Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Syphilis skin contact infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred during my internship at the hospital. While removing an IV from a patient, my fingertip accidentally came into contact with the blood of a patient diagnosed with syphilis. At that m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no puncture wound, simple intact skin contact with blood does not lead to syphilis infection unless there is a needle stick injury. In the case of a needle stick injury, it is necessary to follow the needle stick protocol, which includes testing for syphilis an...[Read More] Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
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 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
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
Post-COVID Symptoms: Taste Changes and Skin Concerns Explained
Please inquire about issues related to diagnosis? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 a while ago. This morning, I felt post-nasal drip, so I took a mucolytic medication prescribed by the hospital. I haven't taken it in a long time, and it seems a bit sour to me; occ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the taste of phlegm is indeed slightly sour and bitter, which is normal. Regarding the small blisters, it is likely that they were caused by accidental friction. There is no need to puncture them with a needle; they can be left to absorb on their own. Thank you for your qu...[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Taste Changes and Skin Concerns Explained
Understanding Bowel Issues: Signs of Colon Cancer and When to Seek Help
Issues related to bowel movements? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. Since my mother is a colorectal cancer patient, I have been particularly attentive to related issues. Recently, I experienced constipation for a while, but after...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in addition to the appearance of stool, you can also check for any recent unusual weight loss or abdominal pain. If there are none, the likelihood is low. Another simple screening tool is the fecal occult blood test, which can be performed at most laboratories. If the test...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Signs of Colon Cancer and When to Seek Help
Concerns About HIV Infection from Minor Cuts and Skin Contact
HIV infection issues When I was checking out at a convenience store, the cashier had a small bleeding wound on their finger, and they touched my hand, which had some abrasions. Should I be concerned about the risk of HIV infection in this situation? Additionally, when I visited a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not lead to HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Minor Cuts and Skin Contact
Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Fibromyalgia and hand numbness? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from hand pain and numbness for about three years. Initially, I was examined at two major hospitals in central Taiwan, and they both indicated issues related to autoimmune rheumatic arthritis. I was on medicatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The numbness you are experiencing is likely not related to fibromyalgia; it seems more probable that it is due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be confirmed through neurological examinations while ruling out cervical spine ...[Read More] Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Understanding HIV Testing: Safety Concerns and Antibody Detection
HIV infection 1. Hello, doctor: I recently purchased an HIV test kit (Kenvair) from the pharmacy, which is currently offered by the Centers for Disease Control. I would like to ask if this test kit detects antibodies, does it contain any components of the HIV virus itself? After ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The reagent contains artificially synthesized compounds similar to HIV antigens, which have no infectious capability and are not HIV viruses. 2. Hello, there have been no reported cases of infection under the conditions you described, so it is unlikely that infection wo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Safety Concerns and Antibody Detection
Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
I have a question? Hello, doctor. I previously interned at a hospital and accidentally cut my finger while puncturing a rubber cap with scissors used for medical waste (like IV bottles). Although I squeezed out some blood at the time, I am still worried about the possibility of c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if this occurs in a hospital, it should theoretically be reported as a sharp object injury, and the injury protocol should be followed. During this process, tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and HIV will be conducted for both you and the patient, and follow-up ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
Understanding Nerve Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I visited a place today where an accident recently occurred, and I became quite anxious. After taking a hot shower and then washing my hands with cold water, I noticed a slight tingling sensation on...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned is primarily caused by sudden exposure to cold water, leading to vasoconstriction and nerve tingling. This is not a stroke or a cervical spine issue; it is a normal physiological response. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
Understanding Nausea and Discomfort: Common Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea and discomfort? In the past few days, I have been experiencing a nauseating sensation in my throat. It's not painful, but it feels like something is there, and I can't seem to burp it out. Additionally, I occasionally feel mild discomfort in my upper left abdomen...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you mentioned seems to be different conditions. Nausea and upper abdominal pain may suggest gastritis, and a light diet is recommended, which should help improve the skin condition on your hands. Since I haven't seen it directly, I cannot make a definitive diagno...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Discomfort: Common Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Half-service establishments, French kissing, and wet kissing? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a massage parlor where I engaged in several minutes of French kissing, wet kissing, mutual nipple licking, fondling, finger stimulation, and manual stimulation with massage oil, but I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infectio...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor. I work in the service industry, and today a machine in the store broke down. When the repair technician came to fix it, I noticed he had an open wound on his finger that hadn't scabbed over. I asked him what happened, and he said he accid...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Splashing on my clothes and hands does not transmit HIV. 2. Contact between hands and other parts of clothing does not transmit HIV. 3. Having acne that is scratched and becomes a wound does not transmit HIV. 4. Touching a handle or a drainage ditch does not transm...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Worry and Seek Help
Issues around the abdomen? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. Before going to bed, I suddenly felt a slight pain above my navel, to the right, about three fingers' width. Sometimes, when I change my position or stretch after standing up, the pain seems to lessen. I wou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of pain that varies with posture is higher, suggesting a musculoskeletal issue. The chances of appendicitis or liver and kidney problems, as you mentioned, are relatively low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Worry and Seek Help
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Small Wounds? Understanding the Risks
The possibility of sexually transmitted infections being transmitted through wounds? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I asked a question: During a high school experiment, I used a clean, newly opened lancet to prick my finger, resulting in a small wound that bled a few drops. If th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds. ...[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Small Wounds? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a small wound on my fingertip caused by a sharp object, but it has stopped bleeding by today, so it can be considered an overnight wound. However, today I came into contact with a person living with HIV who has a wound on their hand,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (such as semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds. The transmission routes...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in High School Experiments
Questions about the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If a small wound was made on your finger with a clean, newly opened needle and a few drops of blood were released, there is a potential risk of infection if that wound comes into contact with another person'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can refer to the Centers for Disease Control website. 2. There are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection....[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in High School Experiments