Understanding and Treating a Growing Bump Around the Penis
A lump grows on the hair? Hello, I have a growth around the area of my penis that is about 5mm in diameter and seems to be getting larger. It looks somewhat like a blister. What should I do?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Tumors need to be assessed by visualizing the lesions in order to make a diagnosis. It is recommended to perform a biopsy for examination and simultaneous treatment.[Read More] Understanding and Treating a Growing Bump Around the Penis
Effective Hair Loss Solutions: Timing for Finasteride and Product Recommendations
Hair loss issues I saw a doctor who said I have androgenetic alopecia stage 2! I am taking finasteride. Should I take it in the morning or at night for better efficacy? Or should I take 1/4 tablet in the morning and 1/4 tablet at night? Can I buy it over the counter at a pharmacy...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Currently, the FDA-approved medications for male pattern baldness in the United States are Minoxidil 5% and 2% (Rogaine) and Finasteride 1mg (Propecia). Additionally, there is Finasteride 5mg (Proscar), which is typically advised to be divided into quarters and taken once ...[Read More] Effective Hair Loss Solutions: Timing for Finasteride and Product Recommendations
Understanding Athlete's Foot: Treatment Frequency and Effectiveness Explained
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the issue of athlete's foot..? Hello Dr. Chang, I previously consulted you about athlete's foot, and after applying econazole, the results have been quite good; the lesions are almost gone. However, my feet still itch occasionall...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, Student Zhang: 1. The typical usage of topical ointments is twice a day. Once the condition improves, it can be reduced to once a day, especially since many current antifungal medications emphasize once-daily dosing. Treatment should continue until the infection is comple...[Read More] Understanding Athlete's Foot: Treatment Frequency and Effectiveness Explained
Understanding Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Key Insights and Concerns
Regarding issues related to psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis..? Hello Dr. Chang, I apologize for bothering you, but my skin condition has been quite poor, and I have another skin issue I would like to consult about: 1. I have seborrheic dermatitis on my face, especially arou...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, Student Zhang: 1. Regarding the facial symptoms you mentioned, it is indeed seborrheic dermatitis; however, the presence of exudate is not characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis. It may be associated with a bacterial infection of the epidermis due to scratching from itch...[Read More] Understanding Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding Sudden Skin Allergies: Causes and Solutions
Skin allergy conditions..? Dear Dr. Chang, I would like to ask about some recent symptoms my husband has been experiencing. Over the past few days, he has developed some red, swollen rashes on his body, particularly on his shoulders and back, which resemble mosquito bites. They ...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: If these rashes appear and then disappear within a few hours, this is urticaria (hives). Most commonly, the cause is food, but some cases are triggered by environmental allergens. Individuals with allergic tendencies may also experience a more significant allergic reaction...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Skin Allergies: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Acne Treatment: Is Oral Isotretinoin Right for You?
There are still a few questions? Doctor, after reading your response, I have a few more questions. I have been taking anti-inflammatory and steroid medications for about two months, and I have also been using topical isotretinoin (Accutane) for approximately three months, which h...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: For large painful lesions, local steroid injections can be used for treatment. For deep cystic acne that cannot be drained, oral isotretinoin can be taken, and chemical peels with alpha hydroxy acids can also be used to expedite the removal. Regarding lymph node pain, it i...[Read More] Understanding Acne Treatment: Is Oral Isotretinoin Right for You?
Understanding Acne at the Neck and Cheek Junction: Causes and Solutions
Acne appears at the junction of the neck and cheek? Since July, I have been experiencing acne at the junction of my neck and cheeks, as well as on my chin. I visited a dermatologist and was prescribed oral medication and a topical treatment. Initially, the acne persisted and spre...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Regarding your issue, it pertains to deep-seated acne. If there is pain, it is advisable to start with oral anti-inflammatory medications (anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids) for about 1-2 weeks. Topically, you can use retinoic acid. If there is no response within a m...[Read More] Understanding Acne at the Neck and Cheek Junction: Causes and Solutions
Can I Use Minoxidil for Hair Loss Prevention Before Balding?
Can I apply Rogaine first? My father and grandfather both have severe baldness, and I naturally have a high forehead. Recently, I visited a dermatologist and brought my high school photos for evaluation. The doctor said he is not sure if I have androgenetic alopecia and advised m...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: You have a significant family history of male pattern baldness, a high forehead, and if a widow's peak appears with the hairline receding at the temples, this can diagnose you with androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia can be classified into seven stages (see i...[Read More] Can I Use Minoxidil for Hair Loss Prevention Before Balding?
Mixing Skincare Products: Safety Tips for Your Skin Routine
Questions about skincare products? Is it safe to mix skincare products from different brands (such as toners, lotions, serums, and eye creams)? Are there any special precautions to take? Could this be harmful to the skin? Is it better not to use too many products in the morning a...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: It is generally acceptable to mix different brands of skincare products; however, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients and whether they overlap. If a toner contains exfoliating ingredients, avoid using a lotion that also contains the same exfoliating compone...[Read More] Mixing Skincare Products: Safety Tips for Your Skin Routine
Understanding Unpleasant Skin Odors: Causes and Solutions
Skin odor Hello doctor, I would like to ask about an issue I've been experiencing recently. For the past few days, whenever I place my hand close to my nose, I can smell a foul odor that resembles the smell of feces. This happens not only with my palms but also with my arms....
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: The odor from the hands comes from sweat. Generally, sweat is odorless, but it can produce an unpleasant smell when broken down by bacteria on the skin. The same applies to the arms. Additionally, sweat contains some urea and waste products, which can sometimes give it a s...[Read More] Understanding Unpleasant Skin Odors: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the Left Buttock: Possible Causes and Symptoms Explained
Sitting on the left side of my buttocks causes pain..? I have been experiencing pain on the left side near my buttocks for the past few days, similar to a hard lump or possibly a bone in that area. The pain occurs both when sitting and when not sitting. It is especially painful w...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello Rebecca: The movable lump you mentioned on the left side of the buttock crease is likely a subcutaneous tumor. If there are symptoms of redness, swelling, and warmth in the skin, it may be an "abscess," known as "dingzi" in Taiwanese, which is a deep fol...[Read More] Pain in the Left Buttock: Possible Causes and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Skin Odor: Is It a Sign of Kidney or Liver Issues?
The scent of the skin? Sometimes when I scratch my skin and then smell my hand, there is a foul odor. Does this indicate poor kidney or liver function? PS. I shower with soap every day.
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello Jackson: The odor of the skin is caused by the decomposition of dead keratinocytes by skin bacteria or the breakdown of sweat by bacteria. If kidney function is impaired, the body may excrete more nitrogenous waste products (such as urea), which can lead to an odor. However...[Read More] Understanding Skin Odor: Is It a Sign of Kidney or Liver Issues?
Freckles: Effective Treatments, Insurance Coverage, and Comparison of Creams
Freckles Is the 3-in-1 cream for freckles suitable? Is it covered by health insurance? Are the ingredients in Hsin-Hui's whitening cream (Banjie) and Baoling Fuchin's Baolijie whitening cream the same? Which one is more effective for treating freckles? How should it be ...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Generally, cosmetic treatments are not covered by health insurance, whether it is a single-agent depigmentation medication or a three-in-one cream; the whitening cream from Hsin Kuei (Melquine) is a single-agent product; Melquine HT is a three-in-one cream; the whitening c...[Read More] Freckles: Effective Treatments, Insurance Coverage, and Comparison of Creams
Understanding Skin Sensitivity: Causes and When to Seek Blood Tests
A single scratch causes redness and swelling? Hello Doctor: Previously, I had a case of urticaria that resolved after a year, but now I have developed skin sensitivity. My skin becomes red and swollen with just a light touch, and the itching worsens with scratching (this has been...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Your issue is urticaria, which can have many causes. 1. Food: Shellfish, fermented foods, nuts, eggs, milk, products containing artificial additives, caffeine-containing foods, mangoes, strawberries, bamboo shoots, grapefruits, glutinous rice, shiitake mushrooms, and alc...[Read More] Understanding Skin Sensitivity: Causes and When to Seek Blood Tests
Concerns About Taking Antifungal Medication for Nail Fungus
Onychomycosis medication issues? I recently visited a doctor for a nail condition, and they prescribed a medication called Terbinafine tablets. I looked it up online, and it seems to be used for treating onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), which my nails appear to have. I didn...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, Qingtian: Regarding your inquiry about Lamisil (terbinafine), its indications include (1) onychomycosis, (2) tinea capitis, and (3) extensive dermatophyte infections that have not responded to topical treatment, but it is ineffective against tinea versicolor. Onychomycosis...[Read More] Concerns About Taking Antifungal Medication for Nail Fungus
Understanding Your Scar: What It Is and When to Seek Help
What exactly is this type of scar? Hello: Last May, I accidentally bumped my foot! The area between my big toe (where the hair and nail meet) bruised for a while and after some time, it remained a dark spot. It doesn't hurt, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Later, ...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello Monicr: The bruising caused by your toe injury should resolve within a month, unless you continue to experience minor injuries that could lead to vascular tumors. Some fibromas may have vascular components, which can make them appear a deeper red. However, since you have a ...[Read More] Understanding Your Scar: What It Is and When to Seek Help
Understanding Heat Intolerance: Why Some Don't Sweat in Summer
In the summer, I don't sweat! However, my body heats up! I often experience heatstroke! Hello Dr. Zhang, I have a sister who often suffers from heatstroke during the summer. She hardly sweats, but her skin is always very hot. Occasionally, she feels like she is going to have...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, DS: Your sister hardly sweats. How long has this condition been present? Is it congenital or acquired? There is a dermatological condition related to lack of sweating called "congenital ectodermal dysplasia," which includes "anhidrosis and hypohidrosis."...[Read More] Understanding Heat Intolerance: Why Some Don't Sweat in Summer
Understanding Transient Red Spots on the Chest: Causes and Treatments
Red rash on the chest? I sometimes have red spots on my chest that do not hurt or itch; they are not growths (not acne). Sometimes they cover my entire chest and are about the size of a small marble. After observing them multiple times, I noticed they usually fade away on their o...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: If possible, please take photos before and after the outbreak for easier diagnosis or communication. Generally, allergies do not necessarily have to be itchy; as long as the swelling subsides within a few hours, it can be classified as urticaria. If there is a chronic carr...[Read More] Understanding Transient Red Spots on the Chest: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Transient Red Spots on the Chest: Causes and Solutions
Erythema on the chest? I sometimes have small red spots on my chest that are not painful or itchy, and they are not lesions (not acne). Occasionally, they can cover my entire chest, and their size is similar to that of a small marble. After observing them multiple times, I notice...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: The symptoms you described are consistent with urticaria. The causes can include medications and food, but sometimes they are also related to weather changes and fluctuations in temperature or emotions. If the frequency of outbreaks is high, a blood test can be considered;...[Read More] Understanding Transient Red Spots on the Chest: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hair Loss: When to See a Dermatologist for Treatment
Hair loss Hello, doctor. I seem to notice that I lose quite a bit of hair every time I wash my hair, and it feels like the hair on the top of my head is thinning. There is no history of baldness in my family. Does the dermatology department at your clinic specialize in hair loss ...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: The normal hair loss rate is about 100 strands per day. Generally, women experience central-pattern androgenetic alopecia, while men typically experience hair loss that recedes from the temporal sides towards the back, followed by central thinning. If there is hair loss, a...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss: When to See a Dermatologist for Treatment