Understanding Black Lines on Your Finger: Causes and Concerns
Finger problems I would like to ask the doctor, while I was abroad today, I suddenly noticed a small black line on the pad of my pinky finger that wouldn't wash off. I am wondering if this could be an infection or if it suddenly appeared due to some other issue. I searched o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your image, it appears to be a mark from a previous accidental injury and does not seem to be a specific pathological change. I recommend monitoring it unless you experience significant discomfort or if it continues to enlarge, in which case you should seek medica...[Read More] Understanding Black Lines on Your Finger: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Raynaud's and Scleroderma: Challenges in Major Illness Claims
Raynaud's phenomenon and scleroderma are considered significant illnesses that are not eligible for disability claims? Hello, Doctor Gao. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 this year, I suddenly noticed abnormalities in my fingers. After researching online, I found informat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The treatment for scleroderma is primarily based on the extent of its impact on vital organs. If you only have Raynaud's phenomenon with mild symptoms, you might want to discuss with your physician the necessity of using off-label medicati...[Read More] Understanding Raynaud's and Scleroderma: Challenges in Major Illness Claims
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
Can You Catch STDs or HIV from Microphones and Acne?
Infectious disease inquiries? Hello Doctor, today after lunch with my department, my supervisor invited us to go karaoke, which was a place similar to the one in "Light the Night." I touched the microphone while singing and drinking. I have some acne on my face, and alt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to an infection of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV, so there is no need to worry. Thank you.[Read More] Can You Catch STDs or HIV from Microphones and Acne?
Can You Get HIV from a Sharp Object Injury? Prevention Options Explained
HIV infection While cleaning up in the sink, I suspect I was cut on my finger by a sharp object like a toothpick from a customer, causing bleeding (the object should not have had any blood on it). The customer was here about 10 minutes ago. Is there a risk of HIV infection from t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of infection in the situation you mentioned is very low. Unless it is confirmed that the other person has HIV, there should be no need for prophylactic medication. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Sharp Object Injury? Prevention Options Explained
Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Body pain Hello Doctor, I am the one who asked you last time about taking Aceclofenac 100mg (I wonder if you remember me). For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing pain in my upper back, finger joints, fingertips, soles of my feet, toes, knees, elbows, arms, lower bac...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is the lack of improvement due to me taking the medication too late? After all, I have had this symptom for 1 to 2 months, so the effect is not significant. --> This is likely unrelated to the timing of taking the...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Pain in the limbs and back? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain, pain in the finger joints and fingertips, pain in the toes, knee pain, and occasional elbow pain for the past 1 to 2 months. This past month, I went to a large hospital for examinations. The docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Some young individuals do experience intermittent joint effusion, with symptoms that come and go, often lasting no more than three days. In such cases, we generally first check for any serious rheumatic diseases behind these symptoms, as your p...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Understanding Finger Hemorrhage: Causes and Treatment Options
Subungual hematoma I usually play rhythm games on my phone (the type that requires tapping the screen), and I've recently noticed that my fingers hurt when I tap the screen. I found a black line inside my fingertip. Will that disappear on its own after some time?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned may be due to bruising or some dirt, and it might require a visual examination for proper assessment. If the discomfort persists, I recommend considering a visit to a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Finger Hemorrhage: Causes and Treatment Options
Concerns About Infection Risks from Handshakes: What You Need to Know
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Today, when I met with an international client, I shook hands with him and later noticed that he had black lines on his fingernails. I looked it up online, and it mentioned something about HIV. I would like to ask you, I had a small cut on...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of black lines on the nails cannot be used to diagnose or confirm an HIV infection. Additionally, HIV is not transmitted through handshakes. Therefore, based on the situation you described, there should be no risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Handshakes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether my symptoms could be diagnosed as arthritis. At the end of October: I felt an unusual sensation when bending my hands. At the beginning of November: I experienced an unusual sensation in my big toe, and my knees h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe further monitoring is appropriate. Although the RF value is abnormal, it is not significantly elevated, and with normal CCP levels, I think tracking is sufficient. If ANA, CRP, and ESR are also normal, the likelihood of severe rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Recommendations
Abnormal rheumatoid factor? Hello Doctor, I recently had a health check-up and my RF factor was abnormally high. I am currently under follow-up care (all other tests are normal and there is no inflammation), and I do not have symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain in my fing...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Can I undergo aesthetic medical treatments normally? (such as hyaluronic acid injections or radiofrequency therapy.) --> I believe it is fine. 2. Can I practice yoga and engage in exercises that require strengt...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Recommendations
Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Arthritis or gout issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize in advance for the lengthy message. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain in the tips of my fingers and toes (specifically, the soft tissue at the very ends). This week, the frequency of the episodes has incre...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis typically involve pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints, particularly in the small joints. However, redness is less common. If you are experiencing pain without swelling or red...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?
Blood glucose meter and hepatitis B? My mother is around 58 years old and has diabetes, so she purchased a blood glucose meter. She also has hepatitis B. I used the blood glucose meter once after she bought it, and I remember it wasn't long after her last use. At that time, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the only risk of infection is from the repeated use of needles that prick the finger. However, currently, disposable needles are commonly used, which reduces this concern. Therefore, based on your description, it should not lead to a hepatitis B infection. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?
Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Pain and discomfort in the limbs? Hello, Doctor. For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing alternating pain in my hands and feet (most commonly in my fingers and toes). I'm wondering if this could be caused by excessive humidity or a lack of exercise (I recently start...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms have been present for a relatively short time. If you do not have any other chronic illnesses, it is recommended to start with anti-inflammatory pain relievers and increase your water intake to manage your symptoms. If there is no ...[Read More] Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
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 Enlarged Fingers in Teens: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling of the fingers? Hello, Doctor Hsieh. I would like to ask about my 16-year-old daughter. The joints at the base of her four fingers, except for the thumb, are noticeably swollen compared to the other two segments, resembling a bottle shape. However, she has normal movemen...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If your fingers on both hands have recently become swollen, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an examination to determine the cause. It is recommended to first consult a family medicine physician. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Enlarged Fingers in Teens: Causes and When to Seek Help
Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Understanding Symmetrical Finger Stiffness: Is It an Autoimmune Issue?
The fingers on both hands feel stiff or restricted? For about four years now, since middle school, I've felt a stiffness in the joints where my little fingers connect to my palms. I can still bend them, but the angle feels limited to either fully extended or fully bent, and ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I don't think that's the case; it may be an issue related to joint structure. If necessary, you can consult an orthopedic clinic. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare...[Read More] Understanding Symmetrical Finger Stiffness: Is It an Autoimmune Issue?
Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Complement C3 & C4 Every morning when I wake up, my hands are swollen and stiff, and I experience pain in the joints when bending my fingers. Blood tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16, rheumatoid arthritis factor tests (immunoturbidimetry) were less than 20, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your C3 level is slightly low, but this may just be a variation due to your constitution, so there is no need to worry too much. Other tests are normal. I believe that if your morning stiffness lasts for a short duration, such as less than half ...[Read More] Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Is there a risk of HIV infection? I know I might be overly anxious, but I still want to consult a doctor. Getting an answer from a medical professional might help ease my mind. Two days ago, an older woman asked me how to rent a Ubike, and during that time, I took her phone to as...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact