Understanding Belly Button Allergies: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Umbilicus Hello Doctor: Recently, it seems like I have an allergy in my belly button area, as small bumps have appeared, along with peeling skin and some discharge. The area around my belly button is itchy. Could you please tell me what this condition might be? Do I need to go to...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Hello Miss Teresa: There are pimple-like lesions around the navel, accompanied by itching and a watery discharge. This may indicate acute eczema, an infection, or congenital abnormalities such as a urachal remnant. Please visit a surgical or dermatological department at a hospita...[Read More] Understanding Belly Button Allergies: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Cellulitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Cellulitis Hello Dr. Li, about 10 days ago, I had a skin break on my big toe. I didn't pay much attention to it or apply any medication, and the wound is nearly healed now. However, today there is swelling and pain around the wound (the redness and heat are not very noticeab...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Hello Mr. Wenhan: The skin on your big toe is broken, and it is continuously swollen and painful. This may be due to a wound infection or a combination of contusion and strain that has not healed. Cold weather, poor circulation, or other circulatory issues such as diabetes can ma...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Abscesses: When to Seek Surgical Intervention
Distress Hello Doctor: For the past two years, I have frequently developed abscesses on my buttocks (not the anal area). They feel like they are about to burst through the skin. Initially, they resembled small pimples, and I used to treat them with topical medication, which worke...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Based on your letter, it seems that you may have a sebaceous cyst on your buttocks, which could be complicated by infection or lead to an abscess. If it is located near the anal area, it may potentially be an anal fistula. It is advisable to consult a general surgeon or a colorec...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Abscesses: When to Seek Surgical Intervention
Should You Use Disinfectants on Cuts? Debunking Common Myths
About trauma? Hello, doctor. Regarding wounds like cuts, should disinfectants be used for cleaning? There are some rumors online suggesting that disinfectants can damage granulation tissue and reduce white blood cell activity. If disinfectants are used, should they be immediately...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Hello Mr. Adair: Regarding wound management and cleaning, the primary approach is to use saline solution for irrigation along with debridement of the wound. Lacerations typically have a lower degree of contamination and may require suturing. Saline solution can be used for washin...[Read More] Should You Use Disinfectants on Cuts? Debunking Common Myths
Understanding Painful Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
The lump is painful? Hello, doctor. I have felt a firm, elongated lump about two centimeters long at the junction of my lower abdomen and inner thigh. It is somewhat painful when pressed, but the lump seems to be immobile. I have previously undergone surgery twice for lipomas in ...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Hello Ms. RC: You have a hard lump in the right inguinal region that is slightly painful. Given your history of lipomas, it is possible that this could also be a lipoma; however, other possibilities such as an inguinal hernia or other tumors cannot be completely ruled out. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lipomas: Causes, Treatment Options, and Prevention Tips
Lipoma My husband developed a lipoma on his back three years ago, which was removed at a small hospital. However, he has recently developed multiple new lipomas on his body. I would like to ask how lipomas are formed. Is there a way to completely cure them? Is surgery the only so...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Dear Mrs. Wei: If it is confirmed that the lipoma is a benign tumor, generally, if the condition is stable, observation is sufficient. However, if it grows rapidly and large, or if there is suspicion of malignant transformation or if it compresses surrounding tissues causing symp...[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: Causes, Treatment Options, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
About the armpit? Hello, I discovered a lump about one centimeter in size in my armpit last Friday. It feels swollen and painful when I touch it. I've been feeling a bit off this month, which makes me a little worried. However, it has been shrinking over the past few days, a...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Response to the question: 1. The short duration of discovery, acute pain, and subcutaneous swelling suggest an inflammatory process. After the inflammation resolves, the swelling should decrease and the size should reduce (most likely due to an infected sebaceous cyst). If the ...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Armpit Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Axillary lump I found a one-centimeter hard lump in my armpit that hurts when pressed. It is noticeably more prominent compared to the other armpit. Externally, it does not appear red, but it is swollen compared to the other side. I originally discovered it four years ago, but it...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
In response to Miss Shui Ling's question: The painful lump in the armpit has occurred occasionally over the past four years, and it is mostly due to benign tumor infections. However, non-professional assessments may be inaccurate, so it is advisable to consult a general surg...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Post-Appendectomy Concerns: Hard Lump and Blood in Stool Explained
Hello, I would like to inquire about the situation after an appendectomy? Hello, I had surgery on March 3 for acute appendicitis and was discharged on March 11. The wound healing seems to be going well, but I noticed a hard lump below the incision. On March 27, I discovered blood...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Reply to Mr. Lin: The surgical wound appears normal on the surface, but there is a hard lump underneath, which may be a normal part of the healing process or could indicate an abnormal blood clot or abscess. A differential diagnosis is necessary. Regarding the presence of blood i...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy Concerns: Hard Lump and Blood in Stool Explained
Understanding Surgical Concerns: Skin Issues and Treatment Options
Is this considered surgery? I have a bump on the upper part of my right arm from a vaccination I received in elementary school, which I think was the BCG vaccine. I can't remember exactly. After the injection, it was very itchy, and almost all the kids wanted to scratch it. ...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Response to Ms. Nana: (1) The hypertrophic scar on your right arm is itchy; please consult a general surgeon, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist for management, as general surgery may not resolve the issue. (2) Stretch marks are naturally occurring and will fade on their own after...[Read More] Understanding Surgical Concerns: Skin Issues and Treatment Options
Understanding Lipomas: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention Tips
Is it a lipoma? Hello Dr. Li: Last year, I had a lipoma over 1 cm removed from my back. Not long after, I accidentally discovered a bulge about 8 cm in size on my left calf. I consulted a plastic surgeon who suggested it might also be a lipoma and recommended liposuction for a mo...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Dear Ms. Kedy, Here are the answers to your questions: 1. Lipomas have a distinct capsule, but this can only be observed during surgery; they may not be palpable upon examination. Lipomas can be multiple, are mostly benign, and a small percentage may be liposarcomas, which are ...[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Painful Bumps on the Hand: Causes and Treatment Options
A small hard lump? Hello Dr. Li, I would like to ask you about something: about a month ago, I suddenly noticed a hard, round lump near the bone below my middle finger on my palm. It is somewhat painful when pressed, but it does not affect my daily activities. What could be the...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Ms. Monica: Pain and a hard lump on the middle finger may be a normal sesamoid bone or a tumor arising from the bone, tendon, or subcutaneous tissue. If there is a change in size or an increase in pain, please visit an orthopedic clinic for evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Painful Bumps on the Hand: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Proteinuria: Health Implications and Specialist Consultation
Urinary protein During a health check-up, I found out that I have protein in my urine, and I am not familiar with "proteinuria." I am unsure of its impact on my health. If I need to seek medical attention, which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Miss Ah-Hui: Your question is answered as follows: Proteinuria is one of the items in a routine urinalysis, which can be assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Generally, it indicates the amount of protein present in the urine, which should be absent or only in trace amounts ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Health Implications and Specialist Consultation
Understanding Head Masses: When to See a Specialist for Diagnosis
Head mass There is an unknown spherical mass located in the lower part of the left occipital region (near the neck) that has been present for five to six years. It is painless and not very hard. Which specialty should I consult? Previously, I may have mistakenly consulted neurosu...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Hello, Ms. Meng: The spherical mass in the posterior neck area is generally a benign lipoma or a sebaceous cyst. However, in cases of rapid growth or abnormal changes, there is still a possibility of malignancy. Tumors located within the scalp that do not invade the skull can typ...[Read More] Understanding Head Masses: When to See a Specialist for Diagnosis
Managing Surgical Wound Complications After Teratoma Surgery
Surgical wound issues Hello: A month ago, I had surgery for a teratoma, and the surgical incision is about 12 centimeters long, extending from below the navel to the abdomen. The wound has been healing well, but in the past two days, I noticed slight bleeding from the area below ...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Ms. MM: Generally, surgical wounds should heal within one month post-operation, unless there is an infection, wound dehiscence, poor wound healing, or complications from the original surgery. Please return to the original hospital for a follow-up consultation, where the physician...[Read More] Managing Surgical Wound Complications After Teratoma Surgery
Understanding Cellulitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello Doctor: My father was recently hospitalized due to cellulitis. The physician at Hospital A mentioned that they would perform surgery to remove something from the inner thigh, and that he would be able to return home after a week of hospitalization....
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Mr. Zilong: Your father has a history of fractures and has been found to have cellulitis. If it is a simple case of cellulitis, antibiotic treatment should be sufficient to control it. However, if an abscess develops, incision and drainage will be necessary. If this is related to...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
How to Care for a Child's Finger Injury from a Car Door
A child's finger was injured by a car door? If a child's thumb has been injured by a car door, resulting in a blackened nail bed and swelling, and the child experiences pain only when pressure is applied, here are some home care recommendations: 1. **Rest and Elevation...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Ms. Li: The child's finger has been injured due to compression, resulting in a hematoma. Generally, it stabilizes within a week. However, due to the risk of infection, it is better to consult a general surgeon for treatment. The nail may be damaged and might need to be remov...[Read More] How to Care for a Child's Finger Injury from a Car Door
Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Risks in Elderly Patients
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (emergency) Dear Dr. Lee, My grandmother is 87 years old and experienced abdominal pain a week ago. The doctor diagnosed her with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The doctor mentioned that due to her advanced age and frailty (she weighs less than 30 kg), t...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Dear Ms. Lisa, Regarding your grandmother's abdominal aortic aneurysm, here is an explanation: Generally, the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms involves observation and medical control for asymptomatic cases smaller than 7 centimeters. For those larger than 7 centime...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Risks in Elderly Patients
Delayed Bruising: Understanding the Timeline for Injury Symptoms
Contusion Dear Dr. Lee, I have a few questions regarding potential injuries: 1. If the abdomen, lower back, and wrist joints were repeatedly struck by a fist, is it possible that the emergency department may not show any signs of bruising on the same day, and that it could take...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Hello Ms. Sp: I will address your questions one by one. (1) Bruising on the abdomen, waist, and wrist can vary based on individual factors such as body composition, location, and the force of the impact. Superficial injuries typically show bruising first, while deeper injurie...[Read More] Delayed Bruising: Understanding the Timeline for Injury Symptoms
Understanding Memory Loss After Head Injury: What to Expect
excuse me? A few nights ago, my dad hit his head... When he got up, he couldn't remember many things. He forgot what month and day it is this year, and he kept asking where my mom and sister are, and what the date is. He also looked quite tired... However, after letting him ...
Dr. Li Junde reply Surgery
Hello: Is your father's condition related to the head injury? It still requires observation. He is able to work and has seen a doctor, so there is likely no immediate danger. If he is of advanced age, it may be related to a decline in brain function associated with aging. In...[Read More] Understanding Memory Loss After Head Injury: What to Expect