Understanding Numbness and Itching in Hands and Feet: Causes and Treatments
Numbness, itching, and tingling in the hands and feet? Initially, there was acute urticaria with widespread hives, and patches appeared on the palms and soles that were very itchy. After taking medication prescribed by the hospital for urticaria, the hives subsided, but after two...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsia: You mentioned that the hives have subsided, but after a couple of days, your hands and feet are still swollen and experiencing itching and tingling. This could be a delayed allergic reaction causing sensory abnormalities. I recommend that you visit a rheumatology ...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Itching in Hands and Feet: Causes and Treatments
Frequent Typing Errors: Understanding Possible Neurological Issues
I often make typos; even though the phonetic symbols I see are correct, the words I type come out wrong? Recently, for the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing a frequent issue while typing on my phone. Although I intend to type the correct Zhuyin symbols in my mind, my f...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Anonymous Lady, In your recent letter, you mentioned that you often make typing errors on your phone. This may not necessarily indicate any pathological reason. You can start by raising both hands to see if you experience any tremors; pay attention to whether you have diffi...[Read More] Frequent Typing Errors: Understanding Possible Neurological Issues
Chest Discomfort and Numbness: When to See a Specialist?
Chest tightness and numbness in the hands and feet? Last week, I visited a clinic due to discomfort in my chest. I underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an X-ray. After reviewing the results, the doctor said there were no significant issues and advised me to monitor my conditi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if there are no internal medicine issues found during the cardiology examination, it is recommended that you seek treatment from a psychiatry department.[Read More] Chest Discomfort and Numbness: When to See a Specialist?
Risk of Bloodborne Infections After Minor Injury in Healthcare Settings
Bloodborne viral infection I recently sustained a knee contusion (the size of the wound is slightly larger than a fifty-cent coin) and went to a school health office for a dressing change. However, the nurse did not wash her hands after handling infectious waste (I am unsure if s...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, there has been no contact with blood or bodily fluids, and the criteria for infection are lacking, so transmission should not be possible.[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infections After Minor Injury in Healthcare Settings
Persistent Warm Sensation in Hands, Feet, and Stomach: Causes and Concerns
Long-term sensation of heat in the hands, feet, and stomach? I would like to ask about my long-term experience of feeling a constant warmth in my hands, feet, and stomach every day. I have undergone tests for thyroid function and autoimmune antibodies, and everything came back no...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Individuals with hyperthyroidism may experience increased body temperature, trembling hands, a rapid heartbeat, and possible swelling in the front of the neck. Thyroid-related hormones and ultrasound can be tested for confirmation. If you are concerned that your elevated b...[Read More] Persistent Warm Sensation in Hands, Feet, and Stomach: Causes and Concerns
Is It Safe? Doctor's Advice on COVID-19 Risks in Public Spaces
Safety concerns, please ask the doctor? Hello Dr. Wu, I just finished my exam and went out to have fun with my family. Recently, there has been a COVID-19 outbreak, but I only carried my mask with me and wore it while taking public transportation. When we checked into the hotel, ...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. If you do not encounter strangers at close range, or if the other person is not coughing or speaking, the risk of transmission through droplets is relatively low. However, it is still important to wear a mask ...[Read More] Is It Safe? Doctor's Advice on COVID-19 Risks in Public Spaces
Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Transmission routes of COVID-19? Hello, Doctor. Today, I had the rare opportunity to go out with my mom for lunch and to pray. During lunch, there was a guy at the next table who was coughing towards us. I thought we were about to eat and took off my mask, but my mom told me it w...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: The concerns you have are shared by many people in today's society. Your mother's requests are cautious and correct, especially when it comes to public places. Your first concern is about the boy at the next table coughing and possibly infecting you. This issue i...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Understanding Sleep-Related Numbness and Dizziness: Causes and Concerns
Numbness in the hands, feet, and head, as well as dizziness during sleep? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Over the past year, I have experienced intermittent numbness in my hands, feet, and head while sleeping. This does not occur continuously but happens during the sleep process. It seems to ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss, 1. There are many causes for numbness in the hands, feet, and head; more common and serious issues include atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, gout, hypertension, diabetes, cervical and lumbar spine diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and autonomic nervous system disord...[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Numbness and Dizziness: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels in Children with Influenza Fever
Blood sugar levels in children with influenza and fever? Dear Doctor, Last October, my son (6 years and 3 months old) had a fever due to influenza for five days and had some small red spots on his hands. We went to the clinic for a follow-up, and the doctor referred us to a maj...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Kelvin: 1. There are many diseases associated with fever and rash in children. In our country, it is particularly important to consider varicella (chickenpox), measles, rubella, roseola, enterovirus infections, scarlet fever, infectious erythema, Kawasaki disease, dengu...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels in Children with Influenza Fever
Concerns About Phimosis: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, Doctor. I recently learned that I need to clean my foreskin. During my shower, I slowly managed to retract it and noticed quite a bit of debris. I used a water stream to rinse some of it off, but I was afraid of retracting it for...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: 1. The skin covering the shaft of the penis folds over the glans and is referred to as the prepuce or foreskin. Normally, the foreskin should be retractable to expose the glans; however, some individuals have a foreskin opening that is too small, preventing the gla...[Read More] Concerns About Phimosis: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings
Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia? Hello, doctor. Last week I had a bit of a cold and went to see an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication. The doctor said my lungs sounded fine, but I sometimes have a sore throat along with phlegm and nasal discharge, so I was...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ning Ning: 1. The Wuhan pneumonia virus (COVID-19 virus) belongs to the second type of coronavirus (also known as β-coronavirus); it is an enveloped RNA virus with a large genome (26-32 kb) and is classified as a zoonotic virus. Currently, the primary transmission rout...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Infection Risks in Elderly Care
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Last week, my grandfather had surgery for a liver tumor at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Neihu. I occasionally help take care of him. After the surgery, he stayed in the intensive care unit for two days before be...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Hs: 1. The primary mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through direct contact with respiratory secretions or droplets containing the virus. The estimated incubation period is mostly between 1 to 14 days, with the most common duration being around 5 days. Clinical manif...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Infection Risks in Elderly Care
Understanding Hand Pain: Is It a Bone or Muscle Issue?
Bone issues or muscle problems? Hello Doctor, I noticed some mild pain at the base of my right ring finger while washing my hands, although there is no swelling. I later found a specific point near the base close to my palm that is more pronounced when pressed. I applied a medica...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zeng: Trigger Finger: 1. Trigger finger is primarily caused by repetitive or forceful use of the fingers or thumb, leading to an inflammatory response in the tendons. Normally, the tendons glide smoothly within the synovial sheath of the finger joints. However, due to ...[Read More] Understanding Hand Pain: Is It a Bone or Muscle Issue?
Health Concerns: Can I Get Infected from a Small Cut?
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? Hello doctor, I took a shower later than usual yesterday when I got home, and then I thought I would help my family by washing some underwear. This morning, I found out that my brother's underwear was also in th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello! 1. (1) Cauliflower is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Your concern about indirect transmission is mitigated by the fact that you wash your hands with soap, which reduces the likelihood of infection. (2) However, since each individual's constitution varie...[Read More] Health Concerns: Can I Get Infected from a Small Cut?
Assessing Syphilis Infection Risk in Clinical Settings: A Case Study
Probability of syphilis infection During my internship, while I was placing a thermometer in a patient's mouth, my right hand accidentally touched the patient's lips. I am unsure if there was contact with saliva. I subsequently used hand sanitizer to clean my hands, but...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the modes of transmission for syphilis (refer to the Centers for Disease Control) are as follows: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact with secretions, bodily fluids, and other exudates ...[Read More] Assessing Syphilis Infection Risk in Clinical Settings: A Case Study
Exploring Causes of Hand and Foot Numbness Beyond Diabetes
Dear Dr. Hsiao, aside from diabetes, what are the other possible causes of numbness in the hands and feet? Today's lab report is out: fasting blood glucose is 80 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c is 5.7, so I should not have diabetes, right? Ever since I started experiencing numbnes...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Luka: 1. There are many diseases that can lead to numbness or abnormal sensations in the hands and feet, including common conditions such as vascular compression, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, degenerative spinal disorders, herniated dis...[Read More] Exploring Causes of Hand and Foot Numbness Beyond Diabetes
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks in Household Settings
Transmission routes of Hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. Since my dad has previously been diagnosed with hepatitis B, I found some blood on a tissue while cleaning the trash can at home after school. I asked my mom if he was bleeding, and she said no, but she thought she heard my dad m...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood, and since you have not been exposed, there should be no concern about infection! It is recommended that your father regularly follow up for monitoring and testing of his hepatitis B status.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks in Household Settings
Post-Cold Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat and Chest Issues
Inquiry after a cold? Hello Doctor, about a week ago I started feeling discomfort in my throat and I was worried that I might have contracted a virus, especially since many classmates in my class frequently cough without wearing masks. I visited an ENT specialist, who said that m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao Yi: 1. Based on your description and medical history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. I personally agree with your attending physician's assessment that it may be due to post-nasal drip. 2. Please avoid ice products or cold drinks, mainta...[Read More] Post-Cold Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat and Chest Issues
Understanding Skin Discoloration: When to See a Doctor for Hand Concerns
Redness of the skin? Hello Dr. Hsiao, today I noticed two dark spots on the joint connecting the back of my right hand to my palm. They were originally red. I'm not sure if it's because I've been washing my hands too frequently, as my family mentioned that I wash t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. F: 1. If there is a wound on your right hand and it has been disinfected with povidone-iodine or iodine tincture, it is possible to develop dark brown discoloration on the skin. Generally, this should not be a concern; it will typically fade away after some time. 2. If y...[Read More] Understanding Skin Discoloration: When to See a Doctor for Hand Concerns
Outdoor Cough Etiquette: Protecting Your Child's Health
Outdoor Cough Etiquette Inquiry Hello Doctor, During lunchtime, I accompanied my younger sister home from school, and on the way, we encountered a man who was coughing without wearing a mask and sprayed towards us. When we got home, I quickly told my sister to wash her hands an...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Mei: 1. Covering your mouth and nose while coughing to prevent droplet spread is a basic etiquette and a measure for infectious disease protection. Unfortunately, there are still a very small number of individuals who do not pay attention to this. Currently, we are faci...[Read More] Outdoor Cough Etiquette: Protecting Your Child's Health