Skin, Family Medicine FAQ

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...

Understanding Rabies Risks After a Dog Scratch: What You Need to Know

Questions related to rabies! Dear Doctor: About 20 days ago, I was lightly scratched by a dog that was being kept by someone. The scratch broke the skin but did not bleed, and there was a small red mark. I did not take any special measures, only applying some Mentholatum. I am un...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Luka: 1. Generally speaking, if the dog or cat that bit or scratched you has been regularly vaccinated against rabies, then the patient should be fine. However, if the dog or cat has not been vaccinated regularly, it is recommended to isolate and observe the animal for ...

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...

Do I Need a Tetanus Shot for a Minor Scratch? Expert Advice

Scratching Issues Hello, Doctor. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been washing my hands and using alcohol frequently lately, but my skin feels fragile. I accidentally scratched my hand on a wooden board, and now there’s a red mark. I would like to know if I need to go get a teta...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The tetanus vaccine is effective for 5 to 10 years after administration, so there is no need for a booster shot during that period. Regarding wound care, based on your description, it appears to be a superficial wound, so hydrogen peroxide is not necessary. You can clean i...

Dealing with Fish Spine Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention

Stung by a fish spine? Hello doctor, yesterday while preparing dinner, I accidentally got my thumb punctured by a fish fin. Initially, there was some bleeding, but after rinsing it a bit, the bleeding stopped. A few hours later, I noticed that the area around the wound had a slig...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is still recommended to monitor for any changes indicating infection. Additionally, some specific fish species may have venomous spines, so if you have any doubts, it is advisable to seek medical attention for confirmation. Please note: online c...

Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure: What You Need to Know

What is the likelihood of infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. Today, while conducting an experiment on the changes in blood under different osmotic pressures, I noticed a small wound (not bleeding, just a small hole) on my hand after cleaning up with 2%-0.9%...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Regarding bloodborne infectious diseases, the risk of infection occurs only when there is contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids. It is recommended that you first conduct self-testing for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis, and then follow up again in six months. This s...

Understanding Infection Risks: Should You Worry About COVID-19 Exposure?

Infection risk Hello, doctor. Today I accompanied my mother to a temple to pray, and while waiting for her to ask something, I suddenly heard at the counter that a woman was being asked to leave and advised to see a doctor because the infrared thermal scanner indicated she had a ...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Currently, the most accepted mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets, typically within a distance of about one meter, and with close contact lasting more than fifteen minutes. Based on your description, the distance and contact time are insufficient to cause t...

Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist

Which department to see? Hello doctor... I started experiencing全身癢 (itchiness all over) in early January and visited a dermatologist who diagnosed me with chronic urticaria (chronic hives). Last week, I noticed a small, soft lump inside my cheek, just below the earlobe. It is not...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. The small nodules you mentioned can have many possible causes; the more common ones include folliculitis, sebaceous gland inflammation, lymphadenitis, fibromas, and lipomas, among others. Of course, there are also other rare causes. 2. Please discuss th...

Understanding Itchy Skin: Allergies, Stress, and Mental Health Impact

The skin is very itchy? In the past, during middle school and the first two years of high school, I did not experience skin itching while studying. However, later on, I began to have skin itching. I have a lean physique, and I understand that my lack of itching when I was younger...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! There are many reasons for skin itching, including cold, heat, emotions, and allergens (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, etc.), all of which can trigger allergic reactions. Based on your description, there are several potential causes ...

Do I Need Tetanus Shots After Stepping on Glass? Common Concerns

Possible inquiries regarding skin infections? Hello, today when I got out of the car, I didn't notice a brown glass bottle on the ground and stepped on it. Although I was wearing shoes, I quickly took off my shoes after getting in the car and it seems like I wasn't pier...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsu: 1. Tetanus is primarily caused by the spores of Clostridium tetani infecting through skin or mucosal wounds. The neurotoxin released by the bacteria binds to the synapses of nerve cells, leading to tonic muscle spasms. Common symptoms include fever, headache, cons...

Do I Need Tetanus Shots After Stepping on Glass? Common Concerns

Possible inquiries regarding skin infections? Hello, today when I got out of the car, I didn't pay attention and stepped on a brown glass bottle. Although I was wearing shoes, I quickly took them off after getting back in the car and it looks like I wasn't cut or bleedi...

Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help

There is a lump in the armpit? Hello doctor, recently I've noticed that my left armpit occasionally itches. Scratching it doesn't help. Today, I happened to touch it and found a small bump about one centimeter in size. It doesn't hurt, and I can move it when I pinc...

Dr. Wu Huixiong Reply:
It is recommended to visit a medical facility for an examination, as it would be more appropriate. Wishing you good health!

Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: When to Consult a Family Physician

Please ask on behalf of someone else; I'm not sure which specialty it pertains to? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I really appreciate it. If the questions are outside your area of expertise, please le...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
I can only suggest that you see a gastroenterologist first.

Concerns About Bleach Use and Health Risks for Janitors

Please ask your question? Hello Doctor: I am currently working as a janitor, and my daily tasks involve cleaning restrooms and sweeping floors. Given my job, I believe the likelihood of encountering Helicobacter pylori due to contact with feces is significantly increased, althoug...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jason: 1. Bleach is a strong and effective household disinfectant, with its main ingredient being sodium hypochlorite. It denatures microbial proteins, effectively killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Since sodium hypochlorite gradually decomposes over time and is also...

Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Which Specialist to Consult?

Left lower back pain? Hello Dr. Yeh: I have read about all the lumbar issues that have similar symptoms to mine, and I would like to ask which specialty I should consult based on my symptoms. A week ago, I started experiencing lower back pain, but I initially thought it was relat...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, I recommend that you first visit an orthopedic specialist. Please also try to recall if you had any significant movements, large-angle strains, or heavy lifting last week. Have you noticed any rashes on your skin? Are you experiencing any numbnes...

Dealing with Ear Pain and Cartilage Issues from Mask Wearing

Ear problems Due to certain psychological reasons, I have been wearing a mask for an extended period during my time at school. Sometimes my ears would hurt, but I endured it. I have been wearing the mask for about a year. Recently, I noticed that the cartilage behind my ear has s...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Meng: 1. The human ear is structurally composed of a thin layer of skin and soft tissue covering the cartilage, and it protrudes from the body. As a result, it is susceptible to injury or deformation from excessive or prolonged external force. 2. I recommend that you...

School Health Checkups: Understanding Pediatric Genital Examinations

School Health Checkup I would like to ask the doctor if they have experience examining students at school. I want to understand the examination process for children's genitalia in detail. Will the examination involve retracting the foreskin? What other issues will be checked...

Dr. Li Zhenggang Reply:
For the details related to the examination of male genitalia during school health checks, it is more appropriate for a pediatrician or urologist to address these concerns. Gloves will be changed, and if the child is fearful, we will first ask the teacher to provide comfort. If th...

Understanding Hard Lumps on the Buttocks: A Guide for Seniors

There is a hard lump in the buttock? Hello, Doctor! My grandmother is about 77 years old, and we recently discovered a hard lump at the inner end of her groin near her buttocks, approximately the size of a ping pong ball, which is immovable. It feels very hard and differs from th...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! In response to your questions: 1. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a general surgeon, but depending on the hospital's specialty, you may need to see a colorectal surgeon. 2. Whether the mass requires surgery depends on the underlying cause a...

Understanding Dizziness, Skin Itching, and Unusual Appetite Issues

Dizziness, skin itching, and unusual appetite? Hello, doctor. I have some questions regarding my dizziness issue that has persisted for many years. Since my student days, I have experienced unexplained dizziness, sometimes to the point of pain, and my heart races significantly. O...

Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, regarding your dizziness, I recommend that you consult a neurologist for further examination. Additionally, your appetite changes and itching may be related not only to physiological symptoms but also to psychological states. It is advisable to relax and, if necessary, see...

Concerns About Rabies Vaccination After Cat Scratch Abroad

Concerns about receiving rabies vaccination abroad? Hello, Doctor. The patient was scratched by a wild cat in the Philippines on 10/13 (no bite wound), with slight surface bleeding. They received a rabies vaccine locally on 10/14. They will return to the hospital to receive equin...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. VV: 1. Currently, there are two known rabies vaccines: a. Verorab® (Sanofi Pasteur), which is cultured in African green monkey kidney cells. b. Rabipur® (Novartis), which is a purified chick embryo cell vaccine. 2. Clinically, it is preferable to use the same ...

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