Scalp Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
A few days ago, I experienced scalp pain? If you are experiencing pain on the scalp, particularly on the top of your head, it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist or a neurologist. A dermatologist can evaluate any skin-related issues, while a neurologist can assess for a...
Dr. Wu Huixiong Reply:
1. Dermatology 2. Surgery[Read More] Scalp Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Concerns About Wound Infection from Shellfish Exposure
Questions about wound infection? Hello Doctor, not long ago while I was rinsing my mouth with water, the faucet next to me was being used to clean a container that previously held live clams, and I had a sore in my mouth at the same time. I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Is the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. KEN: 1. Theoretically, any wounds on the skin or mucous membranes can be susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus; however, not everyone will develop an infection. Those at higher risk include patients with liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, diabetes, alcoholism, kidney disease, stero...[Read More] Concerns About Wound Infection from Shellfish Exposure
Understanding Ear Pain from Eyeglasses: Causes and Solutions
Ear problems Hello Doctor, I got a new pair of glasses over a month ago, but I haven't been able to adjust them properly, which has caused frequent pain in the areas where they contact my ears. A few days ago, I suddenly noticed redness and swelling in those areas. Could you...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Tim: 1. Unless there are other specific factors, it is likely that the contact or allergic dermatitis is caused by friction from the temple arms of the eyeglass frame. 2. You can consult a dermatologist or your family physician for a prescription ointment; however, if it...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain from Eyeglasses: Causes and Solutions
Rabies Consultation: Should I Seek Medical Attention After Animal Encounter?
Rabies Consultation for Medical Care Last night, while I was watering plants in the rooftop garden on the sixth floor for my injured father, I was attacked by an unidentified flying creature. Due to the limited light from a flashlight and the creature's rapid movement, I cou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. According to the regulations published by Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as badgers, civets, Taitung city money mice, bats, etc.) classified as Category II (and above) requires immediate medical attentio...[Read More] Rabies Consultation: Should I Seek Medical Attention After Animal Encounter?
Unexplained Black Spots on Skin: Possible Causes and Solutions
Unexplained black lesions on the skin? Hello doctor, my skin has been like this for two to three years. It doesn't hurt or itch unless I touch it, and deeper areas feel normal while shallower areas feel slightly raised (the calf is more sensitive). Since it's on the bac...
Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
I apologize for the delayed response. Could you please provide any photos for reference? Based on the description of the symptoms, it seems to be a lesion in the superficial skin or subcutaneous tissue.[Read More] Unexplained Black Spots on Skin: Possible Causes and Solutions
Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin: Managing Rashes and Irritations
How to care for skin issues? Hello Doctor: I am a 27-year-old male. I previously visited a dermatologist for skin issues, and the doctor mentioned that I have naturally rough and sensitive skin, as well as more active sweat glands. Recently, I have experienced the following two s...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is still recommended to seek in-person medical consultation, as it allows for more appropriate treatment recommendations based on your symptoms. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin: Managing Rashes and Irritations
Which Specialist to Consult for Skin Issues in Tainan?
Inquiry about medical specialties? Hello, I have developed a large brown patch (about the size of a palm) below my chest, along with many dark brown spots of varying sizes. This has been present for over a month, and I have not experienced any discomfort. Which specialty should I...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, I recommend that you visit a dermatologist.[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Skin Issues in Tainan?
Understanding Vaccine Scar Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Hello, I would like to inquire about vaccine scars? Today while showering, I noticed that the vaccination scar on my left arm has turned red, resembling a scratch. I have not experienced this before, or perhaps I did not notice it in the past. Aside from the redness, there are no...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist in person. Online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person visit and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Vaccine Scar Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Result?
The incident occurred on April 6th? On April 6th, I had a high-risk exposure. On July 1st, I performed an HIV self-test and received a negative result, which was exactly on the first day after 12 weeks. I would like to know if I need to get tested again for HIV infection. I have ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, I recommend that you undergo another HIV screening. The rash seems to be a long-term issue, so I suggest you visit a dermatologist for evaluation. Additionally, it would be beneficial for your skin recovery to quit smoking as soon as possible. Th...[Read More] Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Result?
Unexplained Fever: A Comprehensive Approach to Diagnosis and Management
Persistent unexplained fever Since the beginning of this year, I have been experiencing frequent urination and urinary weakness. On March 9, I visited a urologist and was diagnosed with hematuria, with red blood cells >100, white blood cells 15, and hydronephrosis. I started t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, may I ask if you are still experiencing a fever? Infection remains the most common cause of fever, and the treatment duration varies depending on the cause and location of the infection. If the fever persists, it is important to differentiate whether there are other underl...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: A Comprehensive Approach to Diagnosis and Management
First Aid After a Car Accident: What to Do If You Touch Blood
Seeing someone injured in a car accident, I touched blood while helping? Hello Doctor: Yesterday evening, I witnessed a car accident where someone was lying on the ground with an injury to the left side of their head, bleeding profusely. There was a pharmacy nearby, so I bought s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Li: 1. If the skin that comes into contact with your hand has no wounds, then the possibility of infection from exposure to blood or serum is negligible; human skin serves as the first line of immune defense. 2. The so-called serological infectious diseases main...[Read More] First Aid After a Car Accident: What to Do If You Touch Blood
Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Rabies-related issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Three days ago, I accidentally stepped lightly on a bat that was crawling and unable to fly (it appeared to be an adult bat) while on the road. My father used a toothpick he had to touch the bat's claws to check if it was alive, inten...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. According to the regulations announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as weasels, civets, Taitung city money mice, bats, etc.) classified as Category II or above requires immediate medical atten...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Managing a Blood Clot After a Finger Injury: What You Need to Know
There is a blood clot after a finger injury? Two weeks ago, my finger was injured and there was a blood clot on it without any bleeding. Later, I accidentally broke the skin over the blood clot, and it started to bleed. After disinfecting and bandaging it, a few days later, it fo...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you visit the surgical outpatient clinic to avoid potential complications. Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you a speedy recovery![Read More] Managing a Blood Clot After a Finger Injury: What You Need to Know
How Long Does It Take to Metabolize Toxic Solvents Like Chloroform and Phenol?
Inhalation of organic solvents? Hello Doctor: Due to laboratory requirements and equipment issues, I have been inhaling and coming into contact with chloroform and phenol for a year and a half. During this time, I was exposed almost daily for over 8 hours, and I sometimes experie...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
According to the information from https://rais.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/chlorofo.html and https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxguides/toxguide-115.pdf, both chloroform and phenol are substances that are rapidly metabolized. However, chloroform may have a higher absorption in adipose tissue,...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Metabolize Toxic Solvents Like Chloroform and Phenol?
Understanding Niacin's Impact on Blood Sugar Levels in Seniors
Issues related to niacin? Hello Doctor, my mother is 62 years old. A year ago, she was recommended to take niacin supplements. Recently, she underwent a health check-up, and her coronary artery calcium score was 3. Her cholesterol levels are normal, but her fasting blood glucose ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Xiao Zhen, 1. Clinically, Niacin can be used as a medication; Niacin is also known as vitamin B3. Its primary function is to reduce VLDL levels, as LDL is synthesized from VLDL. Therefore, Niacin also lowers LDL levels in patients, meaning it can reduce bad cholesterol....[Read More] Understanding Niacin's Impact on Blood Sugar Levels in Seniors
Risk of Infection from Dog Licking a Small Wound: What to Do?
A small wound was licked by a dog? Hello, doctor. This morning, my hand was licked by a dog owned by a community resident, and there is a small unhealed wound in that area (a type of wound where dry skin near the nail was torn and bled a little). I remember reading about a bacter...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lee: 1. The Capnocytophaga canimorsus you mentioned is a bacterium found in the oral cavity of dogs, and I have never encountered or diagnosed it in my clinical practice. It is not part of the normal human microbiota. Therefore, once it enters the bloodstream, there is ...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Dog Licking a Small Wound: What to Do?
Risk of Infection from Dog Licking a Minor Wound: What to Do?
A small wound was licked by a dog? Hello, doctor. This morning, I was licked on the hand by a dog owned by a community resident. There is a small, unhealed wound in that area (a type of wound where the dry skin next to the nail was torn and bled a little). I remember seeing news ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lee: 1. The Capnocytophaga canimorsus you mentioned is a bacterium found in the oral cavity of dogs, and I have never encountered or diagnosed it in my clinical practice. It is not part of the normal flora in humans. Therefore, once it enters the bloodstream, there is a...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Dog Licking a Minor Wound: What to Do?
How to Prevent Infections from Minor Skin Injuries on the Nose
Questions about inflammation prevention? Hello doctor, recently my nose has been chafed by my glasses, resulting in a small skin wound with a little bleeding. What can I do to prevent inflammation, such as cellulitis, in this type of wound? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. Unless one has diabetes, immunocompromising conditions, is taking immunosuppressants, or has other specific reasons, it is not easy for cellulitis to occur in the face due to good tissue circulation. 2. That said, occasional cases of facial cellulitis are stil...[Read More] How to Prevent Infections from Minor Skin Injuries on the Nose
Can You Take Uric Acid and Liver Health Medications Together?
Can medications for lowering uric acid be taken simultaneously with liver-protective medications? Recently, I have been experiencing frequent foot pain, so I visited a general clinic for medical attention. Following the doctor's recommendations, I underwent blood tests and d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang: **Allopurinol Tablets® (Allopurinol; 100 mg):** 1. Allopurinol is a purine derivative that reduces uric acid synthesis by competitively inhibiting the last two steps of uric acid biosynthesis, which are catalyzed by xanthine oxidase. Uric acid is less soluble th...[Read More] Can You Take Uric Acid and Liver Health Medications Together?
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Specialist Referrals
Regarding Behçet's disease? Hello Doctor, I have the following symptoms and would like to inquire if they could possibly be related to Behçet's disease; if not, which specialty should I consult for improvement? 1. I have seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp, which causes ...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Hello, Miss Fei: Thank you for your questions. Regarding the first issue of scalp itching, I recommend using a shampoo with lower degreasing ability and washing your hair every two days. Due to the nature of your hair, applying lotion to the scalp can be challenging, so the best ...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Specialist Referrals