Brown Spots on Skin: When to See a Doctor for Diagnosis?
I'm not sure what the reason is; should I see a doctor? Dr. Lin: Hello! For the past year, I have been troubled by a problem where brown spots have started to appear all over my body. I have a hereditary condition of freckles, so previously I only had some small, not very no...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: The key point is to confirm what type of physiological or pathological reaction the "brown spots" belong to. Could it be due to pigmentation, or is i...[Read More] Brown Spots on Skin: When to See a Doctor for Diagnosis?
Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: A Guide for Patients
excuse me? I'm experiencing a sudden loss of bodily sensations. 1. I exert myself but don't feel it; even when I do exert myself, it feels like I'm not. 2. My skin's sensitivity to cold, heat, and pain is diminished; when I touch my skin, it feels like someone...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, I suggest you visit a nearby hospital to see a family medicine or psychiatry specialist. Some hospitals refer to this as psychosomatic medicine. It's important to find a consistent physician who can continuously monitor your condition rather than switching doctors fre...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: Seeking Answers for My Health Issues
My situation! Has anyone experienced this kind of situation? Recently, I haven't felt much about my body. I know I need to urinate, but I don't have the urge. I don't feel like sleeping at night and find it hard to fall asleep, but in the morning, I struggle to get...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Crown Prince Bingxin is now aware that you are overweight, which should be classified as obesity. This condition can lead to various health issues throughout the body. However, it is unclear whether you have always been overweight or if you have gained weight recently. I am not s...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: Seeking Answers for My Health Issues
Understanding Small Growths on Genitals: When to Seek Help
Small nodules of sarcoma found on the genital area? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure whether to ask a urologist or a dermatologist about this issue. I have several small growths on my genital area. The size of these growths varies; some are slightly larger than sesame seeds, whil...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello Mr. CK, please visit a dermatologist. I recommend you go to Hualien Hospital to see Dr. Jiang Zhe'en in the dermatology department. Regarding skin issues, we usually need to see them in person, as even photos cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, let alone a written d...[Read More] Understanding Small Growths on Genitals: When to Seek Help
Understanding Cold Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Cold and purple hands and feet..? I would like to ask, whenever the weather gets cold, my hands and feet become cold, and sometimes they even turn purple. I would like to know the reason for this and how to improve the situation. Thank you.
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello Lin: Experiencing cold hands and feet that turn purple may be caused by Raynaud’s phenomenon. This occurs when the blood vessels in the extremities constrict in response to cold weather or increased stress, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers, toes, and ea...[Read More] Understanding Cold Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Your Health Checkup Results: Key Insights and Next Steps
Could you please provide the specific questions regarding the health check report? Thank you? Hello, Dr. Huang... First of all, thank you. Last month, I went to the hospital for a health check-up, and the results showed some abnormalities, mainly as follows: Hemoglobin (RBC) 6.3,...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
1) The hemoglobin (RBC) level is 6.3, with a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 70 and a mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) of 231. These results may indicate thalassemia, and it is recommended to conduct further tests for serum iron and thalassemia screening. 2) The basophil perc...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Checkup Results: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Multiple Sebaceous Cysts: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Multiple sebaceous cysts? I have small white bumps under the skin on the inner side of my arms and on my chest, which can be affected during injections and blood draws. When I consulted a dermatologist, the doctor mentioned it might be "multiple sebaceous cysts" (I can&...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, it could possibly be a "lipoma" or "fibrous cyst," which are types of benign tissues that many people may have. However, if it continues to grow, changes color, or causes pain, it is advisable to visit a dermatology clinic for a biopsy. Sincerely, Dr. H...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Sebaceous Cysts: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Are Far Infrared Therapy Beds Safe for Health?
Is far infrared radiation harmful to the human body? Question description: My mother has high blood pressure, and recently a far-infrared medical bed promotion center opened nearby offering free services. Since it's free, my mother goes there every day. Is this far-infrared ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, Infrared radiation is a type of light wave, distinct from electromagnetic waves, and is categorized into three types: Infrared A (near-infrared), Infrared B (mid-infrared), and Infrared C (far-infrared). Far-infrared radiation (IRC, far IR), with wavelengths ranging from...[Read More] Are Far Infrared Therapy Beds Safe for Health?
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation: Symptoms and Solutions
What is autonomic nervous system dysfunction? My mother has been seeing a cardiologist. Previously, she mentioned that her gums were swollen, her neck was sore, and she experienced irregular heartbeats. The doctor diagnosed her with atrial arrhythmia during her first visit, and a...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, The term "autonomic nervous system" refers to the collective functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The stability and tranquility of life are governed by countless involuntary actions and functions that operate under the contr...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation: Symptoms and Solutions
Is Direct Blood Donation from Relatives Safe? Expert Insights Revealed
Is this true or false?????? Important Medical Knowledge -- The cessation of direct blood relative transfusions has been confirmed in response to inquiries from several friends about the authenticity of this information. An email was sent to Mackay Memorial Hospital for clarificat...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Due to the close HLA typing among direct relatives, the recipient typically has a weakened immune system that cannot recognize foreign tissue antigens. Once the T-lymphocytes from the donor proliferate to a certain level after being transfused into the patient, they may mistakenl...[Read More] Is Direct Blood Donation from Relatives Safe? Expert Insights Revealed
Managing Dizziness and Wrist Pain: What You Need to Know
Dizziness along with wrist pain... I'm not sure what to do about it? Hello Dr. Lai, About six months ago, I was diagnosed with vertigo by an otolaryngologist. At that time, I indeed experienced a spinning sensation when getting out of bed, but lying down did not trigger di...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
There are many causes of dizziness. In younger individuals, Meniere's disease, which is caused by an imbalance of inner ear lymphatic fluid, is more common. Additionally, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is also frequently encountered. It is important to check for...[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Wrist Pain: What You Need to Know
Understanding Itchy Skin: When to See a Doctor for Relief
Itchy skin? I have been experiencing itchy skin for the past two months. When I scratch, it turns red in patches, resembling mosquito bites that are round or swollen in larger areas. However, it subsides after a few minutes. Which specialist should I see for this issue? I feel th...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Yun, As you have indicated, this appears to be urticaria. You may consult either a dermatologist or a family medicine physician. Antihistamines can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. It is advisable to keep the skin dry and to avoid wearing wool or linen clothing. Add...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Skin: When to See a Doctor for Relief
Understanding High Blood Pressure: Insights from Family Medicine and Dietary Considerations
Regarding blood pressure..? Hello Dr. Huang, Last time I wrote to you asking why my blood pressure is elevated. You suggested that I first see an ophthalmologist because you mentioned that high blood pressure can be related to eye pressure (since I had surgery on my left eye and...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Essential hypertension can be classified into primary and secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension can often be treated once the underlying cause is identified; if the cause cannot be found, it is referred to as primary hypertension, which requires long-term medication to c...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Pressure: Insights from Family Medicine and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Painful Bumps on the Buttocks: Causes and Solutions
I have a strange growth on my butt? Hello! I would like to inquire about something. Recently, I have developed a hard, round lump in the area of my buttocks. It only hurts when I touch it, but it's not very painful. I do not have constipation, and there are no issues with my...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, Xiao Xuan. Based on your description, it is likely that you are dealing with a skin infection such as a furuncle or carbuncle. However, since I cannot provide a diagnosis without an in-person examination, I recommend that you visit a hospital to see a dermatologist or a su...[Read More] Understanding Painful Bumps on the Buttocks: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Skin Indentations: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
The skin is prone to indentations? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that my skin often leaves noticeable marks after being pressed by harder objects. For example, even a light press from a fingernail leaves a clear imprint that takes a while to fade. However, the skin does ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear JUNET, Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, suggests that you may consider supplementing with vitamin C to enhance intercellular filling and skin elasticity. Wishing you good health and all...[Read More] Understanding Skin Indentations: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Health Check Costs and Procedures for Graduate School Admissions
Regarding health check-ups? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to inquire about the costs associated with health examinations required for graduate school admission. If I go to a provincial hospital for the examination, what would be the estimated expenses for the following tests? ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
You can directly inquire about the prices at the registration desk of the hospital, and you can receive the report in about three working days. It is advisable to bring the "Health Check Record" from your school and to fast beforehand. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Jianling, Fam...[Read More] Understanding Health Check Costs and Procedures for Graduate School Admissions
Unexplained Body Odor: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Odor I have been experiencing an unusual body odor and I'm not sure what the issue might be. I'm certain it's not related to axillary odor or sweat. Which medical specialty should I consult? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
The sources of odor from human skin can be attributed to three main factors: 1. sweat glands, 2. sebaceous glands, and 3. hair follicles. Generally, the secretions produced by these glands are colorless and odorless. However, certain specific populations or individuals with uniqu...[Read More] Unexplained Body Odor: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Can Family Medicine Help with Study Abroad Health Checks?
Can I make an appointment with a family medicine physician for a health check-up required for studying abroad? Hello: Since I am going abroad for studies, my school has provided me with a vaccination record form in English. The procedure is that if I have not received any of the ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
FAY: Generally, studying abroad requires proof of vaccination and a tuberculosis skin test, which can be checked at a family medicine clinic. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Jianling.[Read More] Can Family Medicine Help with Study Abroad Health Checks?
Why Am I Experiencing Increased Hair Loss? A Guide to Seeking Help
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, I have a question. I have been experiencing significant hair loss recently, and it's not just a little bit; it's a lot. Previously, I would only lose a small amount while washing my hair, but no...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
According to statistics, losing more than 100 hairs a day may indicate abnormal hair loss. There are many possible causes for hair loss, which include the following: 1. Genetic factors such as androgenetic alopecia caused by male hormones. 2. Congenital factors like poorly develo...[Read More] Why Am I Experiencing Increased Hair Loss? A Guide to Seeking Help
Understanding Facial Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Facial swelling to the point where the eyes cannot be opened? Recently, my face has been swollen, and my friends and family are saying that I must be sick and that I should see a doctor because the swelling is quite severe. When I wake up in the morning, my eyes are so swollen th...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
First, please try to drink less water in the evening and limit soup intake during dinner, as lying down at night can slow blood circulation and lead to edema. Additionally, I recommend that you see a nephrologist and a cardiologist as soon as possible, since most cases of edema a...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice