Should You Choose Traditional Chinese Medicine or Dermatology for Acne?
Is it better to see a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or a Western medicine doctor for acne? In the past, acne was not a major issue for me, but starting around February or March of last year, it began to worsen significantly for unknown reasons. I subsequently visited ...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear Miss Lin, Acne is a skin condition that can be effectively treated by dermatologists in the vast majority of cases. However, acne is a condition that tends to recur, especially during adolescence, which necessitates ongoing treatment. As for the efficacy of traditional Chin...[Read More] Should You Choose Traditional Chinese Medicine or Dermatology for Acne?
How to Enhance Beard Growth: Tips and Treatments for Thicker Facial Hair
I want to grow a beard? I want to grow a beard, but I can't seem to grow it out. Are there any medications or methods to help make my facial hair denser?
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
No, but you can try using hair growth lotion. May God bless you.[Read More] How to Enhance Beard Growth: Tips and Treatments for Thicker Facial Hair
Can Saliva on Skin Transmit Diseases? Dermatology Insights
Question Saliva from a person, when it comes into contact with the skin, is generally not considered a significant risk for transmitting diseases. However, if the saliva contains pathogens, there is a potential risk, especially if there are open wounds or broken skin. It's i...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear Pei-Rong: If there is a wound on the skin, there is a possibility of infection from saliva bacteria, but such cases are rare. For example, there was a case in the past where a person with syphilis tattooed someone else and frequently used saliva to moisten the tattoo needle,...[Read More] Can Saliva on Skin Transmit Diseases? Dermatology Insights
Understanding Heat Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Heat rash There are numerous red spots on the arm that become more pronounced with heat; they are not itchy but are unsightly. There are small bumps under the eyes that some say are warts. How can these be treated?
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
The lump under the eyelid may be a sweat gland tumor, so it is best to have it evaluated by a dermatologist. The lesion on the arm could be keratosis pilaris, which has medical treatment options. Wishing you peace and joy.[Read More] Understanding Heat Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Laser Treatment for Hemorrhoids: Is It Available at Our Clinic?
Laser hemorrhoid treatment Does this hospital offer laser hemorrhoid treatment?
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
No, please go to Tzu Chi Hospital.[Read More] Laser Treatment for Hemorrhoids: Is It Available at Our Clinic?
Can Candida Infections Lead to Systemic Illness? A Dermatology Perspective
Candida Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if common Candida infections can lead to systemic infections? Thank you!
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Candida infections most commonly occur on the skin and mucous membranes, and only a small number of patients with significantly weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and individuals using immunosuppressive agents, are at ri...[Read More] Can Candida Infections Lead to Systemic Illness? A Dermatology Perspective
Understanding Nail Ridges: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
The nails have an uneven surface with ridges and depressions? Hello Dr. Jiang, I have recently noticed that my fingernails and toenails have a banded ridge about half a centimeter wide running from the fingers to the tips of the nails. When I touch them, they feel uneven. Could t...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
If it is a transverse groove, it may indicate that the nail temporarily stopped growing due to some factors a few weeks ago. It will gradually move towards the tip and eventually heal on its own. It is best to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Wishing yo...[Read More] Understanding Nail Ridges: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Why Won't My Skin Lesions Heal After Herpes Outbreak?
Why doesn't it go away? About two weeks ago, I had a herpes outbreak, and I had sores in the genital area. I went to see a doctor, and after applying medication, the sores have healed. However, there are still a few swollen areas on the lower abdomen and thigh. The doctor pr...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear D5: This lump may be related to the enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin, and it may take some time to gradually decrease in size. Please do not be too anxious. May God bless you.[Read More] Why Won't My Skin Lesions Heal After Herpes Outbreak?
How to Effectively Remove Calluses from Your Hands?
How to resolve calluses on the hands? I have developed calluses on my fingers, possibly due to work. Could you please advise me on how to remove them? Thank you!
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
First, it is important to wear gloves regularly and avoid contact with irritating chemical substances as much as possible. Additionally, frequently applying hand cream is recommended; you can choose Neutrogena hand cream and apply it 5-6 times a day. If there is no improvement, y...[Read More] How to Effectively Remove Calluses from Your Hands?
Peeling Skin at Nail Bed: Is It a Nutritional Deficiency?
The area where the fingers meet the nails often experiences peeling skin? The area where the fingers meet the nails often experiences peeling. Could this be caused by a deficiency in a certain nutrient?
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear Miss: This situation is mostly caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to certain cleaning agents, water, or other chemicals, which can lead to peeling skin. Additionally, some patients experience this due to seasonal changes. The vast majority of cases are not due...[Read More] Peeling Skin at Nail Bed: Is It a Nutritional Deficiency?
Urgent Help Needed: Mysterious Skin Condition and Eye Issues
I urgently need help, please? Hello doctors, I have a friend who is suffering from a very strange illness that has been difficult to treat. Can you help me with some information? Initially, he experienced redness and swelling in his eyes, followed by a high fever. Subsequently, r...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
DEAR SIR: Your friend's illness may be a more challenging condition. You can ask the physician whether it is an infectious disease or an autoimmune disease. Some conditions require specific tests for accurate diagnosis. Please trust the doctors at Chang Gung.[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Mysterious Skin Condition and Eye Issues
Why Did My Straight Hair Become Curly as I Grew Up?
Natural curls I have always had a question: my hair was straight when I was a child, but for some reason, it became curly as I grew up. Why is that?
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear Winnie: Most curly hair is related to genetics, and some hereditary curly hair may even develop in adulthood. This situation is generally not concerning; however, there are occasional cases where it may be associated with certain medical conditions, and in such instances, it...[Read More] Why Did My Straight Hair Become Curly as I Grew Up?
Will My Skin Condition Heal Naturally? Understanding Tinea Versicolor
Will it heal on its own? I previously visited a dermatologist because I had a dark, itchy patch in the groin area. The doctor diagnosed it as tinea cruris (jock itch). However, I only had one appointment and didn't return. It has improved somewhat, but the dark patch remains...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Hello, your skin condition should be referred to as tinea cruris, which may have persisted for a long time, leading to some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Generally, tinea cruris requires about one month of treatment to heal. Of course, it is a contagious condition, and rei...[Read More] Will My Skin Condition Heal Naturally? Understanding Tinea Versicolor
Why Is the Skin Near My Thighs and Labia Darker?
Darker skin? The skin on the inner thighs and labia may appear darker due to several factors, including friction, hormonal changes, or increased melanin production. Friction from clothing or skin-to-skin contact can lead to a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. ...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear Miss Jian: The inner thigh area near the groin generally experiences some pigmentation after puberty due to hormonal stimulation, which is a normal phenomenon. However, sometimes these areas may have previously experienced skin inflammatory conditions such as eczema or funga...[Read More] Why Is the Skin Near My Thighs and Labia Darker?
What is the English Term for Hives in Dermatology?
The English term for 蕁麻疹 is "urticaria." I am asking for the English term for urticaria so that my friend in the United States can communicate with their doctor. Thank you!
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear Huang: Urticaria, also known as hives, can be classified into acute urticaria, chronic urticaria, cholinergic urticaria, and others. May God bless you.[Read More] What is the English Term for Hives in Dermatology?
Understanding Bacterial Infections: Skin Issues and Treatment Options
Bacterial infection Hello doctor, two weeks ago I developed a lump on my buttocks. I went to the emergency room that evening, and the doctor mentioned it might be a bacterial infection. He seemed to refer to it as a carbuncle (I'm not sure if he said it in English or Mandari...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Hello: The carbuncle mentioned by that doctor is actually referred to as "carbuncle" in English. It is a type of bacterial folliculitis that occurs at a deeper and more severe level. If it gradually decreases in size after medication, surgical incision and drainage may ...[Read More] Understanding Bacterial Infections: Skin Issues and Treatment Options
What to Do If Your Hands Peel After Using Laundry Detergent?
What should I do if my hands are peeling after using laundry detergent? Hello: A few days ago, I purchased a laundry detergent that claims to have strong cleaning power, is gentle on fabrics, does not cause color transfer or fading, has a pH of 6.5, and includes hand care propert...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Hello: There has never been a cleaning product that offers both cleaning and hand protection. At most, we can say that it may be less harmful to the hands. Therefore, my suggestion is to stop using such products or to use them while wearing gloves. Wishing you peace and may God b...[Read More] What to Do If Your Hands Peel After Using Laundry Detergent?
Understanding Scalp Bumps: Causes and Concerns for Hair Loss
A lump has developed on the scalp? Hello: Recently, I have developed a lump on my scalp, approximately 2 cm in diameter and 0.3 cm in height, and the hair on the lump has fallen out. Could this be alopecia or another type of tumor?
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Hello: First, I would like to ask if this lump is painful. If it is painful, it may be an inflammatory response; if it is not painful, it could be a tumor or a cyst. If the lump is not prominent and there is only hair loss, it may be alopecia areata. It is advisable to consult a ...[Read More] Understanding Scalp Bumps: Causes and Concerns for Hair Loss
Effective Remedies for Long-Lasting Eczema Wounds and Recurrence
Eczema wounds are unable to heal? Hello Dr. Jiang: My eczema wounds on my limbs have not healed (often lasting up to 2 years) and frequently recur in the same areas. Could you please recommend any dietary therapies or milder medications (with no side effects) that can help with h...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear Claire: If it is indeed eczema, it may be classified as chronic eczema. Generally, the medications used for eczema are primarily corticosteroids. The frequent recurrence may be due to factors such as inadequate treatment, failure to eliminate the underlying causes, or indivi...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Long-Lasting Eczema Wounds and Recurrence
Understanding Skin Bumps That Resemble Acne: Causes and Treatments
Skin develops acne-like bumps? Hello Dr. Jiang, I would like to inquire about a skin condition where small bumps resembling acne appear all over the body. They are not very dense, but when the bumps grow to a certain size, they develop a pus-filled tip and resemble "nodules...
Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dear Claire: I think the rash on your skin may be a type of folliculitis. You can check closely if there are fine hairs at the top of the rash. Acne is also a form of folliculitis, but the causative bacteria are different. Sometimes, a culture of the pus is needed to identify the...[Read More] Understanding Skin Bumps That Resemble Acne: Causes and Treatments