Understanding Post-Masturbation Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Issues After Masturbation Recently, after masturbation, I have noticed some swelling on the glans. This occasionally happens when I masturbate with my hand, but I haven't noticed this issue when using sex toys. I masturbate about every two to three days. I would like to ask:...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Masturbation does not lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)! You can only contract STIs through contact with an infected person. 2. 3. 4. This is not within the scope of infectious diseases; I would recommend abstaining for one week to see if it resolves natura...[Read More] Understanding Post-Masturbation Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns About Vibrio Infections After Minor Cuts in Marine Environments
Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Infection Issues At 2:30 PM, I went to Sicao to catch clams and didn't notice a slight cut on my leg. After about an hour, I returned to shore and rinsed the wound with clean water; it was red but did not swell, hurt, or feel warm. When I got home...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: There are different pathogenic bacteria species in seawater and freshwater. Wounds that occur in water can indeed become infected and cause inflammation. However, if the immune system is functioning normally, most minor wounds will heal on their own. It is advisable to mon...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infections After Minor Cuts in Marine Environments
Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Having sexual relations with someone who is on PrEP? Hello, doctor. I had close contact with someone who may be an HIV patient. On that day, I had a deep kiss with him (he has bleeding symptoms when brushing his gums or sucking hard, and I also experience bleeding when I brush my...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: First, it is important to clarify that PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is used to prevent HIV transmission after potential exposure. Therefore, if your partner is currently taking PEP, the likelihood of them having HIV at that moment is very low. Assuming they are indeed a...[Read More] Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Can this lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, or tetanus? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, while I was browsing a kitchenware store in a department store, I accidentally scraped my hand on a product displayed by the store (a metal stirring stick with a gear-shaped end). At t...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: While I cannot say that the situation you mentioned is impossible, the probability is extremely low (you can think of it as being even less likely than being struck by lightning). The reason is that bacteria or viruses such as hepatitis B and syphilis can survive outside t...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Fever of unknown origin Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained fever since May 20th. I have seen both immunology and rheumatology specialists, as well as infectious disease specialists, and have undergone all necessary blood and urine tests, all of which came back nor...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, undiagnosed fever is inherently a challenging diagnostic issue, with some individuals requiring follow-up for one to two years before the underlying cause gradually becomes apparent. There are also many cases where the fever resolves on its own over time. It is recommended...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Post-Vaccine Medication Concerns: Can I Use Steroids and Alcohol-Based Treatments?
Medication issues after vaccination? Hello doctor, I just received the BNT vaccine. Can I apply eczema steroid cream (Betamethasone) and mouth ulcer medication (Mundisal) which contains alcohol after getting the BNT vaccine? Thank you. Also, if I experience severe mouth ulcers af...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, this question may have been asked before. Local steroids or alcohol are not significantly absorbed into the body, so their use is generally not problematic. Developing mouth sores after vaccination is considered a related adverse reaction, but it does not necessarily indic...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Medication Concerns: Can I Use Steroids and Alcohol-Based Treatments?
Understanding Fever and Symptoms in Gastroenteritis: What You Need to Know
Gastroenteritis with fever Hello Doctor, I started experiencing diarrhea around July 23 after consuming expired milk. I visited a doctor on July 25 and was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. After finishing the medication, I thought I had recovered, so on the following Friday (Jul...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It is difficult to determine the cause of the fever based on the above description. Some individuals with gastroenteritis may indeed have a prolonged fever, but it is generally uncommon for a fever to last more than a week. If you are still experiencing a fever, it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Symptoms in Gastroenteritis: What You Need to Know
Is It Safe to Dine Indoors and Stay in Enclosed Spaces During COVID-19?
Regarding COVID-19? Hello, doctor. Currently, Taiwan has tens of thousands of confirmed COVID-19 cases daily. Is it safe to stay indoors for extended periods (such as in libraries or cinemas)? Is wearing a mask indoors sufficient for safety? What about dining indoors? If dining i...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
During the pandemic, it is generally recommended to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from others indoors and for both parties to wear masks, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, dining indoors carries a higher risk than simply being indoors. On...[Read More] Is It Safe to Dine Indoors and Stay in Enclosed Spaces During COVID-19?
Is a White Blood Cell Count of 19.5 Indicative of Bacterial Infection?
A white blood cell count of 19.5 may indicate a bacterial infection, but it is not definitive on its own. Elevated white blood cell counts can occur due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, stress, or other medical conditions. Further evaluation, including clin...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it's not possible to distinguish this way! The tumor itself can cause an increase in white blood cells and fever, but infections can also do the same. Therefore, it ultimately relies on the clinical judgment of the physician; the laboratory data alone cannot different...[Read More] Is a White Blood Cell Count of 19.5 Indicative of Bacterial Infection?
Can Toilet Water Contaminate Your Ear with Parasites?
Toilet water parasites Is there a risk of parasitic infection if I touched the toilet tank water after the toilet was broken and then touched my ear?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The water in the toilet tank is actually tap water, which may contain small insects, but the chance of encountering human parasites is low. If you experience discomfort in your ear, please visit an otolaryngology clinic for a direct examination to determine what the issue ...[Read More] Can Toilet Water Contaminate Your Ear with Parasites?
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Undercooked pork consumption issues? Hello, doctor. Before the Qingming Festival, I dined at a Japanese pork cutlet chain restaurant and noticed that some pieces of meat seemed undercooked. The symptoms I experienced are as follows: 1. After returning home, I did not have any sig...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Parasites in raw pork typically die after freezing, so unless you are consuming freshly slaughtered and cooked pork chops, the likelihood of contracting parasites from undercooked pork in Taiwan is quite low. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is more appropriate to f...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the feet accompanied by unexplained blisters? Dear Dr. Lin, My mother is 58 years old. Over the past six months, she has experienced weakness in her legs (mainly feeling unsteady while walking, as if she is walking on cotton). In the last three months, she has develo...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It is difficult to determine the issue based solely on this information. I recommend separating the concerns of foot weakness and blisters. For foot weakness, it is indeed advisable to consult a neurologist, preferably at a regional hospital or higher, as they can arrange ...[Read More] Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Anal Itching: Is It a Sign of Infection or Hemorrhoids?
Anal itching Last week, I accidentally ate several slices of undercooked refrigerated pork while having hot pot with my child. I later observed that neither my child nor I experienced diarrhea or abdominal pain. However, for the past two to three days, I have felt a slight itchin...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The chance of contracting parasites in Taiwan is quite low! Most parasites die at low temperatures in the freezer, so the risk of infection is primarily associated with consuming fresh raw meat. If the pork slices have been frozen, the risk is actually very low. Additional...[Read More] Understanding Anal Itching: Is It a Sign of Infection or Hemorrhoids?
Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
The relationship between U-PCR (Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio) and kidney function? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a recent health check-up for a 72-year-old male. The U-PCR result is 1336.47, indicating significant proteinuria (+++). Is this indicative of a problem...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, U-PCR 1336.47 or urine bag protein 3+ are both indicators of proteinuria, which is most commonly associated with diabetes, but may also indicate other intrinsic kidney issues. Your overall kidney function is currently normal, but it is still recommended to schedule an appo...[Read More] Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
Medication Guidance After BNT Vaccination: Steroids and Oral Care
Medication issues after vaccination? Hello doctor, I just received the BNT vaccine. Can I apply eczema steroids (Betamethasone) and mouth ulcer medication (Mondesil) that contains alcohol after getting the vaccine? Thank you. Also, if I experience severe mouth ulcers after the va...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It is generally not recommended to use immunosuppressive medications after receiving a vaccine, so oral or injectable steroids are discouraged. However, topical ointments are absorbed in very low systemic doses, so they can still be used if necessary. Medications for mouth...[Read More] Medication Guidance After BNT Vaccination: Steroids and Oral Care
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Blood Glucose Devices
HIV infection 1. If a family member with HIV used a blood glucose meter with a lancet that was left in for about 12 hours, and you accidentally pricked yourself with the same lancet, the risk of HIV transmission is considered very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, I'm not sure if your question is hypothetical. The transmissibility of HIV primarily depends on whether the patient is receiving antiretroviral therapy. I assume your family member has been on long-term antiretroviral medication. If the viral load has been suppressed ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Blood Glucose Devices
Post-Surgery Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Eat After Kidney Removal
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, my uncle just had surgery on January 18th (a kidney tumor was removed, and one kidney was taken out). He is currently experiencing vomiting symptoms (suspected bile vomiting) and abdominal pain. These symptoms have persisted for three days no...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: There are many possible causes for abdominal pain and vomiting, and based on the information provided, I cannot offer specific advice. Theoretically, it has been more than a week since your uncle's surgery, so his discomfort may not necessarily be related to the opera...[Read More] Post-Surgery Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Eat After Kidney Removal
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns After Straining
Rectal bleeding Two days ago, I had difficulty eating due to a tooth extraction, which made it hard for me to have a bowel movement. I spent an hour in the bathroom and eventually managed to pass a stool, but I had to strain a lot, and since the stool was quite large, I experienc...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on what you described, it does sound like internal hemorrhoid bleeding. Internal hemorrhoids are typically painless, and fresh blood may cover the surface of the stool, while the stool itself remains normal in color. If you have a history of hemorrhoids, it is advisa...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns After Straining
Understanding Sudden Red Rashes on the Torso: Causes and Concerns
Sudden rash on the torso? Hello, Dr. Lin. Two nights ago, I noticed some red rashes on my abdomen. When I woke up the next morning, the rashes had increased in number, extending from my abdomen to both sides of my waist and the sides of my chest. There are no rashes on my back, b...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello! There are many possible causes for this type of skin rash, so it's advisable to visit a dermatologist for a more accurate assessment. Generally, allergic rashes tend to be itchy, so if the rash is not itchy, we should consider infections, heat-related issues, or syste...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Red Rashes on the Torso: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Arm Pain After Injection: What You Need to Know
It has been a long time since the injection, but it still hurts? I received an anti-inflammatory injection in my left arm, and it has been over two months since then. I still experience some pain, although it's not severe, and there are no visible abnormalities. However, I o...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It's difficult to determine the exact issue, but I recommend that you first schedule an appointment with the Rheumatology and Immunology Department at our hospital. The physicians there can perform a soft tissue ultrasound in the clinic to check for any issues such as...[Read More] Persistent Arm Pain After Injection: What You Need to Know