Understanding Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccination for Adults
Questions related to vaccination? Hello, doctor. I heard that the Tdap vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria loses its effectiveness at my age. I am considering getting a booster shot. Could you please help me with the following questions: 1. Is it easy to get infected with tetanus?...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. JKL: 1. General surgical wounds can potentially become infected with Clostridium tetani, the bacteria that causes tetanus. The risk is higher for wounds caused by rusty nails, those resulting from car accidents, dirty wounds, or deeper injuries. Therefore, in many hospi...[Read More] Understanding Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccination for Adults
Accidental Ingestion of Povidone-Iodine: Risks and Recommendations
Ingesting iodine? Hello doctor, I accidentally drank water from a cup that had come into contact with a cotton swab soaked in povidone-iodine. It has been a few hours and I haven't experienced any unusual symptoms. Is there any danger in accidentally ingesting a small amount...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. 123: Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), also known as Excellent-iodine, is a polymer of povidone and iodine. It contains 9-12% iodine. Its mechanism of action involves the release of iodine, leading to microbial death. Clinically, it is not recommended for ingestion or use on oral...[Read More] Accidental Ingestion of Povidone-Iodine: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Sexual Desire: A Guide for Adult Virgins
Virginity and Sexual Desire I am 37 years old and still a virgin. I often have sexual urges and am considering engaging in sex work. What should I do or how should I address this issue, doctor?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Sir: 1. Regarding this issue, I may not be able to provide very practical advice; therefore, I still recommend discussing it with your family physician or urologist. 2. Due to the presence of hormones and other related physiological functions in the body, a normal human be...[Read More] Understanding Sexual Desire: A Guide for Adult Virgins
Feasibility of Microblading for Patients with Favism
Feasibility of Microblading for Individuals with Favism (G6PD Deficiency) Hello, can patients with favism undergo the current popular eyebrow misting or feathering beauty treatments? Will plant-based pigments and post-procedure soothing ointments be used during the eyebrow mistin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Wu: 1. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G-6-PD deficiency) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder, predominantly affecting males, and is more common among Hakka people in Taiwan. The enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) located in the red bl...[Read More] Feasibility of Microblading for Patients with Favism
Can You Take Uric Acid and Liver Health Medications Together?
Can medications for lowering uric acid be taken simultaneously with liver-protective medications? Recently, I have been experiencing frequent foot pain, so I visited a general clinic for medical attention. Following the doctor's recommendations, I underwent blood tests and d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Wang: **Allopurinol Tablets® (Allopurinol; 100 mg):** 1. Allopurinol is a purine derivative that reduces uric acid synthesis by competitively inhibiting the last two steps of uric acid biosynthesis, which are catalyzed by xanthine oxidase. Uric acid is less soluble th...[Read More] Can You Take Uric Acid and Liver Health Medications Together?
How Long Should You Wait to Exercise After Eating?
How long after a meal should one wait before exercising? How long after eating should one wait before exercising? For example, can one start walking immediately after a meal, or is there a recommended waiting period?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Jason: 1. Generally speaking, blood sugar levels rise gradually after meals, peaking around two hours postprandially, and then decline. Moderate exercise can utilize glucose-based energy in the body and increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors, thereby lowering blo...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait to Exercise After Eating?
Left-Sided Throat Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Throat issues The discomfort on the left side of the throat has persisted for about a week, with no other cold symptoms, and swallowing is normal.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Wei: 1. The term "throat" is somewhat general and may refer to either the pharynx or the larynx. 2. If there is pain on the left side, in addition to considering infectious pathogens, lymphatic tissue, soft tissue, tumors, and other factors should also be taken...[Read More] Left-Sided Throat Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Causes and Concerns
Elevated body temperature? Hello Doctor: Recently, my body temperature has been elevated at night (with cold hands and feet), and I'm not sure what the issue might be. My eyes also feel particularly strained, and I feel very tired. I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid ar...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Mini: 1. The symptoms you described, such as elevated body temperature, cold hands and feet, and eye fatigue, can occur in many diseases; of course, due to autoimmune responses, rheumatoid arthritis may also be a possibility. 2. Whether your symptoms are directly or ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Red Spots on the Side of the Tongue: Causes and Care
Red spots on the anterior lateral sides of the tongue? The link provided leads to photos that appear to show red spots with some elongated characteristics. These symptoms have been present since last week. It is unclear what the issue might be; could it be related to oral hygiene...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Danny: 1. Common causes include ulcers, herpetic lesions, hematomas, tumors, etc.; it may also be due to the tongue frequently licking foreign objects in the gaps between the teeth. 2. It is advisable for you to consult your family physician or directly visit an otolaryn...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots on the Side of the Tongue: Causes and Care
Understanding Open Wounds: Skin Irritation and HIV Infection Risks
Questions about skin abrasions and infections? A skin abrasion without bleeding that is red and painful to the touch is considered an open wound. If this wound comes into contact with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of infection. However, the risk of HIV transmissio...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. The skin can be divided into the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is composed of keratinocytes and can be further divided from the deepest to the most superficial layers into the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum...[Read More] Understanding Open Wounds: Skin Irritation and HIV Infection Risks
Understanding Chest Bumps in Teens: Causes and Solutions
Prominence between the two breasts? Your 14-year-old sister has a small, firm, slightly protruding area just above the center of her breasts, which may resemble bone. It is not painful or itchy, and it currently does not affect her daily life, although it is somewhat aestheticall...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. UU: Based on your description, it may be a proliferation of connective tissue, including bone, cartilage, fibrous, or other related tissues. If it continues to enlarge, it is advisable to consult a general surgeon or a plastic surgeon for appropriate management.[Read More] Understanding Chest Bumps in Teens: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights for Patients
Blood test Hello, Doctor. Here are my lab results with reference ranges: W.B.C - White Blood Cell Count: 5,200.000 /µL (Reference Range: 4,000-11,000) RBC/M - Red Blood Cell Count: 5.320 million/µL (Male: 4.5-6.0, Female: 4.0-5.54) HgB/M - Hemoglobin: 16.000 g/dL (Male: 14-1...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. A-Zhe: 1. In our country, the reference ranges reported by each laboratory are mostly similar; however, there are slight differences. These variations are primarily due to the testing methods used, the instruments, and the testing errors, among other factors. If your mo...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Infection Risks in Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Wound infection issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask: Recently, I have a wound between two fingers on my right hand that may have been caused by a paper cut. I can't find it well and there was no bleeding. It's been almost a week, and it still hurts, but I'm n...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. JAM: Based on your limited statements, it is not possible to rule out the possibility of an infection. I recommend that you contact your family physician as soon as possible, or directly visit an infectious disease clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks in Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Which Specialist to Consult for Groin Discomfort?
If you are experiencing discomfort in the groin area, you should consult a specialist in urology or a general surgeon? Hello Dr. Hsiao, 1. Three months ago, I started feeling a warm sensation in my left groin, and over the past month, the discomfort has become more pronounced wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Xiao Ai, The conditions related to the groin area are generally consistent with the information you have searched for, although there are other possible diagnoses as well. I agree that you should first consult a gynecologist to discuss potential diagnoses; theoretical...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Groin Discomfort?
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention
Acute dizziness In the past two years, there have been 2-3 episodes of sudden dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a sensation of cold sweats and shaking, feeling like I might faint, but resting helps. At most, there is just a little discomfort. A few days ago, it happened ag...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Abby: The symptoms you described may represent a series of physiological responses from the autonomic nervous system. There are many potential causes for dizziness; if classified by systems, they may include the nervous system, cardiovascular system, hematologic system, ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention
Which Specialist Should I See for My Joint Pain and Discomfort?
Which department should I see? Hello, Doctor. Allow me to describe the following symptoms: 1. My finger joints are painful, and I initially thought it was rheumatoid arthritis, so I went to an orthopedic specialist for blood tests. However, the tests came back normal, but the fin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Little Dot: Based on your statements, it is necessary to consider several possibilities, including rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophies, osteoarthritis, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and others. It is recommended that you first discuss this with you...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Joint Pain and Discomfort?
Is Drinking Water Treated with Copper Safe? Health Risks Explained
Is drinking water that has been soaked in copper or copper rust toxic? Hello Doctor, several years ago I used the "Kappa Water Purifier" for about four months. It claims to utilize 30-micron copper fibers soaked in water to achieve chlorine removal and disinfection. I r...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. Is water that has been in contact with copper toxic? It is important to consider the type of "copper" in the product, what compounds it is in, its oxidation state, whether it is alloyed with other metals, and if any additional elements have been...[Read More] Is Drinking Water Treated with Copper Safe? Health Risks Explained
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Unexplained Symptoms?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor, I have many strange little ailments in my body, and I really don't know which specialty to consult. I experience hand tremors that are difficult to control; my hands shake when I hold things, when someone touches me, while picking ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss You: Please discuss this with your neurologist; based on your description, I believe it may be a neurological issue. If necessary, a consultation with a psychiatrist may also be required. Imaging studies or immunological and biochemical tests may not definitively identi...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Unexplained Symptoms?
Why Does Lying Flat Cause Head Pressure? Common Causes and Solutions
Headache when lying flat? Hello Doctor: When I lie flat without a pillow, I feel like blood rushes to my head, causing a sensation of fullness and discomfort. After a few minutes, I experience some pain in my head and a bit of nasal discharge, but it eventually subsides. What cou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. PS: 1. Please first schedule an appointment with a neurologist. 2. Please provide a detailed description of your symptoms: How long have you been feeling unwell? What is the nature and duration of your headaches? Are there any specific neurological abnormalities? Do y...[Read More] Why Does Lying Flat Cause Head Pressure? Common Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left-Sided Body Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Discomfort on the entire left side of the body? Hello doctor, for the past three months, I've been experiencing strange sensations on the entire left side of my body. For instance, I've had pain in my left shoulder, neck, back, and lower back, with the most noticeable d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. If you have ruled out issues related to hepatobiliary or gastrointestinal problems, it is advisable to first consult and discuss with your primary care physician before making any decisions. Otherwise, visiting various specialists and undergoing multiple test...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Body Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help