Understanding Umbilical Discharge: Causes and Treatment Options
Umbilical discharge Recently, there has been discharge from my belly button that dries up and forms a crust, with a light yellow color and a slight odor. I'm unsure what condition this might indicate regarding my health.
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is most likely a patent urachus with an associated infection. Please seek surgical medical attention as soon as possible. Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Understanding Umbilical Discharge: Causes and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Recovery: Is Stomach Pain Normal After Gastric Perforation?
Surgery for gastric perforation and peritonitis? Hello doctor, I had surgery for a gastric perforation and peritonitis about a month ago and have been recovering at home. However, I still experience sharp pain in my stomach. Is this normal? My attending physician advised me to ha...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! The difference between laparoscopic surgery and traditional surgery primarily lies in the ease of excising surrounding tissue for pathological examination. Laparoscopic surgery typically involves simple suturing, so post-operative concerns about perforation are often relat...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Is Stomach Pain Normal After Gastric Perforation?
Managing Swollen Knee Injury After Accident: What to Do Next
After a car accident, the wound that had scabbed over was accidentally bumped again, causing the wound to swell up like a blister? Hello doctor, I had a significant abrasion on my knee from a car accident on October 30th. When the wound was almost healed, I bumped my knee against...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! If it's a blister, it's best to consult a surgeon for a proper evaluation. Avoid contact with tap water for now. Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Managing Swollen Knee Injury After Accident: What to Do Next
Understanding Hard Lumps: When to Seek Surgical Advice
The growth of abnormal tissue? I have had a hard lump for a while now. I previously had similar ones that I was able to squeeze out; they were white and somewhat sticky. However, this one cannot be squeezed out. It is not painful. What will happen if I don't squeeze it out? ...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! A hard lump has been present for a while. Previously, it had been squeezed out and a white, somewhat sticky substance came out. It is most likely a sebaceous cyst. Even if it has been drained, there is still a possibility of recurrence. Surgical excision is the best option...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps: When to Seek Surgical Advice
Injury to the Second Segment of the Thumb: Causes and Concerns
Laceration on the second phalanx of the thumb? Hello, Dr. Lee. I would like to ask about an injury I sustained on the second segment of my thumb (near the curve of the finger when making a "7" shape). I was cut by a glass screen protector for my phone, and it immediatel...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Please seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are injured. You might be concerned that glass could have penetrated your skin, and self-diagnosing is not advisable. Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Injury to the Second Segment of the Thumb: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest lump Hello, I am a 25-year-old female. Recently, I noticed a lump about two centimeters in size near the left side of my chest, close to the underwire of my bra. Compared to the same area on the right side, it feels noticeably swollen. It is painful when pressed, and there ...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Please consider getting an ultrasound from the general surgery or breast surgery department. Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Understanding Chest Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chest Bruises: When to Seek Medical Attention After Trauma
A chest contusion is a type of bruise that can cause pain during breathing? My boyfriend struck me forcefully in the area just below my chest, around the costal arch (slightly towards the left side below the left breast) during an argument. I experienced about one to two seconds ...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! I recommend that you get an ultrasound! A chest ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound, and abdominal ultrasound. If there are any abnormalities, then a CT scan should be performed, as it can sometimes be difficult to determine. We have had cases in our hospital where a patient&#x...[Read More] Understanding Chest Bruises: When to Seek Medical Attention After Trauma
Understanding Ear Lobe Bumps: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Inquire about a hard lump on the earlobe? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a recent finding. I noticed a swollen area on my earlobe that appears slightly raised, and it is somewhat painful when pressed. What could this condition be? If I need to see a doctor, which special...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Please directly consult the general surgery ultrasound! Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Understanding Ear Lobe Bumps: Causes and When to See a Doctor
How Long Does It Take for Toenails to Regrow After Partial Removal?
After partial nail avulsion due to paronychia, it typically takes about 4 to 6 months for the nail to fully regrow. However, the exact time may vary depending on individual healing rates and nail growth patterns? Hello Dr. Lee: About a month ago, I went to see a surgeon to have p...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It may take as little as one month or as long as one to two months. Some people may first notice fine strands of nail growth, while others may see growth at the proximal nail. Please be patient! Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] How Long Does It Take for Toenails to Regrow After Partial Removal?
Understanding Breast Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Breast pain Hello Doctor, for the past day or two, I've been feeling a dull pain in my chest, but I can't pinpoint exactly where it hurts. It's not very painful, just a feeling of pressure. I'm really worried it might be breast cancer, but I've done a sel...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is recommended to have a breast ultrasound for peace of mind. Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Understanding Breast Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Post-Surgery Pain in Finger: Causes and Concerns After Incision and Drainage
Post-operative consultation for incision and drainage? On January 1st, due to paronychia, it developed into cellulitis. An incision was made on the left side of the index finger to drain the pus, and the recovery has been good since the surgery. However, sometimes when I exert my...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! When making an incision on the left side of the index finger to drain pus, how large and deep should the incision be? There is a sharp pain at the first joint on the dorsal side of the index finger. Generally, even after the wound has healed, it can take more than three mo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain in Finger: Causes and Concerns After Incision and Drainage
Do You Need Antibiotics After a Minor Rusty Scratch?
Antibiotic ointment Hello, doctor. I am the same person who recently inquired about whether a minor scratch from rusted iron that did not bleed could lead to tetanus. If the wound has healed, the swelling has subsided, and there is only a faint, less than two-centimeter long ligh...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! If you haven't received the injection for over a day and you feel fine, there's no need to get it now; if you were going to have symptoms, they would have appeared by now. As for the wound, since it has healed and the swelling has gone down, it would still be a g...[Read More] Do You Need Antibiotics After a Minor Rusty Scratch?
Understanding Breast Pain: Causes and Monthly Cycles Explained
Breast pain Last month, a fibroadenoma was found under my left nipple. Before my menstrual period last month, I experienced sharp pain in the left lump, and the doctor diagnosed it as mastitis. After receiving an injection, IV treatment, and medication, the pain subsided, and the...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Generally, women may experience breast and nipple swelling before their menstrual period even without the presence of tumors, and fibrocystic changes can also vary with the menstrual cycle. As for whether you have mastitis, it is advisable to consult a general surgeon or a...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain: Causes and Monthly Cycles Explained
Understanding Painless Swelling Under Fingernail Joints: Causes and Solutions
Finger joints Why is there a small lump of flesh swollen under the joint of my finger nail that doesn't hurt when I touch it?
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! You still need to visit the surgical outpatient clinic to determine what the issue is. The area beneath the nail is the distal phalanx, which does not have a joint; the nearest joint is the distal interphalangeal joint. Therefore, it's unclear whether you are describi...[Read More] Understanding Painless Swelling Under Fingernail Joints: Causes and Solutions
Is There a Tetanus Risk from a Rusty Iron Scratch Without Bleeding?
Scratched by rusted iron without bleeding? Hello doctor, I have a question. I was scratched by a rusty iron object. There was no bleeding, but the wound is slightly red and swollen. I disinfected it with iodine. I received a tetanus shot last April after a previous injury. Is the...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! If you haven't received a tetanus shot in a year, it's best to get one. If a day has passed without any issues, then you may not need to get vaccinated. Clean the wound with sterile saline solution and apply antibiotic ointment. Since the wound is rusty, it is ad...[Read More] Is There a Tetanus Risk from a Rusty Iron Scratch Without Bleeding?
What Could Be Causing Painful Swelling on the Inner Thigh?
The swelling and pain on the inner front side of the thigh could be due to several reasons, such as a muscle strain, a hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels), or a lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes). It is important to consult a healthcare professi...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is most likely that the inflammation is caused by a sebaceous cyst, commonly referred to as an "epidermoid cyst." Surgical removal is recommended; otherwise, even with anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics, it may recur. Wishing you a speedy recovery f...[Read More] What Could Be Causing Painful Swelling on the Inner Thigh?
Dealing with a Deep Cut: Should You Trim or Let It Heal?
The finger has been cut? Yesterday, I cut my hand with a rusty utility knife, and I bled a lot; I almost cut off a piece of flesh. The nurse said the wound was a bit deep, so I went home with my mom. I didn't go to the hospital or get stitches; I just went to the pharmacy to...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is advisable to visit a hospital or clinic. If the wound is not properly sutured, it may leave an unsightly scar. Attempting to cut the wound yourself could lead to an infection, which is not worth the risk. You should have gone to the emergency department immediately t...[Read More] Dealing with a Deep Cut: Should You Trim or Let It Heal?
Understanding Anesthesia Options for Lipoma Removal: Local vs. General
Lipoma - Local Anesthesia / General Anesthesia I have a lipoma about 4-5 centimeters in size on my lower back. When I visited a dermatologist, the doctor mentioned local anesthesia, but later when I went to a plastic surgeon, the doctor said it looked larger than expected and exp...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! When the size is 4-5 cm, the location matters. If it is not located on the back, local anesthesia is usually sufficient. If it is on the back, it may be more complicated. If you are not afraid of pain, local anesthesia can be used; however, if you are very sensitive to pai...[Read More] Understanding Anesthesia Options for Lipoma Removal: Local vs. General
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Pain and Hardness After Mastectomy
Post-operative care after breast cancer surgery? Hello, my mother was diagnosed with stage II malignant breast cancer on September 23. We quickly performed a total mastectomy on September 30. Since then, she has been experiencing frequent pain in the surgical area, even radiating...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! First, it's important to know what type of surgery your mother had. Stage IIA includes T1N1 and T2N0, while IIB includes T2N1 and T3N0. What is her staging? Did she undergo a sentinel lymph node biopsy or an axillary lymph node dissection during her total mastectomy? ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Pain and Hardness After Mastectomy
Understanding Inverted Nipples: Is It Normal at 18?
Is there a nipple inversion? I am already 18 years old, but my nipples are not protruding. Is this abnormal? Girls my age usually develop by 14-15 years old. Am I concave, or is it just that I haven't fully developed yet?
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! In fact, everyone's nipples are different. As long as the breasts develop normally, having inverted nipples will not affect future lactation function. Many female patients have nipples that are small and less prominent, similar to those of males, before having childre...[Read More] Understanding Inverted Nipples: Is It Normal at 18?