Understanding Eczema: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns About Skin Changes
Elbow issues? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a condition I've been experiencing. I previously visited a dermatologist and an internist because occasionally I have sudden itching on my elbow. I'm not sure if I've scratched the skin, but it appears to ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it does appear to be chronic eczema, which is often caused by frequent rubbing or scratching. The darkening is due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As long as you avoid continuous rubbing or scratching, the color will gradually return to normal. Regarding the rash a...[Read More] Understanding Eczema: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns About Skin Changes
Managing Hyperthyroidism in Children: Concerns and Treatment Insights
Hyperthyroidism in children? Hello Doctor: My child, around 8 years old, started showing signs of hyperthyroidism. After treatment (taking antithyroid medication and medication to lower heart rate), the free T4 levels quickly returned to normal, but the TSH has remained consisten...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Pediatric thyroid issues should be consulted with a pediatric endocrinologist for more specialized care. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism in Children: Concerns and Treatment Insights
Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Oral mucosal folds I noticed something unusual when I licked the inside of my lower lip with my tongue. After looking in the mirror, I found fine lines that appear like folds or small cracks, aligned parallel to my teeth, but they do not extend to the sides. I also feel that my l...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding fine lines or unusual sensations, these are more subjective feelings and can be difficult to diagnose. The blisters are suspected to be caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is often triggered by irregular sleep patterns or high stress levels. Therefore, it i...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Oral mucosal folds The inner side of my lower lip feels strange when I lick it with my tongue. After looking in the mirror, I noticed fine lines that appear like wrinkles or small fissures, aligned parallel to my teeth, but they do not extend to the sides. I also feel that my low...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding fine lines or unusual sensations, these are more subjective experiences and can be difficult to diagnose. The blisters are suspected to be caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is often triggered by irregular sleep patterns or high stress levels. Therefore, i...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Antinuclear Antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but there is no redness or swelling). It hurts when I am at rest, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but without redness or swelling). It hurts when I am not moving, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am unsure if this is an early sy...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, I have normal blood test results, but my symptoms have led my physician to suspect reactive arthritis. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. My first symptom was pain in the Achilles tendon at the heel, which appears normal externally. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. My first symptom is pain in the Achilles tendon at the calcaneus, which appears normal externally. However, after sitting for a long time, I experience brief pain when I stand up and walk, which subsides after walking ...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Exercise Fatigue and Heart Issues: A Patient's Journey
Exercise, fatigue, heart problems? Dear Doctor, For the past few months, I have been feeling more fatigued than usual. I feel weak when standing and cannot walk for long periods. Additionally, my exercise capacity has decreased significantly; I often experience an inexplicable ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that the issue may be due to physiological or psychological factors. I recommend starting with a visit to a family medicine specialist to check your basic health status, such as whether you have anemia or if your endocrine system is funct...[Read More] Understanding Exercise Fatigue and Heart Issues: A Patient's Journey
Understanding the Connection Between Rashes and Medications
Rash and its relationship with medications? Dear Doctor, I have multiple joint inflammations and recently started taking Celebrex (two capsules a day) and Voltaren (one capsule a day). Unfortunately, I contracted COVID-19 after starting the medication, but I continued taking the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It may still be related to the medication, so I recommend that you stop taking the medication and return to the original prescribing physician for the Sertraline or consult a rheumatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department a...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Rashes and Medications
Is the Black Spot on My Neck a Side Effect of Quinine?
Pigmentation changes caused by quinine use? I have systemic lupus erythematosus and regularly take quinine (1.5 tablets/day). Recently, I noticed an unfamiliar black spot on the right side of my neck, approximately 2x3 cm in size. I'm unsure if this could be a side effect of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The pigmentation caused by quinine primarily results in a darker skin tone, and it rarely leads to isolated dark spots. We recommend that you schedule an earlier follow-up appointment. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Chan...[Read More] Is the Black Spot on My Neck a Side Effect of Quinine?
Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something that happened today. While I was eating, I suddenly felt a sharp pain on the left side of my navel for about 10 seconds. After I loosened my pants a bit, the pain went away. I visited a gastroenterologist last w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as your doctor mentioned, the serious illnesses you are concerned about typically do not present with just a brief pain. If you do not experience any further discomfort, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Can I Get Infected After a Haircut at a Budget Salon?
Will I get any diseases? Hello Doctor: I am a male. Yesterday, I went to a budget haircut shop for a haircut. There was only one stylist and a customer getting a haircut. I overheard their conversation and caught a few keywords; it seemed like the customer had something red, scab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to make a judgment based solely on this description. However, given the advancements in Taiwan's healthcare environment, it is unlikely to be head lice. It may just be folliculitis or psoriasis, both of which are not contagious. Thank you for your inqu...[Read More] Can I Get Infected After a Haircut at a Budget Salon?
Understanding Sexual Development Issues in Adolescents: A Guide
Sexual development issues Hello, doctor. I am currently 17 years old, weighing 105 pounds and standing 166 cm tall. My pubic hair has developed normally, but my penis is less than 4 cm when not erect, and when fully erect, it measures about 14 cm. Additionally, I have very little...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the appearance of a shorter penis may be due to excess fat around the base, which can obscure the penis. Additionally, being overweight can affect the secretion of sex hormones, which may also impact physical development. Therefore,...[Read More] Understanding Sexual Development Issues in Adolescents: A Guide
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Do After a Positive Screening
HIV testing issues? Hello, Doctor. I went to a military hospital for a physical examination because I wanted to apply to a military academy, and I tested positive for HIV. Two days later, I returned for a retest, which also showed a positive result. However, I purchased a SURE CH...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, anonymous rapid testing at large hospitals is more accurate. Additionally, if you have no sexual experience, you are unlikely to be infected with HIV. However, this does need to be confirmed with a Western blot test. If the Western blot test result is also p...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Do After a Positive Screening
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding the Health Check Report dated February 27, 2023? I would like to understand how to treat my current hemoglobin level of 8.2. My lab results show RBC 4.18, Hgb 8.2, Hct 29.6, MCV 70.8, MCH 19.6, and MCHC 27.7. I often experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned involve several different specialties. For anemia, please continue taking iron supplements. Heavy menstrual flow may be a cause of iron deficiency anemia, so please consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to see if medication adjustments can help...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Dizziness and Body Sensations While Using Your Phone
Dizziness with slight swaying of the body? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about a situation I experience when lying on my side with a pillow while using my phone, or when lying face down on the bed. Sometimes, I feel a slight swaying sensation in my body, which makes me think...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the most common causes of dizziness are inner ear imbalance and brain issues. Compression of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in the neck may also lead to dizziness. To determine the specific cause, it is necessary to consult a neurologist or an otolaryngologist ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Body Sensations While Using Your Phone
Health Concerns: Animal Carcasses, Hygiene, and Intimate Care
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. I have a few questions: 1. If I step on a bird or other animal carcass while wearing shoes, is there a risk of infection? 2. Additionally, if a tire runs over an animal carcass and I check and touch it, is washing my hands sufficient? 3. Is ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There will be no concerns about infection. 2. Yes, washing hands is indeed the most important. 3. Yes, excessive cleaning can indeed be uncomfortable. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Health Concerns: Animal Carcasses, Hygiene, and Intimate Care
Understanding Umbilical Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Umbilical inflammation Hello, my belly button has been inflamed since early January this year. I have taken antibiotics for two months but have not recovered; I still have pus daily, although the amount is gradually decreasing. The dermatologist mentioned that there is a cyst ins...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed very unlikely for the cyst to become malignant. If the symptoms persist, you may consider consulting an infectious disease specialist or a general surgeon for further evaluation. A CT scan or surgery may be necessary. Thank you for y...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Could I be experiencing bone marrow suppression as a side effect after taking Salazopyrin? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you some additional questions. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in my buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) The package insert for Salazopyrin mentions rare side effects such as bone marrow suppression. My RBC, Hb, and PLT levels seem to have started declining after taking Salazopyrin (all have dropped to the lower limit of...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis blood test values I have had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for three years and have been on biologic therapy for about two years. Since the onset of the disease, my blood test results have shown an ESR between 15-40. Recently, during a follow-up visit, my blood r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your abnormal blood test results seem to be more related to the biologic therapy, but generally, they are not a major concern. However, if you are still experiencing multiple joint pains despite receiving biologic treatment, it is important to d...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Tests: Can You Safely Eat Carbs?
Glucose tolerance test Hello doctor, a year ago I had a hemoglobin A1c test that showed 5.8, and the doctor said I was in the prediabetes stage. Since then, I have been cautious about eating carbohydrates, and when I retested my hemoglobin A1c, it was 5.4, with normal insulin res...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Staple foods can include whole grain rice or brown rice, and it is advisable to choose high-fiber or whole foods while minimizing refined carbohydrates. Patients with prediabetes can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test; however, currently, the focus is primarily on hemoglobin ...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Tests: Can You Safely Eat Carbs?