Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Onset of steroid side effects / Sock indentation marks Hello, Doctor. I have lupus erythematosus and have been undergoing treatment since 2012. Initially, I was taking three steroid pills, but three years ago, the dosage increased to five pills. Over the past six months, my weigh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How long does it take for steroid side effects to appear? Is my body change possibly related to medication use, or is it simply due to dietary or lifestyle changes? --> Side effects from steroids can begin to manif...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Is it possible for a high rheumatoid factor to decrease to normal levels? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I have recently measured my rheumatoid factor twice, and both times it was very high, around 200. The second measurement was even higher than the first. My...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A high rheumatoid factor is an indication of immune dysfunction and, in principle, will not return to normal solely due to strict lifestyle adjustments. A higher rheumatoid factor simply suggests that you have a greater likelihood of having a r...[Read More] Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Nail color consultation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something I noticed this morning when I looked at my nails, particularly the area near the lunula on my thumb, which appears to have a deeper, slightly purplish color. It's most noticeable when viewed from the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you do not experience shortness of breath while walking, the likelihood of hypoxia is low. As for the color of your nails appearing darker, it should still be within the normal color range. A small number of people may have darker nail coloration due to temperature chan...[Read More] Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) My blood test result is 1:80. I would like to know if this is normal or if further testing is needed.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
AANA titer of 1:80 is considered weakly positive, which may be normal, but a small number of cases could indicate an issue that requires further differential diagnosis. There are many specific tests that need to be conducted, which I won't detail here. Please consult a rheum...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
I am not sure if it is truly ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for over two years. Initially, he only experienced pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks, ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The symptoms described by the user, such as experiencing pain in the lower back when leaning backward (but not when bending forward), are not typical of ankylosing spondylitis. There is no morning stiffness, no increased pain upon waking, and no relief after daytime activities, w...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
I'm not sure whether to continue taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for over two years. His only symptom has been pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks. At the onse...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) If ESR/CRP levels are normal and symptoms are stable, pain medication may not be necessary, but regular monitoring of ESR/CRP and X-rays is required. 2) Ankylosing spondylitis typically begins by affecting the sacroiliac joints, and approximately half of the patients will expe...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Can this lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, or tetanus? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, while I was browsing a kitchenware store in a department store, I accidentally scraped my hand on a product displayed by the store (a metal stirring stick with a gear-shaped end). At t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: While I cannot say that the situation you mentioned is impossible, the probability is extremely low (you can think of it as being even less likely than being struck by lightning). The reason is that bacteria or viruses such as hepatitis B and syphilis can survive outside t...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Understanding Involuntary Abdominal Contractions in Children
Involuntary contraction An 8-year-old child experiences involuntary abdominal contractions without pain or discomfort. Previously, the child had involuntary facial movements and was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. While the facial symptoms have improved, the abdominal contracti...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned is a common benign seizure in children that usually improves as they grow older. If you are still very concerned, you can consult a pediatric neurologist, but an abdominal ultrasound is likely not necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Abdominal Contractions in Children
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Instant Relief for Eye Allergies: Effective Solutions for Itchy Eyes
How to Immediately Relieve Itching from Eye Allergies Hello Doctor, I am currently 20 years old and my eyes occasionally itch due to allergies, but it only happens infrequently (on average less than once a day). Rubbing my eyes helps relieve the itch, but the problem is that I ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Antihistamine eye drops can be used as needed. Other non-antihistamine eye drops may need to be used continuously. Therefore, if the original eye drops do not have any side effects, it is recommended to continue using the original eye drops. Be...[Read More] Instant Relief for Eye Allergies: Effective Solutions for Itchy Eyes
Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Risk of HIV Infection Due to having pimples on the penis, I underwent electrocautery. The procedure lasted about an hour, and during that time, someone assisted me. There was no bleeding at the moment, and I am unsure if the other person made any contact, but I noticed they had n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bod...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
HIV-related issues 1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
When a young child tests positive for anti-dsDNA antibodies, it is important to monitor for potential signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune disorders. Key considerations include: 1. **Clinical Evaluation**: Conduct Dear Dr. Gao, A toddler ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask, if both the bone marrow aspiration and chromosome tests are normal, but immunoglobulin infusion does not improve platelet counts—initially it was effective but later it failed to raise the platel...[Read More] Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Symptoms of elevated rheumatoid factor? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test that showed my rheumatoid factor was elevated by more than ten times. I later visited a doctor for further blood tests, and aside from a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicating...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My recommendations are as follows: 1. You should have regular follow-ups, such as every three months. If you experience any changes in symptoms before the scheduled follow-up, including joint pain, skin rashes, fever, etc., you can return for an...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Infection concerns? Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for asking about the following situation regarding the risk of HIV infection. Last Friday, while waiting for the bus, I noticed that the person next to me had what appeared to be two or three bloodstains, about the size of a ten-d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently there are no reported cases of HIV infection due to coins or masks. It is advised not to worry, and there is no need for prophylactic medication at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's syndrome Thank you, doctor! I am a patient with Sjögren's syndrome and have some questions to ask: 1. My SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Does this mean my level is high? After treatment for a period of time, will my bloo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Is this considered high? Will it decrease after treatment? --> It is elevated, but the elevation does not correlate with the severity of th...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
The wound came into contact with the water from my own toilet? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I was shopping and accidentally scratched my hand on a sharp object (a store decoration). At that moment, I only felt a sting and there was no bleeding. I sprayed a lot of alcohol on it an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your main concern is the risk of infection from the wound. However, the pathogens found in toilet environments are primarily gastrointestinal bacteria, not bloodborne pathogens, so the risk of sexually transmitted infections or bloodborne disease...[Read More] Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
Can You Get HIV from a Colonoscopy? Understanding Infection Risks
Is there a possibility of contracting HIV after a proctoscopy? Hello doctor, on August 25th, I underwent an anoscopy at the hospital due to hemorrhoid issues. The nurse asked me to lie down without checking if the doctor used properly sterilized instruments beforehand. I would li...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is essential to follow the regulations for instrument disinfection when performing a sigmoidoscopy in the hospital. Therefore, in recent years, there have been no case reports in Taiwan related to sigmoidoscopy, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Colonoscopy? Understanding Infection Risks
Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the risk of infection during male-to-male sexual activity involving mutual masturbation. During the process, I experienced minor fresh cuts due to dry foreskin. A small amount of my partner's semen dr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is no clear definition of what constitutes a large area wound. Based on your description, the situation is indeed very complex. It is advisable to first confirm with the individual if there are any recent test results. If there are results and they are negative, ther...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Should You Take Medication for High LDL Cholesterol Levels?
Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)? The total cholesterol is 245 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 150 mg/dL (exceeding the standard value of 130 mg/dL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is 78 mg/dL. Given that triglycerides are 9...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: According to the regulations for medication coverage under the National Health Insurance, it is necessary to consider whether the patient has cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or risk factors. The definition of cardiovascular disease includes: (1) coronary atherosclerosis ...[Read More] Should You Take Medication for High LDL Cholesterol Levels?