The Fugate Family Tree and Their Inbred Culture

The Fugates are the people from Appalachia who secluded themselves from the rest of the world due to their bluish skin tone.

The Blue Fugate of Troublesome Creek Kentucky suffered from methemoglobinemia a rare blood condition. The disorder is caused in the body when the body produces a high amount of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin.

When the body overproduces methemoglobin, oxygen distribution becomes difficult to pass through body tissue, making them blue. The rare condition can be caused due to chemicals, medications, foods, or hereditary.

In the context of the Fugates, it is hereditary due to their inbred culture. The family remained about their skin condition for over a hundred years until Dr. Madison came to know about them. 

The family refused to visit Dr.Madison for treatment as they preferred to stay in seclusion since many townspeople looked down on them for their condition. 

Is there a cure for methemoglobinemia? Yes, this rare blood condition can be treated with the help of methylene blue and supplemental oxygen. 

The doctor had treated the Fugates by injecting a hundred milligrams of methylene blue. The dose of methylene blue worked wonders as the Fugates saw a decrease in their blue skin tone.

Unfortunately, the effects of the medication would wear off after urinating. So, the doctor left pills for the family to consume daily.