Understanding Nail Ridges and Blackheads: Dermatologist Insights
Nail ridges appear? Doctor: Hello… Recently, I've noticed that my nails have developed ridges and indentations, particularly on my thumbs, while the other fingers show less noticeable changes. Is there something wrong? I hope you can provide me with some guidance… Thank you....
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Nail pitting occurs when the growth of the nail is affected by certain factors at a specific stage (such as high fever, serious illness, dieting, etc.), which suppresses growth. However, it is temporary, and the pits will move outward over time, disappearing within 1-2 months. Bl...[Read More] Understanding Nail Ridges and Blackheads: Dermatologist Insights
Red Spots on the Skin: Possible Causes and Concerns
Red spots I recently noticed many small red spots on the head of my penis, and sometimes they itch. I recently had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend; could I have contracted an infection? Additionally, I have a small red spot on my right arm. Is there a connection, or could i...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
It is most likely eczema; you should consult a dermatologist for treatment. Wishing you well.[Read More] Red Spots on the Skin: Possible Causes and Concerns
Why Does My Toe Itch at Night Despite Looking Normal?
Why do my toes, which appear normal, itch while I'm sleeping? Hello Doctor: My left big toe has been itchy while I sleep for the past few weeks, but I don't feel much during the day. I have seen a doctor, but since there are no visible abnormalities, the doctor is unsur...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
If there are no visible changes to the skin, it is most likely eczema. You can start by applying an eczema cream. If there is no improvement, you should consult a dermatologist for further evaluation. Wishing you well.[Read More] Why Does My Toe Itch at Night Despite Looking Normal?
Understanding Folliculitis: Why Surgery May Be Necessary and Where to Find Help
Why do I need surgery for my folliculitis? Please recommend a good hospital in Taichung? Recently, I developed a small bump on my chest that resembled an acne lesion. One day while showering, I squeezed it, and a little blood came out. However, it later became increasingly swolle...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Your symptoms are most likely due to inflammation of an epidermoid cyst, leading to the formation of an abscess. Therefore, the treatment your physician has provided is incision and drainage. Local anesthesia can help reduce some of the pain. The specimen you submitted is likely ...[Read More] Understanding Folliculitis: Why Surgery May Be Necessary and Where to Find Help
Understanding Pain and Swelling in the Labia: Causes and Concerns
Swelling and pain of the labia majora? A few days ago, I noticed some pain in my left labium majus. Upon touching it, I found a swollen area inside that was about the size of a soybean, and pressing on it causes pain. Now, my left labium majus is noticeably more prominent than th...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Based on your description, it is most likely an inflammation of the glands in the labial area, which can be treated with antibiotics. If your symptoms are cyclical like menstruation, then hormonal-related conditions should be considered, and you should seek medical evaluation. Wi...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Swelling in the Labia: Causes and Concerns
Do Medications Cause Acne? Understanding Skin Reactions and Treatments
The occurrence of acne after taking medication may indicate a process of detoxification? Doctor: Thank you for your previous response. However, I am unsure which one is the stomach medication. I only know that the tetracycline capsule is green. Additionally, I have a round apple-...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
In theory, it takes about 3-4 weeks to assess the efficacy of a medication for acne. If there is improvement, the treatment can be continued; if there is no improvement, consideration should be given to switching to a second-line medication, including oral retinoids or hormonal a...[Read More] Do Medications Cause Acne? Understanding Skin Reactions and Treatments
Understanding Painful Nasal Nodules: When to Consider Surgery
Nasal tip mass? I apologize for previously asking about nasal tip cysts, but I may not have clearly stated my main concern. I would like to know if a hard cyst that occasionally causes pain is abnormal and whether it is necessary to have it surgically removed. Thank you!
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
If symptoms occur frequently, surgical removal may be considered. Wishing you peace and safety.[Read More] Understanding Painful Nasal Nodules: When to Consider Surgery
Understanding Folliculitis: When to Seek Medical Attention
If folliculitis is not treated by a doctor..? I have a bump that looks similar to a pimple on the hair in my left groin area. I'm guessing it might be folliculitis since I've had it before. I'm wondering if it would be okay not to see a doctor because it looks like...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
There are two possibilities: folliculitis or an inflammatory cyst. If it frequently recurs, it is advisable to seek further evaluation from a physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Folliculitis: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Black Spots on Toenails: Signs of Melanoma?
Toenails Hello, Dr. Jiang. I recently noticed two very small black spots on my left toenail, about the size of a pinhead (<<1mm). They should have been there for about a month (but I don't think they were there last year). I overlooked them due to my busy schedule, but...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Based on your description, you may have onychomycosis, and the black spot is most likely a subungual hemorrhage, which is less concerning. However, for onychomycosis, it is advisable to see a dermatologist for treatment as soon as possible. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on Toenails: Signs of Melanoma?
How to Restore Hair Thickness After Stress and Sleep Issues
Hair is slightly thinning..? I have been under a lot of stress lately, and sometimes I stay up all night. Recently, I've noticed that my hair on the top of my head is a bit thinning, although my father has very thick hair. How can I make my hair thicker again? I used to have...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Maintaining a regular lifestyle is crucial; avoid staying up late and ensure a balanced diet. Following these practices, your hair will naturally grow back in a few months.[Read More] How to Restore Hair Thickness After Stress and Sleep Issues
Understanding White Lips: Skin Conditions and Winter Effects
Pale lips Could skin diseases cause persistent whitening of the lips, especially during winter when the lips may become flaky and swollen?
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
It should be a type of lip eczema, and it is advisable to seek treatment from a dermatologist.[Read More] Understanding White Lips: Skin Conditions and Winter Effects
Understanding Toenail Issues: Pain, Inflammation, and Treatment Options
Problems with toenails? Hello Doctor: My big toe hurts when I apply light pressure to the edge. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the skin at the edge is slightly red due to pressure from the nail. I'm afraid of the nail growing into the skin, so I hesitate to cut it to...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Your condition is acute paronychia with granulation tissue hyperplasia; you should visit a dermatology clinic. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Toenail Issues: Pain, Inflammation, and Treatment Options
Understanding My Brother's Skin Condition: Insights on White Spots and Variants
Could you please provide more details about my brother's condition? Dr. Jiang: Hello, my younger brother is nine years old and is somewhat of a chubby meat-lover. He was born prematurely and has been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency (favism). Around the age of six, we noticed ...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Based on your description, vitiligo is the most likely diagnosis. Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that generally does not have significant health implications. However, it is advisable to take him to a dermatology department at a teaching hospital for evaluation and treatmen...[Read More] Understanding My Brother's Skin Condition: Insights on White Spots and Variants
Understanding Sudden Hand Blisters: Is It Eczema?
Sudden appearance of small blisters on the hand..? Recently, I've been experiencing small blisters on my hands for no apparent reason. They aren't caused by burns from water, and they are itchy. I tend to scratch them open. (This shouldn't be dyshidrosis since it&#...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
It could be dyshidrotic eczema; applying a bit of eczema cream should help. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Hand Blisters: Is It Eczema?
Effective Treatments for Cracked and Red Skin Between Fingers
Hand problems My finger webbing is red and cracked! I previously saw a doctor who said it was a bacterial infection. He prescribed an ointment and advised me to keep it dry, but my job often involves contact with water! Besides applying the ointment, are there any other treatment...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Protecting your hands is the most important thing. You should learn to work while wearing gloves. Never use alcohol, as it will worsen your symptoms. Also, remember to apply hand cream frequently. Wishing you safety.[Read More] Effective Treatments for Cracked and Red Skin Between Fingers
Understanding Psoriasis Treatments: Methotrexate, Neotigason, and Longifene
Psoriasis I have been taking medication for almost a month and would like to ask what conditions these medications treat and what their side effects are: Methotrexate, Neotigason, and Longifene. Thank you.
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Methotrexate is originally an anticancer drug that has been used for psoriasis for several decades with quite good results. However, regular monitoring of liver function is necessary while using this medication. Neotigason is an oral retinoid used to treat more severe cases of ps...[Read More] Understanding Psoriasis Treatments: Methotrexate, Neotigason, and Longifene
Understanding Acne Medications: Questions and Concerns Explained
Questions about medications? Hello Doctor: I have been seeing a dermatologist and was prescribed some medications, but I noticed that after taking them, my acne has been getting worse. Is this due to detoxification? Also, can I continue taking these medications if my menstrual pe...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Topical medications should not have significant side effects. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic and is a first-line treatment for acne. It is an older medication and should be taken after meals to avoid issues. I'm not sure what "trimem" refers to, but Stroc...[Read More] Understanding Acne Medications: Questions and Concerns Explained
Do You Really Need Surgery for a Painless Skin Lesion?
Is surgery not necessary? Two days ago, I visited a dermatologist who noticed a black mole that suddenly appeared on the sole of my foot a few years ago. The doctor said it needed to be photographed and mentioned that it should be surgically removed to determine what it is. Today...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Not necessarily, but if it grows rapidly, changes color, or becomes irregular, you should seek medical attention. Wishing you safety.[Read More] Do You Really Need Surgery for a Painless Skin Lesion?
Understanding Hard Nodules on the Nose: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a hard mass at the tip of the nose? I have had a lump on the tip of my nose for many years, and several doctors have said it is a sebaceous cyst, which is not a concern. However, recently I have noticed that the cyst feels hard and is painful (I hadn't paid attentio...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
You should see a dermatologist for treatment if surgery is needed; of course, they won't let your nose collapse. Wishing you safety.[Read More] Understanding Hard Nodules on the Nose: When to Seek Medical Advice
Does Chalk Dust Contribute to Acne Breakouts in Students?
I would like to ask the doctors some questions about acne? I have had acne since the ninth grade, but two months ago I saw a doctor who recommended exfoliation, topical medication, and oral medication. After that, I stopped getting new acne, although I still have some comedones. ...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Chalk dust does not affect the occurrence of acne; it is primarily related to underlying body constitution, along with factors such as sleep and stress. Wishing you peace.[Read More] Does Chalk Dust Contribute to Acne Breakouts in Students?