James Fulton (dermatologist) facts for kids

Dr. James E. Fulton Jr. (born February 25, 1940 – died July 4, 2013) was an American dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin care. Dr. Fulton was also a medical researcher. He helped create Retin-A, a very popular medicine for acne, in 1969.

Dr. Fulton worked with Dr. Albert Kligman to develop tretinoin. This medicine is widely known by its brand name, Retin-A. Dr. Fulton was also a pioneer in skin care. He used new methods and treatments. He was likely the first dermatologist to have an esthetician on his medical team. An esthetician is a skin care specialist. Other skin doctors first criticized this idea. But soon, it became a common practice. Dr. Fulton also supported using surgery early on to help with acne scars.

Biography of Dr. James Fulton

Early Life and Education

James Fulton was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on February 25, 1940. He grew up in California. When he was young, he had many acne problems. This experience later led him to become a dermatologist.

Dr. Fulton studied at Tulane University in New Orleans. He earned his bachelor's degree there. He was also a swimmer for the university team. Later, he earned his medical degree from Tulane as well. He then received a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Miami.

Dr. Fulton's Career Highlights

In 1969, Dr. Fulton, Dr. Albert Kligman, and Dr. Gerd Plewig published a study. It was called "The Effect of Chocolate on Acne Vulgaris." This study appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study involved 65 people who had moderate acne. They were given two kinds of candy bars. One group ate bars with no chocolate. The other group ate bars with more chocolate than usual. The doctors found that eating chocolate did not make acne worse.

Vivant Skin Care Company

In 1990, Dr. Fulton and his wife, Sara Fulton, started a company. Sara was a chemist. Their company was called Vivant Skin Care. It began in California. In 2000, they moved the company to South Florida.

Vivant Skin Care products are made in Miami Lakes, Florida. They use special Vitamin A treatments. Dr. Fulton patented these treatments. As of 2013, their daughter, Kelly Fulton-Kendrick, was the CEO of Vivant.

Acne Rx Book and TV Appearances

In 2001, Dr. Fulton wrote a book. It was called Acne Rx: What Acne Really Is And How To Eliminate Its Devastating Effects. In this book, he shared his experiences. He wrote about being both a researcher and a patient.

Dr. Fulton described acne as a "complicated, mysterious and devious disease." But he also said that "treatment is remarkably simple and control is finally possible." His book led to appearances on TV talk shows. He was even on ABC's The View.

Dr. Fulton's Personal Life

Dr. James Fulton passed away on July 4, 2013. He was 73 years old. He died from colon cancer at Mercy Hospital in Miami, Florida.

He lived in Key Biscayne, Florida. Dr. Fulton was survived by his wife, Sara Fulton. They had four children: Kelly Fulton-Kendrick, Susan Fulton-Arregui, James E. Fulton III, and George J. Fulton.

Meeting Sara Fulton

Dr. Fulton met his wife Sara when he was a researcher. He was working at the University of Pennsylvania. Sara was an anatomy teacher in the nursing department there. Sara wanted to meet James. She made an appointment to see him.

They got married during their lunch break on February 2, 1970. After the ceremony, they went back to their labs. They continued their research for the rest of the day!

Dr. Fulton and his wife raised their four children in Newport Beach, California. They owned a home in Newport Beach from 1975 until 2004.