Skin, Family Medicine FAQ

Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to See a Doctor?

Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English I have recently been experiencing a heavy sensation in my left chest (near the heart) and sometimes feel my heart racing, along with a bit of shortness of breath. I have to slowly adjust my breathing to reliev...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, Ms. Tsai. The areas and organs you mentioned are generally correct. The heart is located in the left side of the thoracic cavity, which contains important organs such as the lungs and heart. Therefore, when experiencing chest pain, the primary specialties to consult are pu...

Why Is My Right Index Fingernail Yellow? When to Seek Medical Advice

The nail of the right index finger is yellow? Hello, doctor: Today I noticed that the area above the nail of my right index finger has a slight yellow tint, which I didn't observe yesterday. I do smoke (not frequently). Should I seek medical attention for this? Which departm...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear [Name], Hello, the diagnosis of general skin lesions still requires a visual examination. It is recommended to visit a family medicine or dermatology clinic. Thank you. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Gao Qingyun Director, Department of Family Medicine Taoy...

Loss of Sensation in Toes: Possible Causes and Solutions

Loss of sensation in the toes? Hello doctor, my left little toe has had no sensation for the past 10 days. Walking barefoot feels like there is an extremely thick layer of skin. However, there is no pain or numbness. In the past few days, my right little toe has started to show t...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: You mentioned that your left and right little toes have experienced a loss of sensation, but without pain or numbness. This may be related to peripheral small nerve issues or circulatory problems. Generally, if there is diabetes or other peripheral nerve or vascul...

Overcoming Fear of Needles: A Guide for Medical Interns

Do you have a fear of love? I am a medical laboratory intern. Last week, I drew blood from a patient, and I am very afraid of being stuck by a needle. I often check my hands for any needle marks. Now I am wondering if I might have been pricked without realizing it. I don't r...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear concerned netizen, I understand that you are a medical laboratory intern and are worried about the possibility of needle stick injuries during your procedures. It's completely normal to feel apprehensive when you first start drawing blood from patients. If an accidenta...

Regrets About Changing Gloves: Understanding Infection Risks in Healthcare

I somewhat regret changing gloves? While conducting experiments with patient blood in the hospital, I accidentally got blood on one of my gloves. I decided to change gloves, but while using my other hand to put on a new glove, I realized that if the other glove also had blood on ...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear user, Regarding your concern about the possibility of contamination from patient blood while wearing gloves, it largely depends on the extent to which the patient's blood comes into contact with your wound. You mentioned that the wound is small and not actively bleedin...

Can You Get Infected from a Band-Aid Found in the Ocean?

Disease transmission Hello Dr. Chen: Today my boyfriend found a band-aid in the seawater. I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection from any diseases? Also, if that band-aid was used to cover a wound of an HIV-positive patient, is there a risk of contracting HIV? Thank ...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, netizen: In your message, you mentioned that your boyfriend found a bandage in the seawater. Generally, it is important to assess whether your boyfriend's skin had any cuts or wounds when he came into contact with that bandage and the seawater. If there are wounds, ba...

Understanding Recent Symptoms: Palpitations, Weight Loss, and More

I have been experiencing some symptoms recently? I have recently experienced some symptoms including occasional palpitations, rapid heartbeat after work or jogging that persists even after resting, chest tightness, tinnitus, and difficulty with bowel movements (even with soft sto...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, many of the symptoms are quite non-specific, and indeed some symptoms require clarification of their causes. It is still recommended to visit a hospital for further evaluation by a physician, or you may consider arranging a self-paid comprehensiv...

Understanding Tetanus: When to Get Vaccinated After an Injury

The issue of tetanus? Hello: My father was punctured in the finger by a rusty metal object last Saturday, resulting in bleeding. The wound is a small round dot, approximately 0.1 cm deep. I would like to ask: 1. Given the above situation, should he receive a tetanus shot? 2. Unde...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Peter, For adults who have not received a tetanus vaccination in the past ten years, all wounds that compromise skin integrity should be considered for early tetanus vaccination. However, your father's wound needs to be assessed in person to determine if a vaccination ...

Bruising After Blood Test: Is It Normal or Cause for Concern?

Four days after the blood test? I went to the hospital for a blood test on December 5th, and today, December 9th, I noticed an approximately 2 cm long bruise at the blood draw site. I also have small red spots on both arms and my neck, but they are not itchy. Could this be relate...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Dr. Gao Qingyun, Hello, the venipuncture site often experiences localized bruising due to insufficient pressure applied for hemostasis after blood draw. However, it is important to be cautious and consider whether this may be related to a hematological disorder. As for the ...

Understanding Indirect Contact with Dog Saliva: Risks and Concerns

Indirect contact with dog saliva? Dear Doctor Gao, Thank you for your response to my previous question. It has put my mind at ease! I would like to ask you again: 1. If I indirectly came into contact with an object contaminated with dog saliva (approximately 5 minutes later), a...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Mrs. Lin, Hello. Based on your description, the likelihood of you being infected is low. However, if you still have significant concerns about rabies, I recommend that you visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic at the hospital to discuss with a specialist. Thank you...

Understanding Mercury Poisoning from Eating Deep-Sea Fish

The issue of mercury poisoning? Hello: Recently, the Veterans General Hospital published a report indicating that frequent consumption of deep-sea fish may lead to mercury poisoning. I would like to ask: 1. What is the standard for "frequent consumption"? 2. Does taking...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Mark, Hello. In early November this year, Dr. Wu Ming-Ling from the Poison Control Center at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital raised concerns about heavy metal poisoning from deep-sea fish. The intention was to inform toxicologists about new diagnostic and treatment knowledge, ...

Understanding Normal Body Temperature: Myths and Facts for Parents

Human body temperature issues? The normal body temperature for humans is generally considered to be between 36.5°C and 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). This range is applicable to both adults and children, including newborns. If you occasionally measure a temperature below 36°C (96.8°F...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
The thermometer may still have discrepancies due to changes in skin temperature and room temperature, even when functioning normally, and it should only be used as a reference. If a child has any issues, it is important to continuously monitor their body temperature and other phy...

Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Left flank pain? Hello, my symptoms are as follows: I have left lower back pain that radiates from the side to the back. It feels similar to general back pain, but it is not constant; sometimes it occurs, and sometimes it does not. Occasionally, I also experience soreness in the ...

Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
There are many potential causes of left-sided lower back pain, ranging from superficial skin and muscle layers to internal organs. If we assess the pain as intermittent and occurring over the past two weeks, it is commonly due to muscle injury. However, pain from certain internal...

Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhage: Causes and Concerns

Petechiae Hello, doctor. Today I woke up and suddenly noticed dark red or coffee-colored petechiae (like needle pricks) under the skin of my left arm. The day before, I had a Thai oil massage that involved my arms, and later that night I ate a drunken chicken hot pot. Could this ...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The letter mentions that your platelet counts from the past few years of health check-ups have been within the normal range (normal platelet count is 150,000-400,000/μL). Additionally, small subcutaneous hemorrhages are usually caused by bleeding from the skin's micro...

Understanding Skin Issues Related to Blood Platelet Levels

Skin issues and blood? The platelet counts from 1998 to 2001 were 259,000, 260,000, 255,000, 239,000, and 240,000. Are these values considered low? Today, I woke up and suddenly noticed small red spots under the skin on my left forearm, resembling pinpoint bleeding. They are simi...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The letter mentions that your platelet counts from the past few years of health check-ups have been within the normal range (the normal platelet count is 150,000-400,000/μL). Additionally, small subcutaneous hemorrhages are usually caused by bleeding from the skin's m...

Understanding Ear Lobe Issues: When to Seek Medical Help

Ear problems 1. If someone has large earlobes and is accustomed to sleeping on their side, will turning over frequently cause the earlobe to become folded? 2. My earlobe has been pulled forcefully and has swollen up. I visited a dermatologist and have been taking medication and...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
The letter mentions an issue with the earlobe. The skin inside the earlobe consists of soft tissue, which has considerable elasticity. When turning over while sleeping, it only comes into contact with the pillow or mattress, and it does not cause the earlobe to fold. Additionally...

Can You Get HIV from Smoking After Friends Didn't Wash Hands?

Blood donation issues I have a question. Three of my friends didn't wash their hands after urinating, and they offered me a cigarette, which I smoked. I'm a girl. Is there a risk of contracting HIV from this? Should I get tested? Thank you.

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear user, Thank you for your message regarding your concerns about HIV infection. The primary modes of transmission for the HIV virus are through sexual contact, blood, or vertical transmission from mother to child. Sexual transmission mainly occurs through unprotected sexual i...

Understanding Skin Bruises from Electronic Blood Pressure Monitors

Skin abnormality with hematoma? Hello, doctor! Why do I sometimes notice several lines of bruising on the inner side of my arm after using an electronic blood pressure monitor? They usually disappear after 1-2 days. Is it because that area of the skin is more fragile, or could it...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, excessive pressure may cause temporary indentations that should disappear on their own and are generally not a cause for concern. However, if you are worried about potential coagulation issues, you can visit an outpatient clinic for a physician to evaluate whether further ...

Navigating Multiple Symptoms: A Guide to Comprehensive Medical Care

Seeking treatment options for various symptoms? Hello Dr. Chen, I have many symptoms and since they span multiple specialties, I’ve heard that there can be interactions between different organs. I would like to inquire about the most appropriate way to seek medical treatment. Her...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first adjust your daily routine. If there is no improvement, you may consult a family medicine physician, who will provide professional assessment and relevant advice. Thank you!

Understanding the Connection Between Dyshidrotic Eczema and Lichen Planus

Dyshidrotic eczema and lichen planus? Hello, I am simultaneously suffering from lichen planus and dyshidrotic eczema. I have been receiving treatment from different dentists and dermatologists for a long time, and both doctors have informed me that these conditions are related to...

Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Lichen planus is a skin manifestation caused by chronic scratching, while dyshidrotic eczema may be triggered by immune issues leading to vesicular lesions on the skin. It is recommended to visit a dermatology department at a medical center for further evaluation, diagnosis, and ...

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