Understanding Cracked Heels: Causes, Treatments, and Vaseline Benefits
Question What causes some women to have rough cracks on the soles of their feet? How can it be treated? Additionally, what is the function of petroleum jelly? It seems there are many different types of petroleum jelly on the market, and can patients with Fabry disease use it?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Cracked heels are a common complaint among many patients. The causes typically include fungal infections such as athlete's foot or occupations involving frequent contact with cleaning agents and water. In younger individuals, allergic predisposition should be consider...[Read More] Understanding Cracked Heels: Causes, Treatments, and Vaseline Benefits
Understanding Dermatofibromas: Pain, Changes, and Cancer Risks
Dermatofibroma Hello! I would like to ask the doctor a question. Three years ago, I developed two dermatofibromas—one on my back and one on the inner thigh. Recently, I have been experiencing a sharp pain in the thigh lesion if it gets accidentally rubbed. Does this indicate a ch...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Most dermatofibromas are asymptomatic, but if there is a vascular component, pain may occur. If it is a malignant dermatofibrosarcoma, it typically presents as a nodular tumor resembling a keloid. To determine whether a dermatofibroma is malignant, a skin biopsy is necessa...[Read More] Understanding Dermatofibromas: Pain, Changes, and Cancer Risks
Understanding Cholinergic Urticaria: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatments
Cholinergic urticaria I would like to ask the doctor if cholinergic urticaria is triggered by the cold winter season, causing a sensation of itching all over when it gets warm? I found that I might have this condition because during winter, when I get warm, I experience a prickly...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear Xiao Xiang, What you described is physical urticaria, which is related to sunlight (solar urticaria) and temperature changes (heat or cold related urticaria). If you can avoid the triggering factors, it can be treated effectively. Generally, conditions like this are difficu...[Read More] Understanding Cholinergic Urticaria: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatments
Understanding Hives: Causes, Symptoms, and Clinical Manifestations
Rash Hello, Doctor! You mentioned that if urticaria persists for more than 24 hours without resolution, it can lead to vasculitis, which is the cause of the stinging and itching sensations. Of course, dryness and eczema can also cause itching, but we need to observe the clinical ...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: It is best to attach a photo when asking questions online, as it makes it easier to provide an accurate diagnosis. I recommend finding a trusted physician for diagnosis and treatment, as there are many possible conditions that could cause red spots, making it difficult to ...[Read More] Understanding Hives: Causes, Symptoms, and Clinical Manifestations
Understanding Urticaria: Does It Cause Skin Itching?
Urticaria Hello! Can hives cause skin itching? I saw a doctor who said it was hives, but I have had chronic hives in the past and did not experience this prickling sensation. I'm not sure if hives can also have this symptom.
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: If urticaria persists for more than 24 hours, the resulting vasculitis may be the cause of the pain and itching. Of course, dryness and eczema can also lead to itching sensations, but clinical manifestations must be observed to make a definitive diagnosis![Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Does It Cause Skin Itching?
Understanding Skin Irritation: Causes and Solutions for Red Bumps
Skin prick test Hello: When the weather is hot and humid, my skin feels prickly (mainly on the upper body), and later small red rashes appear. Why does this happen, and how can I improve it?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear love 2007tt, The issue you are inquiring about is quite common and related to eczema caused by sweating in hot weather: miliaria, also known as heat rash. It occurs due to the obstruction of sweat ducts and the proliferation of Staphylococcus on the skin's surface. In ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Irritation: Causes and Solutions for Red Bumps
Understanding Skin Issues: Heat Rash, Allergies, and Moisturizing Solutions
Skin issues Hello: The rash you mentioned and the pictures you provided show that my red spots are small and differ from the images. The main issue is that they become very itchy when it's hot. I have seen a doctor, and some doctors said it is heat allergy, a type of urticar...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Heat rash, which is a type of eczema related to heat, primarily involves basic treatment that focuses on removing triggering factors and keeping the skin dry and the environment well-ventilated. The use of topical anti-itch medications or mild topical corticosteroids can i...[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues: Heat Rash, Allergies, and Moisturizing Solutions
Does Keelung Municipal Hospital Offer Phototherapy for Psoriasis?
Hello, does Keelung Municipal Hospital offer light therapy services? Hello~ Does the Keelung Municipal Hospital offer phototherapy for the treatment of psoriasis?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear plumpguy2005: You can call Keelung Municipal Hospital during working hours for inquiries. However, I noticed on the website that there is a phototherapy program available. Our hospital has also been using short-wavelength UVB therapy for psoriasis since August 2007. We welco...[Read More] Does Keelung Municipal Hospital Offer Phototherapy for Psoriasis?
Effective Treatments for Vitiligo: Where to Buy and Costs Explained
Treatment for vitiligo? I heard that Clobetasol gel can effectively treat vitiligo. Where can I buy Clobetasol gel? How much does it cost out of pocket? Since I don't have health insurance, I would like to ask if vitiligo becomes harder to treat the longer it lasts?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear Amy: The ViTix gel contains SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase, which are antioxidants that help protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is suggested to apply the gel twice daily, preferably in the morning and evening, on clean and dry skin. The recommended dosage is...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Vitiligo: Where to Buy and Costs Explained
Understanding Skin Bumps on the Penis: Should You Be Concerned?
Chicken skin grafting on the penis? I have a question. When my penis gets erect, there are small white bumps on the skin that feel like chicken skin. Even when it's not erect, there are still these bumps. Is this a problem? I'm worried it might be a sexually transmitted...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear, your issue is benign ectopic sebaceous gland hyperplasia, also known as Fordyce's spots. You don't need to worry about it. You can take a look at the following website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordyce’s_spot.[Read More] Understanding Skin Bumps on the Penis: Should You Be Concerned?
Can Alpha Hydroxy Acid Help with Acne for Allergic Skin?
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) I would like to ask! I have pimples all over my body! I have seen many dermatologists without any effective results! Sometimes I also get them on my neck! Why is that? One dermatologist suggested that I try glycolic acid lotion!!! But I have sensitive ski...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, Pudding: Regarding the issue you mentioned, it seems to be a case of folliculitis. The questions of whether it itches or hurts are commonly asked! If the folliculitis is uniform and slightly itchy, you might consider seborrheic folliculitis, which can be caused by allergic...[Read More] Can Alpha Hydroxy Acid Help with Acne for Allergic Skin?
Dealing with Skin Issues: Antibiotics, Redness, and Treatment Options
Acne It hurts and itches! You mentioned it might be due to taking too many antibiotics! However, when I went to see the doctor, he prescribed me a lot of antibiotics! What should I do? I previously visited a female doctor at the provincial hospital, but after she prescribed me so...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Low doses of antibiotics can suppress inflammation, but misuse can lead to the overgrowth of normal skin flora, such as Malassezia. In such cases, antifungal antibiotics should be used for treatment instead of the commonly used antibacterial antibiotics. If there is no imp...[Read More] Dealing with Skin Issues: Antibiotics, Redness, and Treatment Options
Understanding Acne: Causes, Care, and Minimizing Pore Size
Acne..? I am currently in high school. Why did my acne start in the first and second years of middle school and still continue to appear now? Is it because I don't wash my face often? Is it related to my pillow or towel? Also, when I look closely in the mirror, I notice that...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, netizen: During normal puberty, the activity of sebaceous glands increases, leading to an increase in sebum production. Factors such as excessive keratinization of the pores and bacterial infections contribute to the development of acne. Washing your face can reduce sebum ...[Read More] Understanding Acne: Causes, Care, and Minimizing Pore Size
Understanding Itchy Bumps: Possible Causes and Solutions
It feels like a swarm of mosquitoes biting..? I have developed numerous itchy bumps on my arms and legs that resemble mosquito bites. They are located on the inner thighs, back of the calves, knees, elbows, wrists, arms, chin, and back—approximately 20 areas in total. The itching...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, Little Lamb: The condition you described is likely acute urticaria-like skin disease, which can be caused by insect bites or allergic reactions related to food, medication, or environmental factors. It is recommended to use cold compresses to relieve itching; if the itchin...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Bumps: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Eczema: Causes of Thickening and Peeling Skin on Toes
Eczema 1. The reason your eczema-affected toes become rough and peel after applying the ointment could be due to several factors, including irritation from the medication, an allergic reaction, or the natural progression of eczema itself. It's important to monitor how your s...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, online user: Eczema that has not healed for a long time can lead to chronicity, commonly known as "psoriasis," characterized by thickening and lichenification. This is a normal skin response to inflammation and can also result in hyperpigmentation (darkening of t...[Read More] Understanding Eczema: Causes of Thickening and Peeling Skin on Toes
Understanding Chronic Urticaria: Treatment Options and Management Tips
Regarding urticaria..? Hello Dr. Chang, my boyfriend has been suffering from urticaria for nearly three months now. His symptoms include redness, swelling, and itching in large welts on exposed areas of his skin whenever he is exposed to cold air (for example, when riding a motor...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear Sakura, the symptoms you described are indicative of physical urticaria, specifically chronic cold urticaria. This condition involves an exaggerated response to cold stimuli, which can lead to severe reactions such as angioedema: swelling of the lips, periorbital edema, and ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Urticaria: Treatment Options and Management Tips
Effectiveness of Acyclovir vs. Diflucan for Treating Shingles
Measles Which of the two medications, Acyclovir or Valacyclovir, is more effective for herpes zoster? What are the side effects? Is topical hydrocortisone effective for herpes zoster? Can it be used in combination with these medications?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear Q: Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 5mg is a third-generation antihistamine derived from the second-generation Zyrtec (cetirizine 10mg), which improves upon the sedation and dizziness side effects associated with the second generation. The package insert states that cl...[Read More] Effectiveness of Acyclovir vs. Diflucan for Treating Shingles
Understanding Folliculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Is it folliculitis? Doctor, I have a follicle under my armpit that seems to have a small opening. I can see a white substance at the follicle's opening, and when I squeeze it, I can expel more of this white material, which feels like it won't stop. I'm hesitant to ...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear Ann: The symptoms you described are commonly known as a pilar cyst, medically referred to as an epidermoid cyst. This usually occurs after skin injury (such as squeezing a pimple or scratching), causing a portion of the epidermis to be encapsulated by new skin, resulting in ...[Read More] Understanding Folliculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Skin Issues from Frequent Hand Exposure to Water: Causes and Remedies
People who frequently soak their hands in water? My grandmother and a lady I know who sells buffet meals seem to have frequent exposure to water, which has caused wounds on their hands that are difficult to heal. What could be the cause of this condition? Are there any effective ...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Dear kuan861, Hello! Common skin conditions for individuals who frequently come into contact with water include contact dermatitis, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and dyshidrotic eczema, among others. Since itching can lead to scratching and subsequent skin inflammatio...[Read More] Skin Issues from Frequent Hand Exposure to Water: Causes and Remedies
Effective Strategies for Managing and Preventing Eczema Flare-Ups
Eczema I have had eczema for a long time and have been seeing a doctor. Although the ointment helps, it keeps recurring. Are there any preventive or treatment methods?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Eczema is an inflammatory response of the skin, which can present in acute, chronic, and subacute phases. The acute phase requires active treatment, including both oral and topical medications. Similar to other diseases, follow-up visits are necessary to adjust medications...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing and Preventing Eczema Flare-Ups