Understanding Cold Sensation in the Left Arm: Causes and Concerns
Coldness in the left arm and other areas? Last night before bed, I suddenly experienced mild pain on the outer side of my left chest, which gradually extended to my armpit, accompanied by a sensation of soreness. Then, my left arm felt cold, as if the coldness was radiating from ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The coldness and pain in your left chest, left shoulder, and left arm, accompanied by arrhythmia, may indicate a cardiac issue. It is recommended that you see a cardiologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensation in the Left Arm: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Mouse-Borne Diseases After Visiting an Internet Cafe
Rodent-borne disease issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, when I was about to leave an internet café, I noticed what seemed to be mouse footprints on the armrest of the chair. During my time there, my clothes and hands came into contact with the armrest, and I also ordered food to e...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The information from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control is as follows: Diseases that can be transmitted by rodents include plague, rat-bite fever, endemic typhus, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, Lyme disease, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, and rickettsial s...[Read More] Concerns About Mouse-Borne Diseases After Visiting an Internet Cafe
Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
The possibility of Vibrio species in shrimp fishing ponds? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy question. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred yesterday when I went to a shrimp fishing venue for the first time. I accidentally got pricked by a fish hook on my h...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium commonly found in marine environments, and there are two main routes of infection. The first is through the consumption of contaminated seafood, such as oysters, clams, and raw fish. The second route is through direct infection via the skin,...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unexplained Skin Pain and Itching: When to Seek Help
Generalized skin prickling and itching? Recently, I have started experiencing intermittent itching and tingling in certain areas, including my hands, calves, buttocks, chest, back, and even my scrotum. The symptoms occur randomly, and when I scratch, it often turns red with notic...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue of itching in multiple areas, if there are no obvious rashes on the skin, it may be worth considering whether it is due to excessively dry skin or pruritus. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist or a family medicine physician.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Skin Pain and Itching: When to Seek Help
Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Skin issues Hello doctor, I have sensitive and dry skin, and I would like to ask if I need to remove makeup when sharing a phone or other items with someone who wears makeup, as well as during physical contact. I feel like my hands don't get completely clean after washing, a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: For your sensitive and dry skin issues, it is recommended to regularly use a moisturizing lotion for skincare. Additionally, when sharing phones or other items with individuals who wear makeup, as well as during brief physical contact, the amount of makeup transferred is u...[Read More] Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Understanding OCD and Cleanliness: When to Seek Help from a Doctor
Could you please provide more context or specify your question? Hello Doctor, I am unsure whether I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an unusually severe case of cleanliness, or if I might have other mental health issues. I often feel that when items fall on the ground ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it seems that your concerns about cleanliness and washing have caused you significant psychological distress. I recommend consulting a psychiatrist to evaluate whether you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and to discuss relevant tr...[Read More] Understanding OCD and Cleanliness: When to Seek Help from a Doctor
Do I Have OCD? Understanding Compulsions and Hygiene Concerns
Hello, how can I assist you today? Hello, Doctor. I'm not sure if I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an abnormal level of cleanliness, or if it's another mental health issue. I often feel that when items fall on the ground and I pick them up, the floor is ver...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it seems that your concerns about cleanliness and washing have caused you significant mental and physical distress. It is advisable to consult a psychiatrist to evaluate whether there may be an issue with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) an...[Read More] Do I Have OCD? Understanding Compulsions and Hygiene Concerns
Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Skin issues Hello doctor, I have sensitive and dry skin, and I would like to ask if I need to remove makeup when sharing a phone or other items with someone who is wearing makeup, as well as during physical contact. I feel like washing my hands doesn't feel thorough enough, ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: For your sensitive and dry skin issues, it is recommended to regularly use a moisturizing lotion for skincare. Additionally, when sharing phones or other items with individuals who wear makeup, as well as during brief physical contact, the amount of makeup transferred is u...[Read More] Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Understanding Infection Risks in Daily Life: A Guide for Family Medicine
Infection issues 1. If I have a wound on my hand and the other person also has a bleeding wound, and their blood comes into contact with coins or paper bills, can I get infected if my wound touches the wet blood or if I directly touch their bleeding wound? 2. If I haven't ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, the hypothetical situation mentioned has a very low chance of causing infection. You may consider wearing gloves, and if you have concerns, you can go to a designated facility for anonymous testing. General contact is unlikely to cause transmission, and regular handwashing...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks in Daily Life: A Guide for Family Medicine
Understanding Sudden Weakness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Waking up in the middle of the night with weakness in the limbs? My boyfriend, 35 years old, does not smoke or drink. A few nights ago, he woke up in the middle of the night and found it very difficult to get out of bed, needing to lean against the wall for support. After finally...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Stress and insomnia can indeed affect the body, but your boyfriend's sudden onset of generalized weakness suggests that he should seek medical evaluation to rule out any issues related to the nervous system, cardiovascular system, or endocrine system. 2. It is a go...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Weakness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Saliva issues Hello, doctor. 1. I would like to ask if, after someone speaks and saliva lands on my belongings, wiping it off with a dry tissue and then rinsing my hands with water for about 2 seconds is sufficient for cleanliness. After that, if I rinse my mouth with water, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. For cleaning items, in addition to using dry paper towels, it is recommended to use alcohol or bleach solution if possible. For hand hygiene, besides rinsing with water, it is advisable to use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Diseases transmitted throu...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Blurred Vision and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Blurred vision and dizziness? I have been experiencing dizziness for the past two to three weeks, regardless of my position (I feel dizzy even with my eyes closed), blurred vision that sometimes goes completely black, instability when standing, cold hands and feet, and frequent n...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
If you continue to experience discomfort, please have a family member accompany you to seek medical attention. You may first consult your family physician for an initial evaluation, and based on the situation, they may refer you to a specialist. Please note that online consultati...[Read More] Blurred Vision and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms After COVID-19 Diagnosis
Vaccination and Symptoms After Diagnosis Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 while getting vaccinated in April, and now I have several symptoms that I don't know what illness they indicate. 1. I have been experiencing a rapid heartbeat for four months, which feels...
Dr. Li Zhenggang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, since you have been evaluated by specialists in cardiology and dermatology, you can rest assured that there are no particularly severe or dangerous conditions! Of course, your discomfort still persists and continues to trouble you. In this regard...[Read More] Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms After COVID-19 Diagnosis
Can You Get COVID-19 from Touching a Wound with an Infected Hand?
Is it possible to get infected with COVID-19 through a wound on the hand? Hello Doctor: I visited the hospital today, and after using my right hand to grip the outpatient door handle without disinfecting, I then touched a small wound on my left thumb, which is about 0.5 cm in siz...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The main transmission routes of COVID-19 are as follows: 1. Inhalation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles containing the virus. 2. Direct splashing of virus-laden droplets onto the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose. 3. Direct contact of hands with vir...[Read More] Can You Get COVID-19 from Touching a Wound with an Infected Hand?
Understanding Hand Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Soreness in both hands? Hello, several months ago, I experienced soreness in the thenar muscles under the thumbs of both hands. I suspected it was caused by holding a child with my hands. It gradually improved, but over the past two weeks, I've started to feel something unus...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the discomfort in your hands may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, or it could be caused by overuse leading to tendon and ligament inflammation. It is recommended that you consult a rehabilitation specialist.[Read More] Understanding Hand Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Temporary Finger Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Finger numbness issue? Hello, doctor. For the past two weeks, I have suddenly been experiencing brief sensations of discomfort in my fingers (lasting less than 1 second or 1-2 seconds), which feel like a mild ache (not painful, and there's no pain upon pressure; I'm not...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: If you have a positive rheumatoid factor along with discomfort in both hands and fingers, it is recommended that you visit a rheumatology and immunology specialist for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Temporary Finger Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is Washing Hands with Water Alone Worse Than Not Washing?
Regarding handwashing and bacteria/viruses? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about something I've seen in the news and read in various sources. They say that washing hands with just water is equivalent to not washing them at all, and that if hands are not dried properl...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Paul: 1. The surface of our skin naturally harbors a variety of bacteria; the air and environment are also filled with various microorganisms and spores. When these settle on our skin, they can germinate or proliferate in suitable conditions (including temperature, humi...[Read More] Is Washing Hands with Water Alone Worse Than Not Washing?
Chest Rash and Rib Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Rash under the left breast along the bra line and behind the bra clasp, with pain in the lower left rib area? 1. Recently, I've been feeling low on energy and easily fatigued, with a slight discomfort in my throat. 2. My neck feels stiff and uncomfortable, similar to a stiff...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello from Taipei to Vienna: For items 2 and 4, there may be inflammation of the muscles and cartilage; please pay attention to whether your bra is too tight or if the underwire is causing pressure. For items 1, 5, and 6, please consult an otolaryngologist to check for pharyngiti...[Read More] Chest Rash and Rib Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Concerns About Infection Risks from Minor Blood Sampling Injuries
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling anxious about an issue. I used a safety lancet (one touch) for blood sampling, and I have a small wound. After about 10 hours, the next day when I went to work, I forgot about the blood sampling wound and accidental...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir, According to the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin woun...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Minor Blood Sampling Injuries
Post-Vaccine and COVID-19 Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Vaccination and Symptoms After Confirmed COVID-19 Infection Hello Doctor, in mid-April of this year, after receiving the third dose of the Moderna vaccine, I occasionally experienced symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. After underg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir: 1. Many hospitals have established integrated outpatient clinics for COVID-19 survivors; therefore, you can look for a nearby hospital that is suitable for your treatment to address your concerns. 2. Your description may indicate "autonomic nervous system dysfunc...[Read More] Post-Vaccine and COVID-19 Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help