Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Finding Solutions for Pain-Phobic Patients
Fear of pain prevents me from doing many things and makes me very anxious? Hello, doctor. I am unsure which specialties to consult, so I am asking here first. I am a severe malocclusion patient, but I have been extremely afraid of pain since childhood, so I have firmly rejected a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello. I understand your situation. I have encountered many patients who have undergone surgeries, experienced fractures, childbirth, orthognathic surgery, and chemotherapy for cancer. Pain is inevitable, but each person has a different tolerance for pain and requires different m...[Read More] Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Finding Solutions for Pain-Phobic Patients
Red Vertical Lines on Nails: When to See a Doctor for Dizziness?
If you are experiencing a large number of red longitudinal lines on your nails that resemble bruising, along with dizziness, you should consult a specialist in dermatology for the nail symptoms and possibly a hematologist for the dizziness and any underlying blood-related issues?...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The presence of red lines in the nails is most commonly caused by trauma leading to the rupture of microcapillaries beneath the nail. Other less common causes include infective endocarditis, psoriasis, and autoimmune diseases. ● If there is a sudden appearance of numerous red l...[Read More] Red Vertical Lines on Nails: When to See a Doctor for Dizziness?
Understanding Belly Button Issues: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Umbilical issues Hello doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. About a week ago, before going to bed, I felt something in my belly button (I wasn't sure what it was and didn't look down). After I removed it, it felt a bit moist, so I asked my sister...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Umbilical inflammation may be more painful and may not necessarily discharge a white substance. Based on your description, it could be inflammation of the skin around the umbilicus or eczema. It is recommended to consult a family medicine or dermatology specialist for further exa...[Read More] Understanding Belly Button Issues: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Concerns About Urinary Infection and Disease Transmission Risks
Infection issues I'm not a doctor, but I can provide some general information. Based on your description, it seems you are concerned about potential infections after your urine test and subsequent activities. It's important to note that HIV is primarily transmitted thro...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Urinary tract infections are quite common in women, with symptoms such as pain, burning, urgency, and frequency of urination. If a urine sample is accidentally contaminated, a physician can still interpret the results from the laboratory report. Skin breakdown in the perineal a...[Read More] Concerns About Urinary Infection and Disease Transmission Risks
Understanding a Small Lump Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Advice
Swelling behind the ear? Hello Doctor, my father is in his 60s, and I noticed a small swelling on his cheek behind the right earlobe, measuring about 1 cm in length and 0.7 cm in width. He does not experience any discomfort, and the swelling is not painful when touched. I would l...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● A lump behind the ear is commonly seen as a subcutaneous mass, such as an epidermoid cyst (also known as a sebaceous cyst or pilar cyst). These cysts typically enlarge and may spontaneously regress over time. Occasionally, a gray-black or deep blue opening may be visible, and s...[Read More] Understanding a Small Lump Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Temperature Discrepancies Between Body Sides: When to Seek Help
There is a significant temperature difference between the right and left sides of the body? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the fact that the right side of my body (from the neck down to the right hand and right foot) is always colder than the left side. I noticed this d...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is recommended to first confirm whether there is an objective bilateral temperature difference in the body, for example, by measuring the axillary temperature on both sides or using a non-contact infrared thermometer. If objective measurements show a difference of more than ...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Discrepancies Between Body Sides: When to Seek Help
Understanding Mercury Exposure: Risks and Health Implications
Mercury thermometer Hello, doctor. When I was in elementary school, I broke a mercury thermometer in the nursing classroom and held it for a while. When the teacher arrived, he told me to throw it away and wash my hands. It wasn't until I grew up that I learned about the dan...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Elemental mercury is primarily absorbed into the body through inhalation of air containing mercury vapor; it does not penetrate the skin. Reminder: Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Chang...[Read More] Understanding Mercury Exposure: Risks and Health Implications
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Causes and Medical Guidance
Right upper quadrant tenderness? Hello, Doctor: After researching, I couldn't find any posts similar to my situation, so I'm asking here. When I sit up straight in a chair and press on the lowest rib with my right hand, it hurts. I usually play badminton and run for 1 t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, right upper abdominal pain still needs to rule out the possibility of gallbladder or biliary tract inflammation. If these are not the causes, issues related to bones, joints, muscles, or soft tissues should also be considered. It is advisable to con...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Causes and Medical Guidance
Understanding Skin Issues: Possible Causes of Itching and Rash
Skin issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing diarrhea for a week (once a day), but I do not have abdominal pain. I have also had itchy skin for the past week, and scratching it results in small, red, swollen patches that feel somewhat rough. There is a red, swollen, peeling...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Allergies cannot be ruled out based on the description provided; please consult a dermatologist for further diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues: Possible Causes of Itching and Rash
Understanding Tight Foreskin: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Foreskin issues When not erect, the foreskin can be pulled down to reveal half of the glans. When erect, the glans is only exposed about one-third, and pulling the foreskin down causes it to retract back by one-third. The glans can only be exposed about two-thirds and cannot be f...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: I apologize for the late response due to other commitments and unstable internet connection. Your situation is quite common and is not necessarily indicative of a tight foreskin issue, so please do not feel embarrassed. If you are still concerned or have any questions, ple...[Read More] Understanding Tight Foreskin: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Impact of Not Receiving BCG Vaccine on Pregnancy and Baby's Health
What will happen if I get pregnant before receiving the BCG vaccine? Hello Dr. Liao: I am preparing to marry my wife and we are considering having a baby. However, my wife told me that she does not have a scar on her arm from the BCG vaccine, which means she has not received the ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The BCG vaccine is used to prevent tuberculosis. In countries where tuberculosis is common, it is often recommended that healthy infants receive a dose of the BCG vaccine as soon as possible after birth. In Taiwan, newborns can be vaccinated within 5 to 8 months after birt...[Read More] Impact of Not Receiving BCG Vaccine on Pregnancy and Baby's Health
Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss: Causes and Concerns
Weight loss I apologize, but if there is continuous weight loss, could it indicate an underlying illness? What about increased or decreased appetite and frequent urination? I'm asking on behalf of someone else.
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: Although your symptoms appear to be related to an endocrine disorder, it is still recommended that you visit a family medicine outpatient clinic for a thorough examination and treatment by a specialist. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Sincerely, Dr. Gao Qingyun, Department ...[Read More] Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Common Symptoms: Cramps, Itching, and Eye Twitches
Skin + Others Hello, Dr. Liao. I apologize for the interruption. Recently, I have been experiencing three main symptoms, and I would like to ask what possible issues they might indicate: 1. Occasional calf cramps, especially at night while sleeping (about 2-3 times every 2-3 we...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, for leg cramps and eyelid twitching, it is recommended to first seek evaluation from a neurologist. For skin itching, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for confirmation. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Common Symptoms: Cramps, Itching, and Eye Twitches
Understanding Ankle Wound Healing: Concerns About Painful Bumps
A raised area next to the healing ankle wound? Two weeks ago, my wound had completely healed, but there was a small hard bump next to it that was painful when pressed. Yesterday, it suddenly became swollen, and it still feels hard and painful when pressed, but it doesn't hur...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your current concerns, it is recommended that you return to the original physician for follow-up. Please have the doctor reassess your condition, as symptoms still require an in-person evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Ankle Wound Healing: Concerns About Painful Bumps
Which Specialist Should You See for Lip Discomfort?
Which specialty should I see? I have a habit of applying lip balm every day, especially before going to bed. About a week ago, I woke up in the morning and noticed that some areas of my lips felt tingling and tight. When I opened my mouth, it felt like the skin was being stretche...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is recommended to seek assistance from a dermatologist for an examination at Changhua Hospital. We care about you.[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Lip Discomfort?
Understanding Belly Button Itch: Causes and Care Tips
Itchy navel? Hello, I previously experienced pain after cleaning my belly button, so I only clean it infrequently. This time, because my belly button is very itchy, I noticed that there is some dark, dirty substance. Is the itchiness caused by this dark substance? However, it did...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chi: You mentioned that you only clean your navel infrequently, and recently you have been experiencing itching in that area. This could potentially be due to poor local hygiene leading to a rash or inflammation. I recommend that you clean the dirt from your navel regu...[Read More] Understanding Belly Button Itch: Causes and Care Tips
Risk of HIV Infection from a Small Genital Wound: Key Considerations
The probability of contracting HIV from an infected wound in the genital area? Hello Doctor: On June 25th, around 8 PM, I accidentally cut a small wound while shaving (approximately located between the penis and scrotum). At that moment, I immediately disinfected and applied medi...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Regret, In your letter, you mentioned that you have a small wound on your genital area and that a few days later, you engaged in protected sexual intercourse in Guam. It is reasonable for you to be concerned; although the wound may have started to heal, using a condom d...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from a Small Genital Wound: Key Considerations
Understanding Symmetrical Skin Bruises After Amusement Park Thrills
Subcutaneous hemorrhage Today, after visiting the amusement park, I noticed symmetrical red spots on both of my arms that look like subcutaneous hemorrhages (similar to the photos in the link). Today is the second day of my menstrual period, and I participated in some thrilling r...
Dr. Lin Jiafang Reply:
If the skin condition changes within a week, it is recommended to visit a dermatology clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Symmetrical Skin Bruises After Amusement Park Thrills
Understanding Numbness, Swelling, and Knee Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
Numbness in the fingers, swelling in the palm near the thumb, and knee pain? I apologize for the numerous questions, but I need some help. Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent numbness in my fingers, sometimes lasting for 4 to 5 hours. No amount of massage or movement ...
Dr. Zhang Hongwei Reply:
Hello: Regarding your questions, 1. Intermittent finger numbness: More detailed information is needed, such as the specific fingers affected—are they the first three fingers or the last two? Is the numbness related to specific activities or tasks, such as typing on a computer, us...[Read More] Understanding Numbness, Swelling, and Knee Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
Persistent Elevated Body Temperature: Understanding the Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent elevated body temperature? Hello, doctor. My usual body temperature is around 36 to 36.5 degrees Celsius, and it rarely exceeds 37 degrees except when I have a cold. On April 7th, Thursday afternoon, I started experiencing headaches. After taking pain relievers, I felt...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you have consistently elevated body temperature, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a personal evaluation by a physician. You may first seek assistance from an infectious disease specialist at Changhua Hospital. Take care.[Read More] Persistent Elevated Body Temperature: Understanding the Causes and When to Seek Help