Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. The first one is that a few days ago, the outer side of my thigh felt itchy and looked like it was bitten by an insect, with a little swelling. I didn't pay much attention to it and didn'...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to determine the exact condition just from the pictures, but insect bites combined with scratching can indeed lead to similar wounds. Lyme disease is almost non-existent in Taiwan, and most cases are contracted while traveling to Europe or America. The ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Infection may be consulted? Hello doctor, I am currently on a business trip abroad. For the first time, a colleague took me to a massage due to back pain. The establishment was a regular massage parlor without any sexual services. Since I have never had a massage before, I had my...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Based on the photos, it appears to be skin symptoms that resemble friction or treatments involving mugwort; it is unlikely to be a sexually transmitted infection (including HIV). It is recommended to treat it as a regular wound. If there are still concerns, you may consult a near...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Skin Contact
Probability of HIV infection I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person infected with HIV on a bruised area (approximately 4-5 days old) where the skin surface is peeling and scabbing (the skin looks dry with some flakes and does not feel wet to the touch), and then im...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. There are three routes of transmission for HIV: unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles and diluents, and transmission from an HIV-positive mother during pregnancy. 2. When touching a patient's wound, if you also have a wound and the patient is not adhering to t...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Skin Contact
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin Contact
HIV infection I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person infected with HIV on a bruised area (about 4-5 days old) where the skin had peeled and scabbed, and then immediately touched my face (which has a few pimples) and rubbed my eyes, is there a risk of contracting HI...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of this happening is very low. Currently, HIV/AIDS is classified as an infectious disease. Although clinical symptoms are related to immune function, it is advisable to consult an infectious disease specialist for related concern...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin Contact
Understanding Black Spots on the Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Help
Tongue issues? Hello Dr. Lin, I suddenly noticed a small black spot on the side of my tongue while brushing my teeth. I would like to ask what this could be. I don't remember having it this morning... Is it possible for a mole to appear suddenly? Do I need to go to the hospi...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to see an otolaryngologist to find out what it is! The most common issue might be minor bleeding, which could appear as a bruise if it was accidentally scratched. However, it's safer to have a doctor confirm it. You can observe it for another week, a...[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on the Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
The skin bruises easily upon impact? Hello, doctor. I previously recovered from COVID-19 and noticed red spots (petechiae) on my calves. Later, my doctor diagnosed it as vasculitis. After a series of immunological tests, the main abnormalities found were cold agglutinins IgM (1+)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Cryoglobulinemia can also cause petechiae, but it is better to confirm this in conjunction with other clinical symptoms and examinations. I recommend that you have regular follow-ups with a specialist in immunology or hematology for a comprehens...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
Unexplained Bruising on Legs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Suddenly developing many small bruises that are not very painful? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I noticed several small bruises on my right leg, all near the knee and the shin bone. Today, I suddenly saw that my left leg has also started to show unexplained bruises, about five or six ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you bruise easily, you can consult a hematologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Legs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
I am currently abroad and would like to inquire about the recovery situation for Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections? Hello Doctor, I am currently in Oman (as of February 15). On February 11 at 3 PM, while diving to catch fish, I accidentally got stung on the back of my hand by a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the antibiotic you were prescribed is a first-generation antibiotic for general cellulitis. However, based on your images, it does appear to have improved. As for the pain or pigmentation changes, these are likely residual symptoms of cellulitis. Please be cautious and che...[Read More] Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Thrombocytopenia and Acquired Hemolytic Anemia: Treatment Options Explained
Thrombocytopenia and acquired hemolytic anemia? Hello Dr. Gao: In 2019, I discovered many small bruises on my body. After an examination at a clinic, it was found that my platelet count was only 9,000. I was urgently sent to a large hospital's emergency department, and after...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Splenectomy is indeed one of the treatment options for refractory thrombocytopenia. You may want to consult a second physician to re-evaluate any underlying possible autoimmune diseases. If it is confirmed to be immune thrombocytopenia, in addi...[Read More] Understanding Thrombocytopenia and Acquired Hemolytic Anemia: Treatment Options Explained
Managing Persistent Wound Issues: Insights on Bruises and Blackheads
Wound management questions? There is a small area on my lower leg just below the knee that was originally a grayish color, approximately 2 cm in size, likely caused by long-term friction from wearing pants. One day, I felt a foreign body sensation, and when I squeezed it, a black...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be a larger folliculitis, commonly referred to as "dingzi" in Taiwanese. This type of folliculitis does indeed heal very slowly. However, if there is a bacterial infection involved, it may require some debridement and the us...[Read More] Managing Persistent Wound Issues: Insights on Bruises and Blackheads
Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
System for Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Erythematosus / Major Illness / Specific Illness / Special Program Hello, Dr. Gao. I would like to inquire whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for major illness or specific illness certification to receive h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for catastrophic illness or specific illness certification to receive medication subsidies from health insurance? Or can they apply for a heal...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
Understanding Bruising on Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Leg bruising? Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed several bruises on the front of my lower leg (7 or 8 of varying sizes, mostly yellow). I also checked my inner thighs and arms but did not find any bruises. Recently, I have bumped into the corner of a table a few times, but not to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, it does appear that the likelihood of a bruise is highest due to trauma. If you do not have any history of trauma, other factors such as insect bites, skin itching leading to frequent scratching, vigorous washing or massaging of the legs, etc., could a...[Read More] Understanding Bruising on Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Leg bruising Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed several bruises on the front of my lower leg (about 7 or 8 of varying sizes, mostly yellow). I also checked my inner thighs and arms but did not find any bruises. Recently, I have bumped into the corner of a table a few times, but no...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, it does appear that bruising is most likely due to trauma. If you do not have any history of trauma, other factors such as insect bites, skin itching leading to frequent scratching, vigorous scrubbing, or massaging of the legs could also cause this phe...[Read More] Understanding Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Understanding Delayed Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in Elderly Patients
Adverse Reactions Following COVID-19 Vaccination Dear Doctor, My mother is 84 years old and has been taking anticoagulants due to a stroke. On June 20, she received her fourth dose of the vaccine; the first three doses were AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca, and Moderna. She did not expe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the issue is not a delayed reaction but rather an enlargement of the bruise due to long-term use of anticoagulant medication. Could you please specify which anticoagulant your mother is taking? Most commonly, it is Coumadin (warfari...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in Elderly Patients
Should I Stop Spironolactone? Understanding Bruising and Next Steps
Spironolactone Doctor, I have been taking spironolactone and recently noticed a bruise on my thigh that has not disappeared for over two months. I visited a hematologist recently, and they said my blood coagulation function is normal. Should I stop taking the medication, or shoul...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, spironolactone is a diuretic that primarily affects electrolytes, such as potassium ions, and it should not impact coagulation function. Additionally, since your hematology tests are normal, it is reasonable to conclude that your blood function is likely not an issue. I re...[Read More] Should I Stop Spironolactone? Understanding Bruising and Next Steps
Understanding Persistent Pain After Bruising: Causes and Concerns
The bruise has faded but still hurts? Hello, doctor. When I was in the fifth and sixth grades, I experienced a bruise near my perineum due to an impact. Now I am a senior in high school. Since sixth grade, I have occasionally felt sharp pain in that area, but I didn't pay mu...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have been experiencing sharp pain for many years after being struck, you should visit a urology department for a thorough examination. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Persistent Pain After Bruising: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Tongue Bumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Issues with the tongue while eating? Hello doctor, last night while I was eating German sausage and pizza, I suddenly felt a bump on my tongue. When I looked in the mirror, I found a protrusion that looked like a bruise on my tongue. After researching online, it seems to be a blo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this is a small blister caused by microvascular bleeding on the surface of the tongue. It is likely due to accidentally biting your tongue or friction from food. Usually, it does not require special treatment and will disappear in a few days. It does not affect vaccine adm...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Bumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Cutaneous Lupus: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
cutaneous lupus Hello Doctor, I am currently in Germany. I have a large area of redness and swelling near my knee on my thigh, resembling a bruise, and it is itchy. Additionally, I have experienced hair loss and itching on my scalp in the past, but I'm not sure if it's ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Cutaneous lupus may gradually develop into systemic manifestations, which is known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, it is essential to have regular check-ups to determine whether the symptoms remain confined to the skin or if th...[Read More] Understanding Cutaneous Lupus: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help