Concerns About a Shrimp Sting: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Stung by a live shrimp? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about a small puncture wound I received about six months ago while cooking with raw shrimp. Although it appears to have healed, there is still a noticeable red spot at the site of the injury (it looks like skin coveri...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if you still have concerns and uncertainties, it is recommended to visit a surgical outpatient clinic for further evaluation of the lump. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatmen...[Read More] Concerns About a Shrimp Sting: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Hard lump on the inner thigh? Recently, I may have worn tight underwear, which caused redness and swelling on the inner left thigh. The swelling has since subsided, but today I noticed a hard lump about 1.5 centimeters in size. It doesn't hurt when pressed, and I currently h...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The hard lump on the inner side of your left thigh may be due to previous soft tissue compression, resulting in temporary redness, swelling, and tightness. If the redness and swelling have subsided, the skin over the lump shows no significant changes, and the lump is not c...[Read More] Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues
Lymph nodes, liver, neck, rib pain, and bruising during sleep? 1. About five years ago, I had liver inflammation issues when I was around 20 years old. I felt a bloated, numb sensation, as if there was something hard inside. At that time, the doctor diagnosed me with fatty liver....
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The more common causes of liver inflammation are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic hepatitis. Liver function tests require blood draws for diagnosis. Regarding the intermittent sharp pain in your left and right abdomen, it is advisable to cons...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues
Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
The possibility of Vibrio species in shrimp fishing ponds? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy question. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred yesterday when I went to a shrimp fishing venue for the first time. I accidentally got pricked by a fish hook on my h...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium commonly found in marine environments, and there are two main routes of infection. The first is through the consumption of contaminated seafood, such as oysters, clams, and raw fish. The second route is through direct infection via the skin,...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Blood Draws: Understanding Bruising and Blood Health
Blood draw issues? Hello, doctor. Last September, I went to the emergency room due to feeling unwell. The nurse mentioned that the needles used in the emergency department are thicker and that the pressure should be applied for a longer time. It was possible that the pressure app...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Applying pressure to swelling caused by a subcutaneous hemorrhage is primarily to help stop the bleeding from the ruptured blood vessels, so it will not have any adverse effects on the blood or the body. Please do not worry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draws: Understanding Bruising and Blood Health
Understanding Unexplained Skin Pain and Itching: When to Seek Help
Generalized skin prickling and itching? Recently, I have started experiencing intermittent itching and tingling in certain areas, including my hands, calves, buttocks, chest, back, and even my scrotum. The symptoms occur randomly, and when I scratch, it often turns red with notic...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue of itching in multiple areas, if there are no obvious rashes on the skin, it may be worth considering whether it is due to excessively dry skin or pruritus. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist or a family medicine physician.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Skin Pain and Itching: When to Seek Help
Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Skin issues Hello doctor, I have sensitive and dry skin, and I would like to ask if I need to remove makeup when sharing a phone or other items with someone who wears makeup, as well as during physical contact. I feel like my hands don't get completely clean after washing, a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: For your sensitive and dry skin issues, it is recommended to regularly use a moisturizing lotion for skincare. Additionally, when sharing phones or other items with individuals who wear makeup, as well as during brief physical contact, the amount of makeup transferred is u...[Read More] Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Skin issues Hello doctor, I have sensitive and dry skin, and I would like to ask if I need to remove makeup when sharing a phone or other items with someone who is wearing makeup, as well as during physical contact. I feel like washing my hands doesn't feel thorough enough, ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: For your sensitive and dry skin issues, it is recommended to regularly use a moisturizing lotion for skincare. Additionally, when sharing phones or other items with individuals who wear makeup, as well as during brief physical contact, the amount of makeup transferred is u...[Read More] Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Insights and Recommendations
Health examination data consultation Based on the provided lab results, here is the interpretation: - **Creatinine (CREA)**: 0.76 mg/dL - This value is within the normal range, indicating normal kidney function. - **Total Cholesterol**: 251 mg/dL - This is considered high. It is...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: Begin with dietary control (low fat: reduce fried foods, fatty meats, skin, animal fats, organ meats, and meat broth). Exercise for 30 minutes daily, at least 5 days a week. Follow up in 3 months without the need for medication, diagnosed with mildly elevated cholesterol.[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Insights and Recommendations
Understanding Finger Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
The fingertips feel swollen? Hello Doctor, for the past few days, I've been feeling a slight swelling in the pads of my left hand's five fingers (near the fingertips), similar to the sensation of calluses from pressing guitar strings. However, I haven't been pressi...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello Amy: It is normal not to have redness, swelling, heat, pain, or any tingling sensations; there is no need to worry. For skin issues, you may want to consult a dermatologist first.[Read More] Understanding Finger Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
What is the likelihood of a false positive result for the TPHA test? In January, I donated blood and tested negative. However, in August, I was informed that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In November, I went to the infectious disease department for testing, and the r...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! Syphilis infection typically enters the body through skin and mucosal lesions, but it is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse; sharing bathroom facilities, kissing, hugging, and similar activities in daily life do not pose a risk. According to the self-reported...[Read More] Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
Unexplained Fever and Abdominal Muscle Pain: What You Need to Know
Fever of unknown origin with abdominal muscle pain? Hello doctor, for the past two months, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal muscle cramps that feel different from typical leg cramps. It feels like someone is pulling the muscles inward from the inside. I often wake up...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your abdominal pain, since it is accompanied by headaches and generalized muscle soreness, it is important to consider the possibility of an infection. Additionally, there may be endocrine and hormonal issues at play. From an organ perspective, the problem could ...[Read More] Unexplained Fever and Abdominal Muscle Pain: What You Need to Know
Do You Need Approval for Paying Out-of-Pocket Rabies Vaccination?
Is it necessary to submit an application for receiving a rabies vaccine at one's own expense? Hello, Doctor. I was bitten by my neighbor's dog on the evening of July 12. Since I was wearing long pants, I only had a small bruise and a minor abrasion. The next day, I went...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao: 1. The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, primarily involving the badger as the main infected species, with a few cases in the white-nosed coati. The current regulation states t...[Read More] Do You Need Approval for Paying Out-of-Pocket Rabies Vaccination?
Understanding Pain at the Back of the Head While Sleeping
Headache when lying on the pillow while sleeping? There is a spot on the upper back of my head that hurts every time I press on it while sleeping. I also feel pain when I apply pressure with my fingers. This has been going on for a while, located about 3 centimeters above the nap...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The localized pain and tenderness in your head may be due to a skin or scalp lesion. However, since it has persisted for a while, I recommend that you visit a family medicine physician for an examination to determine the cause of the pain.[Read More] Understanding Pain at the Back of the Head While Sleeping
Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Dull and distended pain above the left kidney? The left upper back near the spine is experiencing dull and pressure-like pain. I can feel it when lying down or bending over, and sometimes there is pain in the side ribs as well. I am concerned it might be a pancreatic issue. I hav...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The pain in the upper left area of your back could potentially be related to various issues, ranging from the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, diaphragm, pleura, lungs, heart, stomach, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, to large intestine, among others. Since you h...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Shingles Contagion Concerns: Vaccination and Safety Guidelines
Shingles transmission issues? Hello, Doctor. Currently, a family member has developed shingles, and I am the only one in the household who has never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Given that a family member has ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Given your current condition, you will need to receive 2 doses of the varicella vaccine, with an interval of 4 to 8 weeks between doses. The vaccine typically takes about 2 weeks after administration to provide protection, so under your current circumstances, vaccinat...[Read More] Shingles Contagion Concerns: Vaccination and Safety Guidelines
Understanding Shingles Transmission Risks and Precautions: Key Insights
Continuation #188054: Shingles Transmission Issues As you mentioned earlier, I would like to ask about a patient with shingles whose lesions are located on the back and waist. I understand that contact with the vesicles of a shingles patient should be avoided. My question is, eve...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The varicella-zoster virus primarily spreads through skin contact, respiratory droplets, and airborne transmission. However, shingles, being a reactivation of the virus in a localized area, typically has lower contagiousness compared to the systemic infection of chicken...[Read More] Understanding Shingles Transmission Risks and Precautions: Key Insights
Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Saliva issues Hello, doctor. 1. I would like to ask if, after someone speaks and saliva lands on my belongings, wiping it off with a dry tissue and then rinsing my hands with water for about 2 seconds is sufficient for cleanliness. After that, if I rinse my mouth with water, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. For cleaning items, in addition to using dry paper towels, it is recommended to use alcohol or bleach solution if possible. For hand hygiene, besides rinsing with water, it is advisable to use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Diseases transmitted throu...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Persistent Chest Pain: When to Consult a Family Medicine Specialist
The symptoms have persisted for two weeks? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing unexplained pain for two weeks. During the first week, I felt pain in my left chest when coughing, laughing, hiccuping, or making large movements (it felt like internal pain). After taking over-the-...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The discomfort in your left chest may be related to issues with the skin, musculoskeletal system, nerves, pleura, lungs, or heart. It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician to investigate the cause.[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain: When to Consult a Family Medicine Specialist
Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms After COVID-19 Diagnosis
Vaccination and Symptoms After Diagnosis Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 while getting vaccinated in April, and now I have several symptoms that I don't know what illness they indicate. 1. I have been experiencing a rapid heartbeat for four months, which feels...
Dr. Li Zhenggang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, since you have been evaluated by specialists in cardiology and dermatology, you can rest assured that there are no particularly severe or dangerous conditions! Of course, your discomfort still persists and continues to trouble you. In this regard...[Read More] Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms After COVID-19 Diagnosis