Understanding Hair Loss: Is Losing 100 Strands a Day Normal?
Hair loss volume Hello Doctor: Last night while washing my hair, I lost about 48 strands. When I was blow-drying my hair, I lost around 50 more, adding up to nearly 100 strands. This morning, I lost some more while combing my hair. I wonder if I will lose more throughout the day ...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Generally speaking, losing up to 100 hairs a day is considered acceptable. If this is just a one-time occurrence, I recommend monitoring the situation for a few more days. However, if the condition continues to worsen, it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist for a...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss: Is Losing 100 Strands a Day Normal?
Understanding Urticaria Treatment: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Treatment of urticaria Hello, I have been experiencing urticaria for a week and sought medical attention, starting antihistamine treatment. It has now been two weeks of treatment, and during this time, I still develop rashes on my body, but they are not very itchy. Does this indi...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: During the treatment period, the body may still develop rashes that are not very itchy, indicating that the treatment is not yet complete. It is recommended to return for follow-up and continued treatment. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Urticaria Treatment: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding White Filamentous Growths on the Penis: Causes and Treatments
The penis has a thread-like growth? Hello Dr. Lee: Recently, I have noticed peeling of the skin on my penis, along with some debris that looks like skin flakes. About a week later, I started experiencing itching around the coronal sulcus, and I have developed some white, thread-l...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Based on the description provided, it is not possible to accurately diagnose the specific skin condition. Skin peeling is typically a secondary reaction following inflammation. If your condition persists without improvement, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for...[Read More] Understanding White Filamentous Growths on the Penis: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Chronic Urticaria: Causes and Triggers for Recurrence
Urticaria issues? Hello Dr. Lee: I previously had chronic urticaria, but it has not recurred in the past five years. Recently, it has started to flare up again. Could this be due to climate changes or a change in my constitution?
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: There are many causes of urticaria, including medications, foods, environmental allergens, and physical stimuli. It is advisable to pay attention to whether you have recently been exposed to any new substances. Of course, if you have a history of allergies, you may also ex...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Urticaria: Causes and Triggers for Recurrence
Managing Chronic Urticaria: Risks of Ignoring Symptoms and Treatment Options
Chronic urticaria Hello, doctor. I developed chronic urticaria 21 years ago in high school (based on my personal research, it may be related to my frequent consumption of instant noodles during that time, and I have not been able to identify any allergens). I saw a doctor a few y...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: There are many causes of urticaria, including medications, foods, environmental allergens, and physical stimuli. If it has progressed to chronic urticaria, sometimes medication only alleviates the symptoms and it can easily recur. It is advisable to pay attention to where,...[Read More] Managing Chronic Urticaria: Risks of Ignoring Symptoms and Treatment Options
Can Someone Who Never Had Chickenpox Care for Shingles Patients?
Shingles Is it safe for someone who has never had chickenpox to care for a patient with shingles? Is there a risk of infection? Thank you!
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: After a varicella virus infection, it remains dormant in the body. When immunity decreases, the varicella virus can reactivate and cause shingles. Therefore, it is not recommended for individuals who have never had chickenpox to care for patients with shingles, as they may...[Read More] Can Someone Who Never Had Chickenpox Care for Shingles Patients?
Understanding Hair Loss: Is It Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Pubic hair is continuously falling out? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience hair loss, does this also apply to pubic hair? I have PCOS and have recently noticed significant pubic hair loss, with about ten or more hairs...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: There are many causes of hair loss. Hormonal changes caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to hair loss, but other localized skin infections, inflammatory conditions, or issues with internal organs can also contribute to hair loss. It is recommended that you ...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss: Is It Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Understanding Urticaria: Symptoms, Triggers, and Management Tips
What should I pay attention to in this situation? About a year ago, I suddenly started experiencing itching on my palms and soles for unknown reasons. Shortly after, I began to cough persistently, and then I lost my vision, which returned shortly thereafter. I was taken to the em...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Generally speaking, urticaria is not directly related to nerve compression. Most cases are triggered by allergic reactions to medications or foods, or by exposure to environmental allergens. Based on your description, you experience severe allergic reactions leading to ana...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Symptoms, Triggers, and Management Tips
Understanding Hair Loss: PCOS, Normal Shedding, and Male Pattern Baldness
Concern about hair? Hello Doctor: I have been to the obstetrics and gynecology department for a check-up, and I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Over the past six months, my menstrual flow has been lighter, and I have experienced increased hair loss. 1. I would like to as...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: 1. Normal hair loss and androgenetic alopecia appear similar, and it is not due to breakage in the middle of the hair shaft. 2. If hair loss is solely caused by hormonal changes due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), once hormone levels return to normal, hair loss will i...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss: PCOS, Normal Shedding, and Male Pattern Baldness
Understanding Psoriasis: Treatment Options and Steroid Concerns
About psoriasis? Hello Doctor: I have some psoriasis on my hands and feet (it used to be itchy, but now it doesn't itch anymore). However, the texture feels rough when I touch it. I was thinking of buying an over-the-counter ointment at the pharmacy. Could you please tell me...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Most topical treatments for psoriasis contain corticosteroids, and long-term use may lead to side effects such as skin atrophy, telangiectasia, hirsutism, and skin infections. Therefore, it is generally recommended to discontinue the medication once the lesions improve. Th...[Read More] Understanding Psoriasis: Treatment Options and Steroid Concerns
Do You Need to Remove Moles on the Penis? A Dermatologist's Insight
Mole on the penis? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about moles on the penis. There is one mole located on the outer foreskin and another on the inner foreskin, both approximately 0.2 cm in size and have been present for some time without any noticeable changes. The appearance ...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: When differentiating between common moles and malignant melanoma, there are five clinical characteristics to pay attention to, known as the ABCDE criteria. A (Asymmetry): The tumor is asymmetrical. B (Border): The edges are irregular or not smooth. C (Color): The color is ...[Read More] Do You Need to Remove Moles on the Penis? A Dermatologist's Insight
Do You Need HPV Vaccine If You Have Skin Warts? Expert Insights
Cauliflower Questions If someone has been diagnosed with genital warts but has not yet developed any symptoms, is it urgent to receive the HPV vaccine? Which department should they consult, and what is the approximate cost?
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a urology clinic to check for warts or to see if there is an HPV infection. Additionally, you can inquire about the vaccination process and costs. Thank you![Read More] Do You Need HPV Vaccine If You Have Skin Warts? Expert Insights
Distinguishing Between Tinea Cruris and Erythema: Key Insights
The distinction between tinea corporis (ringworm) and erythrasma involves several key factors. Tinea corporis is a fungal infection characterized by ring-shaped, red, scaly Hello, Doctor: About a month ago, I noticed a red mark at the junction of my thigh and scrotum (on both sid...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Tinea cruris and erythrasma can sometimes appear very similar, and it is not possible to differentiate them based solely on whether they itch. To confirm, erythrasma lesions will exhibit a coral red fluorescence under a Wood's lamp. If scales are scraped and examined ...[Read More] Distinguishing Between Tinea Cruris and Erythema: Key Insights
Understanding Toenail Loss: When to Seek Medical Attention
Regarding toenail loss? Hello, a few months ago I experienced pain in my big toe due to wearing shoes that were too small, and there was pus mixed with a bit of blood. A few days later, the nail fell off. I thought it would grow back slowly, but recently I've noticed that th...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Our toenails grow very slowly, and the newly grown nails are not attached to the nail bed, causing them to fall off easily. This may be due to an injury to the nail matrix or nail bed when the toenail was initially injured. If you are very concerned, it is advisable to con...[Read More] Understanding Toenail Loss: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding A Acid Dermatitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Time
A acid dermatitis???? Hello, doctor. I previously used tretinoin, and after taking a hot shower and applying skincare products, I noticed that my skin became very red. Is this tretinoin dermatitis? However, I didn't experience this before; it makes my skin look like erythema...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: It is recommended that you bring a topical retinoid cream and consult a dermatologist to confirm whether the dermatitis is caused by the retinoid or by other skincare products leading to contact dermatitis, or if you are concerned about lupus erythematosus (butterfly rash)...[Read More] Understanding A Acid Dermatitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Time
Understanding Male Pattern Baldness: Treatment Options and Side Effects
Hair loss issues Hello, I am 21 years old, and I have been experiencing increasingly severe hair loss over the past six months to a year. Today, I visited a dermatologist who diagnosed me with early-stage androgenetic alopecia and recommended medication along with a hair growth s...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Please refer to Dr. Wang Hsiu-Han's blog at http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/skindr-wang/article?mid=1625&prev=-1&next=1624. The main side effects to be aware of are: 1. This medication is metabolized by the liver, so it should be used with caution in individuals wi...[Read More] Understanding Male Pattern Baldness: Treatment Options and Side Effects
Effective Treatments to Reduce Surgical Scars After Five Years
Remove surgical scars? After surgery, there is a long and unsightly scar that has been present for about five years. I would like to know if there are any medications that can help make the scar less noticeable.
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: For prominent raised scars, it is common to apply scar removal gels, ointments containing topical corticosteroids, or to administer intralesional injections of corticosteroid medications. Thank you![Read More] Effective Treatments to Reduce Surgical Scars After Five Years
Can Shingles Spread to the Other Side of the Face?
Is it possible for facial shingles to spread to the other side? Before the Lunar New Year, I developed shingles on the left side of my face and saw a doctor, and I took medication. After the New Year, I was left with noticeable red spots on my face. Recently, over the past two da...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Generally, shingles occurs unilaterally. The redness and itching on the right side of the face suggest that you should consult a dermatologist nearby to confirm the diagnosis. Thank you![Read More] Can Shingles Spread to the Other Side of the Face?
Understanding Herpes: Relief with Acyclovir for Skin Irritation
Regarding herpes? Applying Acyclovir has reduced the itching significantly today.
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Please try not to rupture the herpes blisters; allow them to crust and heal. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Herpes: Relief with Acyclovir for Skin Irritation
Understanding Nail Bruises: Causes and Recovery Tips
Nail issues? Due to wearing smaller shoes (leaving home at 8 AM and returning at 7 PM), I noticed that the flesh under my big toe's nail has bruised due to compression. Currently, there is no pain, and the big toe appears black, but the nail is normal and not broken. I would...
Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: Generally, trauma that causes bruising under the nail will gradually be absorbed and disappear. However, the absorption rate is usually quite slow, and sometimes it may move distally as the nail grows. It can be removed during nail trimming. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Nail Bruises: Causes and Recovery Tips