Habib Ur Rehman

5. Blue Fugates: The True Story of Kentucky’s Blue People by Madison Whipple

6. The Fugate Family of Kentucky Has Had Blue Skin for Centuries - Here’s Why by Gabe Paolettti

7. The True Story of the Blue People of Kentucky by Dave Roos

Please contact us with questions/concerns/comments at defunctdoctorspodcast@gmail.com. @defunctdoctorspodcast on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), Threads, YouTube, and TikTok 

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