Understanding Unexplained Lumps: When to See a Doctor
Unknown mass Doctor, I have a hard lump about one centimeter in size on my knee. It doesn't hurt when pressed and can be felt regardless of whether my knee is bent or straight. Should I see a doctor for this? If so, which specialty should I visit? Thank you for your response...
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
There is a hard lump about one centimeter in size on the knee that does not hurt when pressed and is movable. It can be felt regardless of whether the knee is bent or straight. This painless hard lump on the knee could potentially be a lipoma, a lymph node, or another type of tum...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Lumps: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Yellow Eyes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Could you please provide more details about your eye condition? Since elementary school, my eyes have been yellowish, and I also have nasal allergies. Every morning when I wake up, my eyes are very red, making them look quite alarming. This summer, I went to a large hospital for ...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: I would like to respond as follows: The yellowing of the eyes may need to be differentiated between conjunctival hyperemia (the so-called "whites of the eyes") due to vascular dilation and true jaundice. As we are of Asian descent, the deposition of pigment cells...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Eyes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Should I Be Concerned About a Small Lump on My Arm?
Is it a small tumor? Hello, about a month ago, I noticed a small lump on the inner side of my arm. It is not visible from the outside and can only be felt when touched. However, today I discovered that there seems to be a small lump on the outer side of my arm as well, but it doe...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear user, You mentioned that you have painless small nodules on the inner side of your arm. If there are no signs of redness, heat, or other skin abnormalities aside from the lump, it is likely to be a benign subcutaneous tissue tumor. If these occurrences are frequent or caus...[Read More] Should I Be Concerned About a Small Lump on My Arm?
Understanding Wound Healing: Allergies and Treatment Options
Wound management Hello Doctor: The wound is not healing and despite returning to the clinic where the doctor changed the medication, the new treatment is not as effective as the original ointment. The new medication does not seem to remove the necrotic tissue, and there are also ...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Lanling, Regarding the reasons why your wound may not be healing, the more common causes include: 1. Infection 2. Localized poor circulation 3. Underlying health issues, such as malnutrition or diabetes. It is advisable to visit a hospital to consult with a physician, o...[Read More] Understanding Wound Healing: Allergies and Treatment Options
Are Grape Seeds Healthy? Debunking Myths About Eating Grapes
Regarding the issue of eating grapes? Hello Director Wang: I really enjoy eating grapes, including the skin and seeds, but recently I came across an article online that stated the following: "In addition to the health benefits of OPCs found in grape seeds, there are also som...
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: You came across an article online stating that besides the health-beneficial OPCs found in grape seeds, there are also some harmful substances such as tannins that can be toxic. Chewing and swallowing grape seeds directly may cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and le...[Read More] Are Grape Seeds Healthy? Debunking Myths About Eating Grapes
Understanding IDF-1: Is It a Safe Alternative to Growth Hormones?
What is IDF-1? Hello, doctor~ Is IDF-1 a growth hormone? Is it the same as the products that are commonly said to have side effects when using growth hormones? I saw IDF-1 on television, and they mentioned that it is an oral product! It supposedly has no side effects and provides...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: You are likely asking about IGF. Here is my response regarding IGF: 1. IGF-1 stands for Insulin-like Growth Factor I. 2. Its function is to regulate the secretion of growth hormone and promote tissue growth and anabolic metabolism. Clinically, it is used as an indicator to...[Read More] Understanding IDF-1: Is It a Safe Alternative to Growth Hormones?
How to Determine the Presence of Blood-Sucking Parasites in Your Body?
Question Hello, doctor. How can I determine if there are blood-sucking worms or other parasites present in the body? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Ching, I would like to know if you have any specific symptoms that might suggest a parasitic infection. Due to the wide variety of parasites, there are several different methods for diagnosis. Generally, the most common methods include the following: 1. Stool examinati...[Read More] How to Determine the Presence of Blood-Sucking Parasites in Your Body?
Understanding Persistent Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns After Sexual Activity
It is unclear what illness it is? Hello Dr. Lai: My penis has been itching at the base since the day after I had protected sexual intercourse with a stranger. The itching is more pronounced when I walk, and it is less severe when I am sitting. When I check the itchy area, it appe...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is possible that you may be experiencing an allergy to condoms, or that vigorous sexual activity has caused localized friction dermatitis. If you are concerned about syphilis or other sexually transmitted infections, in addition to clinical...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns After Sexual Activity
Understanding Hand and Foot Heat: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Heat in the hands and feet can be a sign of various conditions? Hello Doctor: My husband often experiences warmth and itching in his hands and feet, which frequently leads to insufficient sleep! This symptom occurs almost every day in the summer, particularly before or after fall...
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: Your husband often experiences warmth and itching in his hands and feet, which frequently leads to insufficient sleep! The itching and heat occur before or after falling asleep, making it difficult for him to sleep. Based on these symptoms, it is possible that he may have ...[Read More] Understanding Hand and Foot Heat: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Probiotics vs. Oligosaccharides: Which is Better for Allergies?
I would like to inquire about the benefits of probiotics and oligosaccharides? Since I developed allergies after giving birth to my second child, I've heard that having an allergic constitution means a weak immune system, which often leads to nasal congestion, coughing, itch...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the proportion of live probiotics that remain active after consuming active lactic acid bacteria and reaching the intestines cannot be estimated. Similarly, the extent to which oligosaccharides can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in ...[Read More] Probiotics vs. Oligosaccharides: Which is Better for Allergies?
Understanding Lipomas: When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps
Lipoma Hello Doctor: About a year ago, I discovered a hard lump on the left side of my pubic area that feels somewhat like a marble under the skin. Recently, when I wear tighter jeans, the pressure on the affected area causes pain. Which specialty should I consult for this issue?...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The subcutaneous mass you found on the left side of your pubic bone has been present for a year, and you are experiencing pressure pain recently. It is indeed recommended to undergo further examination to determine the nature of the tumor and to check for any inflammation....[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps
Should You Get Tested for HIV After a Risky Encounter?
HELP! Should I get tested for HIV? In late November, a female friend visited a client in Paris, France. After discussing business and enjoying a lavish dinner, the client warmly invited her to his residence. Trusting him, she accompanied him there. After some casual conversation ...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. LYH, Regarding your question, if the situation is as you described, it is still advisable to consider testing for HIV and VDRL (syphilis), and you may also want to consider screening for Hepatitis B and C. Although it is classified as non-penetrative intercourse, there ...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After a Risky Encounter?
Dealing with Persistent Itching: Which Specialist to Consult?
Itching You have a rather awkward issue that has been bothering you for a long time, and you haven't sought medical attention because you're unsure which specialty to consult. Initially, you experienced abnormal itching in your anus, which was so severe that you scratch...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. JC, Regarding the issue of abnormal itching around the anus, the most likely conditions are skin infections, particularly fungal infections. Additionally, less common causes such as pinworm infections can also lead to itching in that area. Psychological factors may also...[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Itching: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Skin Issues or Other Causes After Intimacy: A Guide
I am not sure if it is a skin issue or something else? After engaging in sexual activity with my boyfriend, his genital area sometimes becomes red and swollen. I consulted an endocrinologist who suggested it might be an issue related to pH balance. However, now there is a more co...
Dr. Chen Yingzhen Reply:
Dear Jessick, It's great to see your concern for your boyfriend's health. However, since this is someone else's issue, if there has been no improvement over a long period, it is advisable to seek medical attention. I would like to provide some information based on...[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues or Other Causes After Intimacy: A Guide
Which Specialist to Consult for Voice Changes at 23?
Which specialty should I see? If you are 23 years old and your voice has not deepened, you may want to consult an endocrinologist, who specializes in hormone-related issues. Regarding the use of male hormones, such as testosterone, it is important to discuss this with a healthcar...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, aside from the voice, I'm not sure if other male secondary sexual characteristics have fully developed. If it's only a voice issue, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist. If there are no changes in secondary sexual characterist...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Voice Changes at 23?
Understanding Red Spots on the Skin: Causes and Treatments
Red spots appearing on the skin? Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed some small red spots appearing on my abdomen. At first, they didn't itch, but later they started to become slightly itchy, although not very much. Additionally, red spots have also appeared on my chest and be...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Du, Regarding your skin issue, there are many possible causes, with allergies being the most likely. These can include drug allergies or environmental allergens (such as food, dust mites, etc.). I believe what your physician referred to as "emanating from wit...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots on the Skin: Causes and Treatments
Can You Catch Diseases from Contaminated Alcohol Splash?
What infectious diseases could this cause? If you were splashed with rice wine that a dirty, possibly ill, homeless person had consumed, the risk of transmitting diseases through intact skin is generally low. Since you mentioned that your skin has no significant wounds, only a sc...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, based on common knowledge, the likelihood of contracting the disease is very low. I cannot provide further answers.[Read More] Can You Catch Diseases from Contaminated Alcohol Splash?
Is It Healthy to Delay Breakfast for Two Hours After Waking Up?
Breakfast eating time Hello, doctor. I have a question that I'm unsure where to place, so I'm asking here. I would like to know if it is acceptable to eat breakfast two hours after waking up when the body is in a normal state? (For example, waking up at 6 AM and having ...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Li, Hello. In the absence of specific medical conditions such as diabetes or peptic ulcers, having breakfast a little later is generally not an issue. If you do not experience any discomfort, I do not oppose this practice. However, if eating breakfast too late leads to ...[Read More] Is It Healthy to Delay Breakfast for Two Hours After Waking Up?
Understanding Numbness and Tingling in the Front of the Thigh
The front of the right thigh is experiencing a transition from numbness to a tingling sensation? Hello: Since the afternoon of September 22, I have noticed that the front of my right thigh feels itchy and somewhat numb, as if there is something in between. Starting from the eveni...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy, Regarding your question, there are many possibilities that may depend on the symptoms present. If there is redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the skin, it is likely indicative of inflammation, most probably due to an infection such as cellulitis. In this case, yo...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Tingling in the Front of the Thigh
Understanding Fibromas: When to See a Doctor and What Causes Them
Dermatofibroma Hello, doctor. I have noticed fibromas about the size of mung beans in my armpits and neck for several years, but recently I feel that they have grown a little. Which specialty should I see? What causes these growths? Thank you!
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In response to your question, I would like to provide the following suggestions: There are many types of skin tumors, commonly including lipomas, keratoses, or fibromas. I recommend consulting either a general surgeon or a dermatologist. Under l...[Read More] Understanding Fibromas: When to See a Doctor and What Causes Them