Dealing with Toenail Fungus: When Treatment Shows Limited Results
Onychomycosis Hello, doctor. I previously visited a dermatologist for treatment of my toenail fungus. I have been taking Terbinafine for about a month now. I can see healthy new growth on my big toe, but there hasn't been much response on my ring and pinky toes; it seems lik...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun Reply:
Not all nail issues are caused by fungal infections. It is possible that your big toe has a fungal nail infection, while the fourth and fifth toes are experiencing nail deformities due to long-term chronic pressure from footwear, which means that medication will not be effective.[Read More] Dealing with Toenail Fungus: When Treatment Shows Limited Results
Effective Solutions for Chronic Folliculitis: Expert Advice Needed
Folliculitis Consultation Hello Doctor: I've been troubled by folliculitis for several years. It used to occur on my chest and back, but last year it spread to my calves, and this year it's quite severe on both arms. I've visited the clinic multiple times, but ther...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello, There are many causes of folliculitis. Some are simply due to follicular obstruction leading to an inflammatory response, while others may be caused by bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections. Additionally, some individuals may have it as part of an autoimmune ...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Chronic Folliculitis: Expert Advice Needed
Which Specialist to Consult for Painful Lip Bumps: Dermatology or Gynecology?
Which specialty should I see? I went to see a gynecologist because I had a painful lump on my labia. The doctor diagnosed it as an acne lesion and prescribed some medication, asking me to return for a follow-up in three days. They may need to use a needle to drain the affected ar...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello: If a cyst is located in the vulvar area, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. If it recurs, one should consider a Bartholin cyst. Here is a brief introduction to Bartholin cysts: Clinical presentation: The cystic mass is located in the lower posterior part of the l...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Painful Lip Bumps: Dermatology or Gynecology?
How to Tell If Your Athlete's Foot Treatment Was Successful
Athlete's foot Doctor, I previously went to see a doctor for athlete's foot and received treatment, but I would like to know how to determine if it has been successfully treated?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello, Xiao Tuo: If the treatment for athlete's foot has lasted more than a month without any peeling or white flakes, you should continue applying the medication for another week. It's advisable to visit a hospital to check for any bacterial infection before discontinu...[Read More] How to Tell If Your Athlete's Foot Treatment Was Successful
Managing Eczema on Toes: Treatment Options and Expert Opinions
Eczema of the toes 1. I have eczema on my toes. When I apply medication, it forms a hard crust that feels rough to the touch, but later it peels off. After the peeling, new skin grows, and then it becomes itchy again. What should I do about this? 2. Regarding the situation descr...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello: Generally, eczema should be treated with topical medications until it is resolved, extending the treatment duration to 2-3 weeks before discontinuing the medication. If there are subsequent peeling symptoms, moisturizing products should be used for treatment, with petroleu...[Read More] Managing Eczema on Toes: Treatment Options and Expert Opinions
Understanding Skin Rashes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Skin rash Since the evening of June 14th, I developed several spots on my abdomen that resemble a red rash, but are somewhat oval-shaped. Over the following two weeks, I have continued to develop smaller spots on my body, arms, and legs, which look like small pimples. After being...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun Reply:
Hello: I'm sorry, but it's not possible to make a diagnosis online. If the symptoms persist and are causing you distress, please visit a dermatologist in person. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Understanding Acne Below the Ear: Causes and Health Signals
excuse me? The appearance of pimples below the ear, along with warm breath similar to that experienced during a fever, may indicate an underlying issue. Possible causes could include skin infections, such as folliculitis or acne, or even a reaction to stress or hormonal changes. ...
Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello: I apologize for not being able to provide a diagnosis based solely on your description. The best advice for you is to consult a trusted dermatologist. I recommend that when your skin exhibits the symptoms you described, you should promptly visit a public hospital in your c...[Read More] Understanding Acne Below the Ear: Causes and Health Signals
Effective Treatments for Anal Warts: Seeking Alternatives to Electrocautery
Anal warts? I previously underwent electrocautery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital twice, and after four months, I have developed a recurrence. Could you please recommend a major hospital in Taipei where I can seek treatment? Which department should I consult? Also, are there alte...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello: Genital warts are caused by HPV virus infection. Traditionally, treatments such as electrosurgery or cryotherapy have been used, but they often result in recurrence. Currently, there are new immunotherapy options available: Aldara (imiquimod) cream enhances the body's...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Anal Warts: Seeking Alternatives to Electrocautery
Understanding Viral Warts on the Chest: Implications and Myths
Viral warts on the chest? Viral warts, also known as verrucae, reflect a weakened immune system and are commonly found on the mouth, limbs, and other exposed areas. If a girl has developed viral warts on her chest and subsequently undergoes electrosurgery for treatment, does this...
Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello! In your letter, you mentioned: "If a girl has viral warts on her breasts and then undergoes electrosurgery treatment, does this indicate that the girl has had sexual experience?" Based on my personal review of medical literature, there is "no correlation&quo...[Read More] Understanding Viral Warts on the Chest: Implications and Myths
Can You Catch Flat Warts from Touching an Infected Person?
Flat warts If you had contact with a patient who has flat warts and did not disinfect your hands, only washing them with body wash, and then touched your own acne an hour later, there is a possibility of transmission. Flat warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which...
Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello, Ms. Yan-Jing: In your letter, you mentioned, "I have come into contact with a patient with flat warts and did not disinfect my hands..." → It is recommended that you consult a dermatologist to determine whether it is indeed flat warts or another condition. You al...[Read More] Can You Catch Flat Warts from Touching an Infected Person?
Can Athlete's Foot Spread Through Toe Licking? Expert Insights
Athlete's foot If a person has athlete's foot and enjoys having their toes licked, could this lead to an infection in the other person's mouth?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello: Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the feet. The oral cavity has protective immune cells, so as long as there are no cuts or wounds in the mouth, it is generally difficult for individuals with a normal immune system to get infected. However, treating athlete'...[Read More] Can Athlete's Foot Spread Through Toe Licking? Expert Insights
Understanding Athlete's Foot: Treatment Options and Recovery Time
Athlete's foot Is it troublesome for the doctor? Could that cause a skin infection? Because I previously visited a dermatologist who said it was athlete's foot. Is the new generation of medication effective enough to treat it in one dose, or does it still need to be use...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello Tow3602: What I meant by a one-month treatment is that many patients often experience relapses. Therefore, I recommend extending the treatment duration to reduce the chances of recurrence. Many new medications emphasize a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, and if the...[Read More] Understanding Athlete's Foot: Treatment Options and Recovery Time
Persistent Itching at the Base of the Penis: Possible Causes and Concerns
I have been troubled for a long time and really don't know the reason? My penis base started itching the day after I had protected sexual intercourse with an unfamiliar woman. The itching is more pronounced when walking and less severe when sitting. When I look at the itchy ...
Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhang: The symptoms related to localized folliculitis, localized fungal infections, localized eczema, scabies, and localized skin neuritis are all potential causes. As for symptoms of syphilis or other sexually transmitted diseases, these can be diagnosed and treated ...[Read More] Persistent Itching at the Base of the Penis: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
I don't know what disease it is? Hello Dr. Chang: My penis has been itching at the base since the day after I had protected sexual intercourse with a stranger. The itching is more pronounced when I walk, and it is less severe when I am sitting. When I check the itchy area, i...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you described make it difficult to determine if it is a lice issue. If it is pubic lice, typically shaving the area and applying medication for 1-2 days should suffice, as pubic lice lay eggs and can also cause dermatitis symptoms (eczema). It is important to ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dealing with Acne on Your Back: Causes and Solutions
Acne on the back? Hello, is there something wrong with my skin? I mostly have acne on my back, and occasionally a few on my face. Now it's even affecting my arms. What should I do? Please help me!
Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello, Folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, localized tinea infections, and localized eczema are all potential causes. I apologize for not being able to provide a diagnosis based solely on your description. The best advice is to consult a dermatologist you trust. I recommend that...[Read More] Dealing with Acne on Your Back: Causes and Solutions
Unusual Bumps on Heels: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
There is a strange growth on the heel? Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask you a question: I have developed small blisters on the heels of both feet, which later merged into large pus-filled lesions. The surrounding area is somewhat itchy, but the pus-filled areas are painful wh...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello, Xiao Juan: The symptoms you described are consistent with dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx). The causes can be attributed to an atopic constitution (such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or dermatitis) or an allergic reaction due to a tinea pedis (athlet...[Read More] Unusual Bumps on Heels: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Itchy Skin: Causes and Care for Genital Discomfort
The skin is very itchy? Hello, Dr. Hong. The skin in the small area between my scrotum and the top of my anus has become red and itchy since this past Monday. When I shower, the water hitting that area causes a stinging sensation. I went to see a doctor, but they didn't spec...
Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello, Phile: Skin tinea, eczema, localized keratosis abnormalities, localized small nerve abnormalities related to the skin, and localized infectious skin conditions are all possible causes. I apologize for not being able to provide a diagnosis based solely on your description. ...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Skin: Causes and Care for Genital Discomfort
Post-Cryotherapy Care for Viral Warts: Essential Tips for Parents
Post-treatment care for viral warts after cryotherapy? My fourth-grade son received cryotherapy for plantar warts at the dermatology clinic. How should I manage his wound regarding the contagious warts? How can I prevent transmission to other family members? Is the contagiousness...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun Reply:
You can apply iodine to the wound and cover it with a bandage. Avoid submerging it in dirty water, and refrain from swimming or soaking in hot springs for the time being. If a large blister forms and remains intact, you should see a dermatologist for further management. The infec...[Read More] Post-Cryotherapy Care for Viral Warts: Essential Tips for Parents
Effective Treatments for Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: A Comprehensive Guide
How to treat pityriasis rubra pilaris? Dr. Jiang developed numerous red rashes resembling pimples on his neck before the Lunar New Year this year. Subsequently, the rashes increased in number, spreading to his head, hands, feet, and body. The lesions are scaly and itchy. After co...
Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare skin condition that often requires a skin biopsy for diagnosis. If confirmed, the most effective treatment currently available is oral retinoids. However, I recommend that you undergo a thorough examination at a medical center. Wishing you peace...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: A Comprehensive Guide
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:
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