Understanding Vasculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Vasculitis I recently developed red rashes on both legs and consulted a dermatologist. The doctor suspects it is vasculitis and prescribed a topical medication, advising me to monitor any changes at home. However, I am still unclear about my condition, so I am reaching out for fu...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: There are many causes of vasculitis, including medications, allergies, infections, autoimmune disorders, and so on. Additionally, there is a category labeled "idiopathic," where the cause remains unknown despite thorough investigation. If the rash gradually fades...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Foot Moles: Insights from Dermatology Consultations
The issue of moles on the soles of the feet? Today, I visited another dermatology clinic and received "different opinions." After showing the doctor the mole on the sole of my foot, he gently scraped a piece of paper over the mole and said that since it has been there f...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: Most moles on the soles of the feet are actually benign. The information circulating online can be quite alarming, leading many people to undergo surgery just for a definitive diagnosis. If you have concerns, you can opt for a surgical biopsy for diagnosis; the decision is...[Read More] Understanding Foot Moles: Insights from Dermatology Consultations
Understanding Steroid Rosacea: Treatment Challenges and Solutions
Steroid rosacea Hello, doctor. Since last August, I have been experiencing frequent skin rashes. After visiting several doctors, they all diagnosed it as eczema and prescribed mainly corticosteroids. My condition has been fluctuating, and I have had to visit the clinic almost eve...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: If it is steroid-induced rosacea, there will initially be a transitional period. (The transitional period is not caused by the medication used to treat rosacea, but rather by withdrawal symptoms from stopping the steroids.) If you do not have a genetic predisposition to ro...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Rosacea: Treatment Challenges and Solutions
Effective Laser Treatments for Freckles: What You Need to Know
Laser Since elementary school, there have been spots on the left side of the face and neck. Are they freckles? Which type of laser is most effective? Is a stronger laser treatment more effective? If no medication is applied after the laser treatment and the area is kept dry, will...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: 1. It is not freckles; freckles are present on both sides, not just one side. 2. Ruby laser is the best; ruby-chromium laser and alexandrite laser are also acceptable. 3. Not necessarily. 4. No, applying an oily ointment or artificial skin will heal faster. 5. It can only ...[Read More] Effective Laser Treatments for Freckles: What You Need to Know
Understanding Skin Lesions: When to Consider Removal and Options Available
excuse me? I have a black mole about 5mm in size on the sole of my left foot, which has been there for several years. It hasn't changed much, but I'm quite concerned about it... so I've decided to have it removed! Today, I registered at a dermatology clinic in Touf...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: If you want to have surgery on the same day as your outpatient visit, my understanding is that you should go to a level one medical center (such as National Taiwan University Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, or Taipei Veterans General Hospital, but not a municipal h...[Read More] Understanding Skin Lesions: When to Consider Removal and Options Available
Can Vitamin C and Collagen Help Fade Acne Scars and Improve Skin Texture?
Regarding skin polishing? I would like to ask about my previous acne issues. Most of them have improved, and I only occasionally get one or two new ones. However, I still have some red acne scars. If I increase my vitamin C intake, will it help fade these scars? There is a produc...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: The red marks left by acne will naturally fade over time without the need for complicated treatments; "time" will heal them. If you're really impatient to wait, dye lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) can shorten the waiting period. As for other options... ...[Read More] Can Vitamin C and Collagen Help Fade Acne Scars and Improve Skin Texture?
Understanding HPV Transmission Risks: Insights on Oral and Genital Exposure
Cauliflower - 13 months 1. If she had the virus in her oral cavity 11 months ago, it is possible for the viral load to decrease to around 500 copies over that time, but this can vary widely depending on individual immune response and other factors. 2. The negative results from y...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: 1. That is an experimental report, not stating that there are 500 viruses in the oral cavity. 2. Perhaps 3, perhaps 4, may be infected with HPV, but it does not necessarily lead to warts. 5. If there are no lesions, it's best to leave it alone; addressing it may not b...[Read More] Understanding HPV Transmission Risks: Insights on Oral and Genital Exposure
Managing Inflammation and Scarring After Chickenpox on the Face
Inflammation of chickenpox on the face? At the end of July, I had a severe case of chickenpox for the first time. Recently, the scars on my body have gradually fallen off, but the scabs on my face were accidentally removed when I cleaned my face with cotton balls soaked in saline...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: Please go to a dermatology outpatient clinic (not the emergency room) as soon as possible for a more accurate assessment. You can choose either a hospital or a clinic. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Managing Inflammation and Scarring After Chickenpox on the Face
Understanding Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Benefits and Risks for Skin Care
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) 1. Is glycolic acid peeling effective for spots (approximately those that appear in elementary school and are only distributed on the left side of the face) and acne scars? 2. Can closed comedones be cleared with glycolic acid peeling? 3. Does glycoli...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: 1. Ineffective. 2. May provide some degree of benefit; individual responses vary, and it takes multiple sessions to determine effectiveness. 3. Pay attention to hydration and sun protection to avoid such issues. 4. Focus on hydration and sun protection. 5. Be cautious of b...[Read More] Understanding Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Benefits and Risks for Skin Care
Common Questions About Using AHA and Retinoids for Acne Treatment
Questions regarding the use of certain acids (Retinoic Acid, Azelaic Acid) Due to previous issues with acne, my doctor recommended long-term use of retinoids. I now purchase retinoids and azelaic acid on my own and visit the clinic less frequently. However, I've come across ...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: Response 1: Mixing with lotion can reduce irritation, but it may also decrease the efficacy of the medication. It is advisable to use it based on your skin type. Mix it only when you are about to use it, as pre-mixing may lead to chemical changes and degradation due to p...[Read More] Common Questions About Using AHA and Retinoids for Acne Treatment
Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules on the Arm: Causes and Treatments
Subcutaneous lump in the arm? Hello Doctor: Today I suddenly noticed a hard lump under the skin on the inner side of my left arm. It is not visible on the surface, only slightly raised, and the lump appears to be disc-shaped, with a diameter of about 1-1.5 cm. It can be pulled up...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: I apologize, but according to regulations, it is not permissible to make a diagnosis online. If you are truly troubled, please visit a surgical or dermatology clinic in person. If necessary, they may be able to arrange a biopsy (which means a surgical diagnosis). Wishing y...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules on the Arm: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Toenail Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Toenails Hello Doctor, I am Tong Tong from Sanchong, Taipei County. I have a question because a few days ago I felt very uncomfortable with my toenail, so I kept trimming it, and eventually it started to bleed from the side of my big toe. Now my foot hurts a lot, and I don't...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: It is very likely that you have an "ingrown toenail." Please refrain from trimming it yourself and consult an orthopedic specialist (there are outpatient services covered by health insurance at hospitals). Alternatively, you can first see a dermatologist and take...[Read More] Understanding Toenail Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Balancing Diet for Hair Health and Diabetes Prevention
Diet for Preventing Hair Loss and Diabetes? Because my husband is very busy with work and is worried about hair loss, and since there is a family history of diabetes, diabetics should avoid high-cholesterol and high-iodine foods. However, some people suggest consuming liver, egg ...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: The relationship between diet and headaches is not significant, unless there is malnutrition or rapid weight loss, which can have an impact. Essentially, preventing headaches through diet is "misguided effort." Wishing you peace and health.[Read More] Balancing Diet for Hair Health and Diabetes Prevention
Understanding Calluses on Toddlers' Feet: Causes and Solutions
Calluses on the soles of children's feet? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask: My baby started using a crab walker when he was 7-8 months old, and since then, he has developed hard calluses at the junction of the big toe and the sole of his left foot. Now that he is almos...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: It is most likely a simple callus (the flat type is called a corn, while the one that grows deeper is called a plantar wart). The cause is a local repetitive pressure that triggers the skin's self-protective mechanism. No amount of care, massage, or exfoliation will b...[Read More] Understanding Calluses on Toddlers' Feet: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Itching: Causes and Solutions for Skin Symptoms
A bunch of symptoms that are driving me almost crazy? Hello Doctor: I have the following symptoms: when I take a shower, as soon as I take off my clothes, my whole body itches. After I finish showering and leave the bathroom, I still feel itchy. Sometimes even the pubic area itch...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: You may be suffering from urticaria, please see a dermatologist directly for a definitive diagnosis. If it is urticaria, medication can help control it; blood tests are generally not helpful. Injections provide only temporary relief and can only manage the acute phase. If ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Itching: Causes and Solutions for Skin Symptoms
Understanding Blood Tests for Syphilis: Accurate Diagnosis and Staging
Blood testing methods Which blood test is most accurate for diagnosing syphilis and determining its stage when the initial test is positive? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: There are two blood tests for syphilis: one is RPR or VDRL; the other is TPHA. Typically, both tests are conducted during the first screening. If TPHA is positive, it almost certainly indicates a past syphilis infection, and there is no need to retest for TPHA, as it will ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Tests for Syphilis: Accurate Diagnosis and Staging
Can Keloids Be Treated After Years? Costs and Options in Taiwan
Keloid I worked part-time during my sophomore year and accidentally got a wound that developed into a keloid. I had surgery, but it grew back. After three to four years, can it still be treated? How much would it cost, and does health insurance provide any subsidies? Are there pl...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: Keloids should not be surgically removed, as this may worsen the condition. Health insurance can cover localized injection treatments. You can visit the dermatology department at Penghu Hospital or any dermatology clinic in Penghu. Wishing you peace and good health.[Read More] Can Keloids Be Treated After Years? Costs and Options in Taiwan
Choosing Between Clear Skin Laser and Dye Laser for Acne Scars
What are the differences between the Clear and Brilliant laser and the dye laser? Dear Doctor: 1. I have red acne scars on both cheeks (not a few), and there are red pigment deposits in lines on both sides of my nose, along with dark circles (melanin deposits). Should I conside...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: The red color is treated with dye laser, while the black color is treated with Q-switched laser. (Our hospital's contract for laser treatment in the dermatology department is scheduled to end on August 6 and will not be renewed). The phone number for our beauty center...[Read More] Choosing Between Clear Skin Laser and Dye Laser for Acne Scars
Understanding Rashes: Are They Due to Skincare Product Reactions?
Rash If a rash develops after using medical cosmetic skincare products, could it be due to the skin not having adapted yet, or is it because the individual is not suited for these products? Some say it is due to underlying issues in the skin. What is the correct reason? Thank you...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: If you develop a rash after applying a certain product to your skin, it is most likely a case of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can be divided into two types: allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs when you are allergic to a specific ingredient, similar to how s...[Read More] Understanding Rashes: Are They Due to Skincare Product Reactions?
Understanding Skin Tags: When to See a Dermatologist or Surgeon
Granulation tissue After giving birth to my first child, I noticed a small skin tag under my armpit, approximately 0.2 mm in size. I want to remove it, but it's quite painful. It's been 7 years now, and the skin tag hasn't grown larger. However, it causes discomfor...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: Please see a dermatologist; it should be manageable. Wishing you peace and good health.[Read More] Understanding Skin Tags: When to See a Dermatologist or Surgeon