Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Understanding HIV Transmission: Can Dirty Water Infect Through Open Wounds?
HIV infection What are the transmission routes for HIV? If a person has an open wound on their foot and it is submerged in contaminated rainwater, can they contract HIV?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids. Wounds contaminated with dirty water do not transmit HIV.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Can Dirty Water Infect Through Open Wounds?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?
Please ask your question? Hello, Doctor. I am currently studying high school abroad and would like to ask you a question. After eating today, I lay on my bed and suddenly felt a sharp pain on the right side of my abdomen near the navel. I don't feel it anymore, but I recentl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. What is appendicitis? Appendicitis, medically referred to as acute appendicitis, is an inflammation of the appendix, located in the lower right abdomen. When appendicitis occurs, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. Common caus...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?
Can You Get HIV from Soaking Wounds in Contaminated Rainwater?
HIV infection issues If a wound on the foot is submerged in dirty water accumulated from rain, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
No, the HIV virus only survives within the human body and does not exist in nature; however, there are still other bacteria and viruses present in the environment, so it is important to take good care of wounds.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Soaking Wounds in Contaminated Rainwater?
Understanding Swollen Left Foot: Causes and Treatment Options
Swelling of the left foot? Arthritis, swelling and pain in the palms, swelling in the soles of the feet. I was prescribed Celebrex (celecoxib) 200 mg, taking one capsule in the morning and one in the evening, but it did not alleviate the swelling and pain in my palms. After a mon...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Please evaluate in the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Swollen Left Foot: Causes and Treatment Options
Concerns About Cockroach Contact: Risks and Precautions for Foot Wounds
A person with a wound on their athlete's foot stepped barefoot on a cockroach? 1. Given your situation, the likelihood of contracting a cockroach-related disease from stepping on a cockroach is low, especially since the cockroach did not come into direct contact with your ex...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The chances are very low, as it is merely encountering a cockroach and not being bitten by one. 2. Typically, the risk is higher when consuming food or water contaminated by cockroaches; similar cases are rarely encountered in Taiwan. 3. Different types of parasites or ...[Read More] Concerns About Cockroach Contact: Risks and Precautions for Foot Wounds
Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help
Twitching and pain in the thigh area? The doctor would like to ask you: Last year, after injuring the bottom of my left foot, I experienced swelling in both legs up to my thighs. A subsequent CT scan revealed that I have narrowing of the lymphatic vessels in my legs, but the doct...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurology department for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help
Managing High Creatinine Levels: Hydration and Dietary Choices
Elevated creatinine levels? A month ago, I visited a doctor due to gout, and after blood and urine tests, I was found to have a high uric acid level of 9.9 and a creatinine level of 1.2. The doctor advised me to drink more water. After increasing my water intake, I started drinki...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
In addition to excessive meat intake, consuming beverages high in fructose can also lead to elevated uric acid levels, so it is advisable to limit the intake of sugary drinks.[Read More] Managing High Creatinine Levels: Hydration and Dietary Choices
Stepping on Cockroaches: Risks and Precautions for Your Health
Stepping on a cockroach barefoot? Today, when I went shopping, I accidentally stepped on a cockroach while wearing flip-flops. The cockroach seemed to have just died, and it got stuck between my foot and the flip-flop. I quickly shook it off, but since I was outside, I wasn'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The general public has a complete immune system, and if there are no obvious wounds, there is little chance of infection; simply washing the foot that stepped on a foreign object is sufficient.[Read More] Stepping on Cockroaches: Risks and Precautions for Your Health
Concerns About Hookworm Infection After Stepping in Dog Waste
Stepping barefoot on dog feces? On my way to class today (wearing flip-flops), I accidentally stepped in dog feces without noticing it on the ground. Although I was wearing flip-flops, my foot still came into contact with it. I found some tissue to clean my foot about twenty minu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you mentioned, the likelihood of a parasitic infection is very low. It is recommended to monitor the condition, provided there are no subsequent symptoms of fever or lymphadenopathy. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Hookworm Infection After Stepping in Dog Waste
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
Common Health Concerns: Food Safety, Skin Issues, and Child Hygiene
Please consult a doctor? Hello, Doctor. 1. If a bag containing food is placed on the footrest of a motorcycle, will the food inside the bag be contaminated with bacteria or be unclean? I'm concerned because shoes are often placed on the footrest, so I'm worried about ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The main concern is the spoilage of food that has been stored for too long. As long as it is sealed properly, the location should not significantly affect it. 2. Hello, this is likely due to low temperatures causing skin cracking. I recommend applying some moisturiz...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Food Safety, Skin Issues, and Child Hygiene
Do You Need to Clean Your Motorcycle After Hitting an Animal?
Is special cleaning necessary? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: 1. If I am unsure whether my motorcycle has run over an animal carcass or dirty substances, is there a risk of diseases or bacteria on the area where my foot has touched the motorcycle tire? 2. If I am certain that...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned should not lead to an infection as long as you wash your hands frequently and avoid scratching your skin. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do You Need to Clean Your Motorcycle After Hitting an Animal?
Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks
Questions related to the possibility of syphilis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If there was a small amount of contaminated blood in the bucket and after about an hour, you filled it with water without rinsing it out, then spilled it on your foot where you later disco...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Questions about the treatment of cellulitis? Hello Doctor: My mother experienced redness, swelling, and pain in her foot dorsum at night in late November, accompanied by fever. Therefore, she went to the emergency department for evaluation. Although there were no wounds, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in patients with compromised immunity or poor blood circulation, cellulitis can indeed be difficult to resolve. It is usually necessary to confirm whether there is pus formation or bone infection. Based on your description, a CT scan has already been performed, which shoul...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Sudden Side Foot Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Sudden pain on the side of the foot? Hello Doctor, after taking a shower, I suddenly felt pain on the side of my right foot while walking. After resting for a bit, it got better, but then it hurt again after a while. However, sitting down and resting helped again. I haven't ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the provided images, it does not appear to be a fracture or gout. It seems more like inflammation caused by friction or injury, which could result from excessive walking, intense exercise, or wearing new shoes. Typically, resting for a while w...[Read More] Sudden Side Foot Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
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
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Issues Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses through contact with infected blood. If a family member gets injured and bleeds on indoor shoes, and I have a cut on the sole of my foot, could I get infe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the hepatitis B vaccine should have been administered during childhood; however, over time, antibody levels may decline, leading to decreased protection. It is advisable to check with a nearby healthcare facility to see if protection is still present. 2. As for the hepa...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?