Understanding Male Pear-Shaped Bodies: Causes and Solutions
male pear-shaped body Hello Dr. Tsai: As the title suggests, my upper body is slim, like my father; but my lower body is plump, like my mother (though my hands also resemble my mother's). I am currently a senior in high school, standing at 160 cm and weighing close to 60 kg....
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Body shape is partially influenced by genetics, and consuming two to three cups of soy milk per week should not significantly affect estrogen levels. In males, elevated estrogen levels combined with reduced testosterone may lead to gynecomastia. Certain genetic disorders may resu...[Read More] Understanding Male Pear-Shaped Bodies: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About a Lymph Node Near My Neck: Should I Worry?
The "suspected lymph node" that I accidentally touched? Hello, Doctor: Here's the situation. The day before yesterday, while I was showering, I accidentally felt an unusual lump below my left ear, near the lower neck area. After looking it up online, I think it mig...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, if what you described is movable, soft in texture, and small, the chances of it being problematic or even malignant are low. Throughout a person's life, they will inevitably encounter lymph nodes; they can come and go. As long as there are minor infections in the body...[Read More] Concerns About a Lymph Node Near My Neck: Should I Worry?
Understanding Skin Sensitivity: Causes of Red Marks and Bruising
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello doctor, I have noticed that if I accidentally scratch my skin, a red mark appears that usually disappears within 5 to 10 minutes. Additionally, skin indentations are more pronounced now compared to before, and they ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, A-Zhe. The reaction on your skin may be urticaria, also known as dermographism, which occurs when you scratch the skin with your fingernail, and after a few minutes, a raised line appears. Dermographism is a type of hives, which is an allergic skin reaction that is more li...[Read More] Understanding Skin Sensitivity: Causes of Red Marks and Bruising
Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Diabetic neuropathy? Dear Li, Question 1: Recently, my grandmother has experienced a loss of sensation in the tips of her fingers, particularly in her index, middle, and ring fingers, which has become more severe. In addition to the numbness in her fingers, she also experiences ...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Diabetic neuropathy commonly presents with numbness, tingling, or a sensation of wearing gloves in the extremities. If a diabetes educator is available at the hospital, a monofilament test can be performed initially. For further evaluation, a referral to a neurologist may be nece...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Joint pain, edema, pityriasis rosea? Hello Dr. Tseng, A while ago, I accidentally bumped my left middle finger joint lightly against a table, which started to hurt slightly. At first, I thought it was just a bruise, but it has been over two months now, and it has developed into ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on the definition, symptoms such as pain in the joints, muscles, fascia, and bones can all be referred to as rheumatism. Some rheumatic conditions can be diagnosed as specific diseases through symptoms, blood tests, and X-rays, while others may still remain undiagnos...[Read More] Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding a Round Bump on Your Upper Lip After Swelling
There is a round bump in the middle of the upper lip? I scraped the upper lip with my fingernail, and now my mouth is swollen. After the swelling went down, there is a round bump in the middle of my upper lip that I don't know what it is.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. The skin and mucous membranes of the lips typically heal quickly after injury or abrasion (new skin formation), provided there is no nutritional imbalance (such as picky eating) or underlying immune diseases (e.g., diabetes). They should return to their origina...[Read More] Understanding a Round Bump on Your Upper Lip After Swelling
Understanding Swollen Fingertips: Gout and Treatment Options
Swelling at the fingertip of the index finger? Dear Doctor: My father has symptoms of gout, and the swelling at the tip of his right index finger has persisted for one to two years. When he experiences gout symptoms, injections or medications can alleviate the symptoms, but the s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If gouty arthritis occurs multiple times, it is recommended to regularly take urate-lowering medication; otherwise, continuous use of pain relief injections may lead to gastrointestinal or kidney issues. Additionally, prolonged gout can result i...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Fingertips: Gout and Treatment Options
Understanding Darkening of Fingertips: Causes and Concerns
Fingers turning black? Hello Doctor: My father's fingers (both thumbs and the left ring finger) have recently started to turn black from the area where the nail meets the skin, spreading from the inside out. The affected area is not very large and has started to extend upwar...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsu, Your father's finger issue may be due to subungual hematoma, microvascular problems, or other causes. It is recommended that he return to the physician who originally treated his hypertension to inform them of this symptom. After the original physician evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Darkening of Fingertips: Causes and Concerns
Morning Finger Stiffness: Causes and Solutions for Cold Weather
Waking up in the morning with stiff fingers? For the past year, I have often experienced stiffness in my fingers when getting up in the morning during winter, making it difficult to bend them. The colder the weather, the more likely this occurs.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: Morning finger stiffness may be due to joint degeneration or inflammation (such as rheumatoid arthritis), tendonitis, neuropathy, or circulatory issues, as well as edema and other conditions. It is difficult to make a judgment based on your description, so I...[Read More] Morning Finger Stiffness: Causes and Solutions for Cold Weather
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Gout or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Finger joint soreness and numbness? Hello Doctor: I have a history of gout for about 10 years, and I haven't had an acute attack for over 6 years. This month, my blood test showed a uric acid level of 8.6. I would like to ask about an incident from early last year when I sud...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you are experiencing do not appear to be acute gout, but chronic gout cannot be ruled out. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for further examination. The sudden sensation of numbness and tingling in the joint of your right little finger and palm, alo...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Gout or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Possible Autoimmune Issues in Primary Thrombocythemia Symptoms
Is it a problem related to rheumatology and immunology? I would like to consult Dr. Tseng regarding my husband, who has a history of primary thrombocythemia and has been under regular monitoring. In the past two weeks, he has noticed some pinpoint bleeding on the tips of his fing...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Juier, Hello, your description seems to indicate a circulatory abnormality, and it's quite difficult to make a judgment based solely on text. I recommend that you first consult the hematology oncology outpatient department. If necessary, the hematologist will suggest ...[Read More] Understanding Possible Autoimmune Issues in Primary Thrombocythemia Symptoms
Understanding HIV Risks: What to Know After a Potential Exposure
I'm very scared. How long does it take to die from AIDS? Hello Dr. Lin, during a sexual encounter, the condom broke without my knowledge, and I continued for 3-4 minutes before realizing it. I am very scared... I would like to ask you a few questions, and I sincerely hope yo...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Question 1: Some laboratory reports use "non-reactive" to indicate negative results. So far, there is no evidence of HIV infection. Regarding your concerns: 1. Theoretically possible, but if the nurse follows standard procedures, she should not come into contact with yo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: What to Know After a Potential Exposure
Understanding Red Spots on the Lower Leg: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Erythema on the lower leg? During middle school, I developed small red spots near the outer side of my ankle and close to the hip area, about the size of a fingernail. Initially, they were slightly tender, and over time, the color deepened and became more pronounced, resembling s...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear user: Based on your description, it is not possible to determine whether it is lupus erythematosus or erythema nodosum. More information is needed to diagnose these conditions. I recommend that you consult a dermatologist or a rheumatologist. Please do not ignore this issue....[Read More] Understanding Red Spots on the Lower Leg: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Lupus: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: Previously, my ANA test result was 1:160, and the attending physician believed that I do not have SLE, considering my facial rash to be seborrheic dermatitis. Therefore, I have not continued follow-up or medication for nearly a yea...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello Summer: There are specific diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test alone does not confirm the diagnosis. Recently, you have experienced oral ulcers and joint pain; please refrain from self-medicating and see...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Pain in the upper left abdomen? I am experiencing pain in my upper left abdomen (located about a finger's width below my left breast). The pain most commonly occurs about 20 minutes after dinner, and the likelihood of pain after a heavy meal is 100%. Additionally, I sometime...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: Regarding your left abdominal pain, consider gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis or pleuritis. However, based on your description of gastroesophageal refl...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Muscle Stiffness: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Tightness
Muscles often feel stiff and cannot relax? Hello, Doctor! I have experienced a peculiar phenomenon since childhood, where I often have unexplained muscle stiffness resembling cramps. For example, after clenching my fist, I am unable to relax it naturally. I have consulted both tr...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online user: The generalized muscle stiffness and twitching do not resemble symptoms of a specific nerve compression. It may indicate a systemic issue, including abnormalities in the neuromuscular system, metabolism, electrolytes, or endocrine systems. It is recommended to...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Stiffness: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Tightness
Understanding Unexplained Body Discomfort: Symptoms and Concerns
I feel very unwell all over? Hello, I'm sorry to disturb you. I've been experiencing ongoing health issues for the past few months. My weight has dropped dramatically, losing 20 kilograms from October last year to April this year, without any changes in my diet or exerc...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Weight loss and increased heart rate are most commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, which can be confirmed or ruled out through blood tests.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Discomfort: Symptoms and Concerns
Sudden Finger Numbness and Swelling: Possible Causes Explained
Sudden numbness at the fingertips with redness and swelling? Doctor, I woke up one day with sudden numbness in my left index finger, along with redness and swelling. It has persisted for 3 to 4 days, remaining numb but with some sensation. The redness and swelling have not subsid...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
According to online descriptions, redness and swelling are generally caused by inflammation or infection. Without a personal examination, it is difficult to determine the specific condition. It is recommended to seek a consultation in person. Sincerely, Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen, Attendi...[Read More] Sudden Finger Numbness and Swelling: Possible Causes Explained
Understanding Upper Back Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Upper back pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling a slight sensation in the area behind my lower back, just below the breasts, on both sides. It’s not exactly pain, but more like a pressure sensation, almost like a mild ache. I'm not sure what might be causing this...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: The location of your pain is near the area behind the lower part of the breast, where you feel a sensation that is not quite pain, but rather like pressure from a finger, and it feels slightly uncomfortable. The kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the lower ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Tiaozi: Possible Causes and Health Implications
"条仔" can refer to a small strip or a Hello Doctor: The day before yesterday, a small "bump" appeared next to the nail of my left middle finger, and I have also developed some "bumps" on my forehead and left eyebrow. My daily routine is irregular, wit...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
What you refer to as "條仔" is likely a pustule. If they appear in small numbers on various parts of the body, generally speaking, there is no major concern. As long as proper hygiene is maintained and daily routines are normal, they will mostly resolve on their own. Howe...[Read More] Understanding Tiaozi: Possible Causes and Health Implications