Skin, Family Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Flattened Tissue Concerns

After wisdom tooth extraction, the swelling in the cheek transforms into a flat, pancake-like tissue? Hello, Director Hsiao. Three months ago, I underwent surgery to extract my lower right wisdom tooth. After the extraction, my right cheek was significantly swollen. One month pos...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yi: 1. I recommend that you have a thorough discussion with your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your overall condition and treatment process. 2. Based on your description, it is possible that an infection or abscess developed after the extraction o...

[Read More] Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Flattened Tissue Concerns


Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Swelling and Calcification

Is it possible for the swelling after wisdom tooth extraction to calcify so quickly, within 3 to 4 months? Hello Dr. Lin, I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted three months ago. After the extraction, my right cheek was significantly swollen. A month later, I was referred to...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The flat, pancake-shaped, and somewhat hard area on your right cheek is likely a result of soft tissue fibrosis caused by a previous inflammatory infection, somewhat similar to scar tissue. As for whether there is calcification or other issues, further medical examination ...

[Read More] Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Swelling and Calcification


Understanding Increased Belly Button Discharge: When to Seek Help

There are small growths in the belly button? Recently, I have noticed an increase in discharge from my navel, which includes white pus and serous fluid. However, I do not experience any abdominal pain or discomfort. During a health check at the end of June, my stool test showed n...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it seems to be a skin abscess. You can visit a dermatologist or a general surgeon for evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Increased Belly Button Discharge: When to Seek Help


Understanding Thumb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

Pain upon pressing the fingertip? Hello, recently I have been using my thumb more frequently, and I experience sharp pain when I press down on the tip of the first phalanx of my thumb (causing the tip of the nail to turn white). What could this symptom indicate, and if I need to ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The tenderness in your thumb may be related to issues with the nail, skin, tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues, and it is less likely to be carpal tunnel syndrome. It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or orthopedic specialist for evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Thumb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Underarm Itching During Coughing or Cold Symptoms

Itchy throat, cough, or during a cold, there is itching in the subcutaneous layer of the armpit? Hello Doctor: This issue has been bothering me for a long time. Whenever I have a scratchy throat, cough, or cold, the skin underneath my right armpit becomes itchy. Each time I ask a...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it may be lymphadenopathy or an infection triggering an allergic reaction. It is recommended that you visit a dermatologist when this occurs.

[Read More] Understanding Underarm Itching During Coughing or Cold Symptoms


Understanding Ankle Roughness, Swelling, and Darkening: When to Seek Help

Rough, swollen, and darkened ankles? Recently (about 1-2 weeks ago), I noticed that the skin on my left ankle feels quite rough, accompanied by edema (there are noticeable indentations when pressed). The swollen area is also darker than other parts of the ankle. I have already vi...


Dr. Li Zhenggang Reply:
Hello Mr. X: There are many causes of edema, and based on what you have described, your nephrology examination is normal! You can seek care at the same hospital or at a nearby family medicine or internal medicine facility to review your medical history and symptoms in detail, and...

[Read More] Understanding Ankle Roughness, Swelling, and Darkening: When to Seek Help


Effects of Sodium Percarbonate on Health: Safety Concerns and Risks

What are the effects of sodium bicarbonate on the body? I read online that sodium carbonate is very effective for cleaning tea stains, so I used it on several cups. The cleaning effect was indeed minimal, but afterwards, I felt a bit unwell, especially noticing a lot of bubbles i...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Sodium percarbonate is a strong alkaline substance and is not intended for consumption, so there is no food-grade sodium percarbonate. Although the substances produced from its decomposition are natural, its oxidizing effects and the gases released during chemical reaction...

[Read More] Effects of Sodium Percarbonate on Health: Safety Concerns and Risks


Understanding Belly Button Issues: Pain and Redness After Infection

Umbilical issues I was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday. Last night, I was too idle and picked at my belly button. After that, I cleaned it with alcohol, and it hurt a little, feeling like it might break the skin. This morning, I noticed a small red area around my belly button,...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your condition is umbilical inflammation. If the umbilicus continues to be red, swollen, hot, and painful without improvement, there is a concern that it may progress to cellulitis, so it is advisable to seek medical treatment immediately.

[Read More] Understanding Belly Button Issues: Pain and Redness After Infection


Does Massaging Cystic Acne Worsen Symptoms or Cause Infection?

Will massaging inflamed acne have a counterproductive effect? Hello Doctor, I am a third-year male student. I have a pimple on my face that appears to be cystic in nature, and it has been present for about a month. When I press on it, there is a noticeable soft, jelly-like pus th...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Cystic acne affects the deeper layers of the skin, and after inflammation subsides, it can easily leave scars on the face. Since you have been experiencing this for a month, it is advisable to seek treatment from a dermatologist as soon as possible. Additionally, avoid tou...

[Read More] Does Massaging Cystic Acne Worsen Symptoms or Cause Infection?


Persistent Toe Bruise: Understanding Hard Lumps and Pain Management

Bruising on the toe that does not resolve, resulting in a hard lump? Hello Doctor: On April 3rd, I injured my toe, and there is a bruise under the skin at the tip of my toe. It hurts when lightly touched, and it looks like a large red mole. Over time, the color has gradually turn...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: Trauma can cause bleeding in the blood vessels of the toes, leading to a hematoma, which typically resolves on its own within about two weeks. If it does not completely absorb and becomes hardened, you may seek treatment from a general surgeon or a dermatologist.

[Read More] Persistent Toe Bruise: Understanding Hard Lumps and Pain Management


Can People with Favism Safely Consume Pearl Powder?

Consumption of pearl powder in individuals with favism? Hello, I have a personal history of favism and have been advised not to consume pearl powder. Recently, I noticed that some beauty and health products contain pearl powder, so I searched for information related to favism. I ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The main component of pearl powder is calcium carbonate, along with a small amount of carbohydrates, amino acids, and trace elements (including heavy metals), among others. Calcium carbonate, carbohydrates, and amino acids are unlikely to cause hemolytic reactions in indiv...

[Read More] Can People with Favism Safely Consume Pearl Powder?


Navigating Multiple Health Issues: When to Seek Medical Help

Multiple discomforts? I have widespread pain or a sudden sensation of coolness in a small area of skin, and I'm unsure which specialist to consult since it feels wasteful to see each one individually. Here are the situations I've experienced: 1. I have random abdominal...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The abdominal pain you are experiencing may be related to constipation. 2. The abnormal sensations in your skin could be due to dryness or an allergic reaction. 3. The symptoms of runny nose and nasal congestion may indicate allergic rhinitis. 4. The itching in your eye...

[Read More] Navigating Multiple Health Issues: When to Seek Medical Help


Concerns About Makeup Safety for Children: Cleaning and Allergies

Questions related to cosmetics and skincare products? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it is acceptable for a child to play with cosmetics before bedtime or touch items that may have been contaminated with cosmetics, and then take a regular bath without specifically removing...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. If the body comes into contact with cosmetics, washing with soap should be sufficient. 2. If there are residues of cosmetics in the environment, cleaning with alcohol should be adequate. 3. It is recommended to monitor children for any signs of skin allergies or other d...

[Read More] Concerns About Makeup Safety for Children: Cleaning and Allergies


Do Makeup Residues on Bedding and Phones Cause Health Issues?

Will it cause discomfort? Hello, doctor. If a previous tenant did not remove their makeup and lay on the bed or left cosmetics scattered on the bed, what should be done before someone else uses it? Should the bed be cleaned or is there a need to remove makeup? Additionally, if so...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. If the previous tenant did not remove their makeup and left it on the bed or scattered cosmetics on the bed, the amount of contamination from the cosmetics is usually minimal. Unless there is a risk of an allergic reaction to the cosmetics, there should be no need for s...

[Read More] Do Makeup Residues on Bedding and Phones Cause Health Issues?


Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Attention

Body temperature issues Hello, I am 27 years old. My usual body temperature measured with a home thermometer is around 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius. However, for the past two days, it has suddenly dropped to around 35-35.5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by symptoms such as headache, d...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Li Hsin-yun: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating. Conversely, to retain internal heat, the bo...

[Read More] Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Attention


Understanding the Effects and Duration of Blood Pressure Medication: A Guide

Antihypertensive medications? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the blood pressure medication, Amlodipine/Benazepril 80/5 mg. How long does it take for the medication to take effect after taking it? How long does its effect last? Is it considered a long-acting, intermediat...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: The combination medication Amlodipine 80/5 mg is a long-acting antihypertensive that is taken once daily. The pharmacokinetics of the two components do not interfere with each other. Amlodipine begins to take effect approximately 30 to 50 minutes after administrati...

[Read More] Understanding the Effects and Duration of Blood Pressure Medication: A Guide


What Happens If You Accidentally Ingest Mosquito-Infested Skin?

Nausea Parasite If you accidentally squished a mosquito and then forgot to wash your hands before eating, ingesting the remnants of the mosquito on your fingers is unlikely to cause any serious health issues. However, it is always advisable to wash your hands thoroughly before ea...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The situation you described usually does not have an impact on the body, as stomach acid also has antibacterial effects. If you are concerned, it is advisable to monitor for any fever or gastrointestinal symptoms. If you experience any related discomfort, you should seek m...

[Read More] What Happens If You Accidentally Ingest Mosquito-Infested Skin?


Concerns About Infection Risks from Birds While Riding a Bike

Infection issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection from bacteria if birds fly very close while riding a bike, due to contamination on my clothing or the bike itself. Additionally, if I accidentally hit a bird while riding with the visor of my hel...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. If there has been contact with secretions or excretions from birds, there is a possibility of infection from pathogens carried by those birds. However, if only your outer clothing and the bicycle have been contaminated, the risk of infection should be very low since the...

[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Birds While Riding a Bike


Consultation on Trichomoniasis Infection and Treatment Options

Consultation on Trichomoniasis Infection Issues Hello Doctor, about two years ago I was diagnosed with a Trichomonas vaginalis infection, and at that time, the doctor prescribed "Johnson" Metronidazole tablets for seven days. After completing the treatment, I did not re...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, trichomoniasis infection requires complete treatment for both partners. The current symptoms need further investigation to confirm the underlying cause and to ensure appropriate treatment. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provi...

[Read More] Consultation on Trichomoniasis Infection and Treatment Options


Can Disinfectant Spray Kill Helicobacter Pylori on Surfaces?

A cleanliness issue? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if commercially available disinfectant (hypochlorous acid solution) can kill Helicobacter pylori on surfaces (such as a mouse) when sprayed on them?


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Hypochlorous acid water should have a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori, but it can be irritating to the skin. Therefore, it is more suitable for use in home environments and for cleaning utensils. It is recommended to use it in a well-ventilated area, allowi...

[Read More] Can Disinfectant Spray Kill Helicobacter Pylori on Surfaces?


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