Understanding Hormonal Imbalances: Hair Loss and Related Symptoms
Hair-related Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. Recently, I noticed that my hair seems to be thinning when I went for a haircut. None of the male relatives in my family are bald. Later, I visited a dermatology clinic, and the doctor mentioned that I might have som...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, hair loss can indeed be caused by many factors including stress, lifestyle, and hormonal imbalances. It is advisable to seek medical attention for further diagnosis. If you are concerned about hair loss, it is typically handled by a dermatologist. However, if you are worri...[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalances: Hair Loss and Related Symptoms
Do You Need to Bandage Minor Skin Breaks to Prevent Infection?
Contact transmission If the wound on your hand is a scrape without bleeding, such as a cracked area or a mosquito bite that has been scratched open, and it feels slightly painful without bleeding, is it necessary to bandage it? Could touching it lead to an infection or virus?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: In principle, there is no risk of HIV infection through contact with a non-bleeding wound (the epidermal barrier can prevent the virus from entering the bloodstream). Therefore, there is generally no need for a bandage, but sometimes bandaging is helpful to reduce the chan...[Read More] Do You Need to Bandage Minor Skin Breaks to Prevent Infection?
Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, doctor. I have been out with my family for the past couple of days. Since the onset of COVID-19, my sister has become very anxious, even though it seems that the situation in the country is not as dangerous now. Three months ago,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, and there is currently no clear evidence of transmission through food. Therefore, the dietary aspect you mentioned should not pose a risk of infection. As for the situation at the station, there have been no confirme...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks
Managing Skin Cuts: Risks of HIV Infection and Proper Care
Skin abrasion on the hand? Recently, I have some cuts on my hands. Should I bandage them specifically? Is there a risk of contracting HIV if I touch something with these wounds? For example, if I accidentally touch a public door handle that may have blood or bodily fluids on it, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is a bleeding wound, it is recommended to cover it with a bandage. 2. Theoretically, a bleeding wound does have a potential risk of transmitting viruses, but the risk is very low. Additionally, the HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the human body...[Read More] Managing Skin Cuts: Risks of HIV Infection and Proper Care
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks Through Skin Cuts and Contaminated Surfaces
HIV transmission through contact? Is it possible to contract HIV from a cut or small wound on my hand if I come into contact with something? Could there be a chance that HIV virus survives on the surface of an object, or on my clothing or hair, and then I touch my hair or clothes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HUV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse, and the chances of infection through the everyday contact you mentioned are very low. Therefore, there is no need to worry excessively about contracting it due to these situations. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks Through Skin Cuts and Contaminated Surfaces
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal issues? Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. Yesterday at noon, I ate about 8 pieces of watermelon, and I also swallowed the seeds. Recently, my stools have been shaped like a log but are somewhat watery, not diarrhea. I noticed that when I stand up straight...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when you mention the lower abdomen, are you referring to the area close to the groin, which is also near the scrotum? If that is the case, and if the abdomen bulges more when you exert yourself or stand, you should be cautious as it may indicate a hernia. I recommend visit...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Risks of Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Hospitalized Patients
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Hello Dr. Hong, my mother, who is 97 years old, was hospitalized from June 7th due to a bleeding gastric ulcer. On June 9th, she vomited and developed aspiration pneumonia. On June 15th, the doctor informed me that her pneumonia ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Staphylococcus, whether antibiotic-resistant or not, is a common environmental bacterium. As long as the body is healthy, there is no risk of infection. Therefore, your mention of drinking juice poses no infection concerns, as long as you are cautious about the hot weather...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Hospitalized Patients
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Minor Wounds in Public Spaces
Infection concerns? If you have a small wound on your hand and come into contact with public items such as door handles or chairs, is there a risk of HIV infection? Is it possible for an asymptomatic carrier to inadvertently have blood from a wound that could lead to infection? A...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chances of contracting HIV through small wounds are very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. Therefore, based on the situation you described, there should be no need to worry about infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Minor Wounds in Public Spaces
Understanding the Transmission of HPV: Can You Get It from Shared Devices?
Transmission routes of cauliflower disease (genital warts)? Hello doctor, I'm about to enter the second year of junior high school, and my older brother is in his first year of college. Today, after playing games on his phone, I went to urinate and I can't remember if m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection, and the vast majority of cases are transmitted through sexual intercourse. Therefore, the likelihood of infection through the process you described is very low. Additionally, your brother or those around you likely do not...[Read More] Understanding the Transmission of HPV: Can You Get It from Shared Devices?
Understanding the Risk of Vibrio Infection from Seafood Handling
Possibility of Vibrio infection Hello, Dr. Hong. Today at noon, while I was eating seafood noodles, I accidentally pricked or scratched myself while peeling shrimp. Although it doesn't seem to be bleeding, I quickly applied iodine after returning home. I don't feel much...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Vibrio infection typically refers to infections caused by being punctured by raw seafood. Based on your description, if the seafood was cooked, the chances of infection are very low. It is advisable to monitor the wound for any redness, swelling, heat, or pain, as well as ...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Vibrio Infection from Seafood Handling
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Dog Interaction: What to Do?
Concerned about parasitic infections? Hello Doctor, I have been interacting with a three-month-old puppy recently. I heard that the puppy was given deworming medication about a month ago. Today, I took her for a walk and training session. She is very active and tends to lick peop...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! 1. Most parasites are very small, and if the parasite can be clearly seen with the naked eye, it is likely an external environmental insect rather than an internal parasite. 2. The vast majority of human parasites do not reproduce within the body, so as long as the source ...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Dog Interaction: What to Do?
Safe Disinfection of Baby Products: Alcohol Use and Alternatives
Questions related to the disinfection of baby products? Can alcohol be used to disinfect baby products or toys for infants under one year old? Will there be alcohol residue that could affect the baby, especially if they chew on the toys? Are there alternative methods? Additionall...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiries, I will address them from several perspectives: 1. Whether baby products or toys can be disinfected with alcohol depends on the material of each item. Some plastic products may undergo changes when exposed to alcohol, so it is advisable to ch...[Read More] Safe Disinfection of Baby Products: Alcohol Use and Alternatives
Concerns About Dental Visits for Seniors During COVID-19
Worried about seeing a doctor..? Hello doctor, my elderly family member is experiencing tooth pain, and I would like to take them to the hospital to see a dentist. However, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, I am concerned about the risk of exposing them to the virus. Since den...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, hospitals and clinics are paying attention to temperature measurements and medical history inquiries, and they are continuously promoting the importance of maintaining safe social distancing. Therefore, I believe the situation is mana...[Read More] Concerns About Dental Visits for Seniors During COVID-19
Understanding Dryness Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests
Immunity and Sjögren's Syndrome Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I experienced joint swelling and inflammation in my little finger. My family doctor recommended tests, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (CCP) tests, both of which returned...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Sjögren's syndrome requires a detailed medical history, which includes not only questions about dry mouth but also inquiries about dry eyes and even respiratory symptoms. Blood tests should be arranged, including screening for antinuclear a...[Read More] Understanding Dryness Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing an unexplained fever for three consecutive days, with my temperature ranging between 37.5°C and 38°C. On the third day, I also developed a headache in the forehead area, but I have had no cough, sneezing, or ru...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I apologize for the late response. There are many causes of fever, and if it is simply a fever without any respiratory symptoms, the likelihood of it being related to COVID-19 is actually quite low. However, a fever lasting more than three days definitely indicates an underlying ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Mask Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Contamination During Haircuts
Mask hygiene issues? Hello doctor, today when I went to get a haircut, I originally planned to wear a mask, but the hairdresser accidentally cut the ear straps of my mask. I temporarily placed the mask on my abdomen, and when I was about to leave, I realized that the white side o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the COVID-19 virus primarily spreads through contact with mucous membranes via contaminated hands. Regular handwashing and maintaining hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Based on your description, the overall risk of transmission should be low. Th...[Read More] Mask Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Contamination During Haircuts
Is My Hormonal Imbalance Causing Skin Issues and Irregular Periods?
Could you please tell me if I am experiencing endocrine dysfunction? Hello Doctor: Since last summer, due to my internship, I have been sitting in the office handling tasks, which led to a uterine fungal infection and abnormal bleeding that took two months to seek treatment. My s...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Based on your description, both endocrinology and obstetrics/gynecology should be consulted.[Read More] Is My Hormonal Imbalance Causing Skin Issues and Irregular Periods?
Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Muscle and joint pain? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing increasing fatigue upon waking up every day for the past few years (average sleep time from 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM). During sleep, I often experience pain in my shoulders, elbows, and finger joints, as well as swelling...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is abnormal to experience pain in the shoulder, elbow, and finger joints while sleeping, and even to wake up due to joint pain during sleep. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis factors and uric acid levels have returned normal, but other rheumatic diseases cannot be ru...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Could I Be at Risk for Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Prevention
Could it be systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello Doctor, I recently caught a cold, which has lowered my immune system, and I started developing small red spots on my body, about a third the size of a mung bean. I have two on the side of my nose, one on my knee, one on my calf, and...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the typical rash associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is indeed the butterfly rash. Based on your description of the small red spots, it is more likely to be folliculitis. However, skin issues usually require a visual examination for accurate diagnosis, so I ...[Read More] Could I Be at Risk for Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Prevention
Can Touching Contaminated Materials Spread STDs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission If a hand touches a blood-stained gauze or cotton swab and then comes into contact with an open wound, can various sexually transmitted infections be transmitted?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the variables affecting this hypothetical question are too numerous, including whether there is an infectious issue, the amount of blood involved, the size of the wound, immune status, and so on. Therefore, it is not possible to directly answer whether an infection will oc...[Read More] Can Touching Contaminated Materials Spread STDs?