Common Health Questions: Hand Hygiene and Post-Bath Urination Issues
Please ask your question, doctor? Hello Doctor, I am the inquirer #191371 and would like to ask you again: 1. Does washing hands with water before using the restroom help to eliminate some dirt and bacteria? I often feel that my hands are not clean enough. 2. Doctor, sometimes af...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Handwashing can remove most pathogens, but it does not eliminate all bacteria 100%. 2. It is possible that the urethral opening may be slightly inflamed during the bathing process; if there are no subsequent symptoms, there is no need to worry. Thank you for your questi...[Read More] Common Health Questions: Hand Hygiene and Post-Bath Urination Issues
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 Parasite Risks: Can Outdoor Activities Lead to Infection?
Fear of parasitic diseases? I recently came across many news articles about parasites online, and as a high school freshman, I have a lot of questions and fears regarding them. My current concern is whether there is a chance of encountering parasites on sports fields or grassy ar...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the insects you mentioned in these environments are not considered parasites. Parasites refer to organisms that can infect humans. The smaller parasitic worms are most commonly found in undercooked meats and seafood. As long as food is cooked thoroughly, there is usually n...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Risks: Can Outdoor Activities Lead to Infection?
Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) If a person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea shaves in the bathroom and there is a trace of blood contamination on the showerhead, can another person become infected if they use ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described, where a small amount of blood sprays outside, is unlikely to pose an infection risk after a short period of time. It should not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you mentioned. As for the showerhead, it is advisabl...[Read More] Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips
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
Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Fresh Blood: What You Need to Know
HIV infection from wet blood? Today I went to pick up goods at the store and found blood stains on the counter that were still wet! The clerk helped me place the items on the table, and I didn't have time to react (I touched the surface of the table and the goods, which both...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, there should be no risk of infection. 2. Since it has dried, the virus is unlikely to remain. 3. This does not constitute a route of infection. 4. The chance of infection through such contact is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Fresh Blood: What You Need to Know
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 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
Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
How to manage obesity? I want to lose weight, especially abdominal fat. How does your department handle this? What is the difference between seeing a metabolic specialist and a family medicine physician?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The metabolic department focuses on obesity issues primarily related to endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, among others. The management approach includes correcting endocrine abnormalities, dietary control, and exercise management. I'm not very clear on the ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
Understanding Injection Complications: Pain and Recovery After IV Medication
Regarding injection leakage? Hello, doctor. A while ago, when I received an injection (not an IV drip, just a regular intravenous injection), the nurse used a machine to administer the medication while I was not present. Before half of the medication was pushed through, my hand s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be phlebitis. Some individuals may experience inflammation for a longer duration. I recommend applying a cold compress. In addition to oral pain relievers, you can also purchase anti-inflammatory ointment to apply to the painful area,...[Read More] Understanding Injection Complications: Pain and Recovery After IV Medication
Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, 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. 2. Blood tra...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
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
Can Sharing an Electric Toothbrush Lead to Infections?
Indirect infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if sharing an electric toothbrush handle while using separate brush heads poses any risk of transmitting or infecting diseases. Thank you! Additionally, I would like to inquire whether there is a risk of infection or disease t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Using individual brush heads does not pose an infection risk. 2. The disinfection of hospital instruments follows specific regulations, so the risk of infection is quite low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Sharing an Electric Toothbrush Lead to Infections?
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Stung by a thorn? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred while I was working in the operating room. That day, a very small suture needle was left on the table, and while collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed on the needle. I was wearing glo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine the likelihood of infection based on your description. In clinical practice, if there is any suspicion of a needlestick injury similar to your situation, we typically follow the needlestick protocol to assess the risk of infection. Thank...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Experiencing pain when extending the lower back but not when bending forward is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. Initially, I only had pain in my buttocks...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are my symptoms (pain in the lower back when arching, no pain when bending forward) typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? --> No. 2) If it is not a typical symptom, would Dr. Gao recommend that I see a reh...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Can You Contract HIV from Blood or Saliva Contact Without Open Wounds?
HIV infection Hello doctor, I have bruising on my hand but no external injury. If I come into contact with a cup containing the blood of an HIV-positive patient or saliva, can I contract HIV?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not lead to contracting HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Blood or Saliva Contact Without Open Wounds?
Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Infection issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I asked you some questions: 1. You mentioned that the chance of infection from being splashed with blood containing the HIV virus in the eyes, nose, or mouth with an open wound is low. Does this mean that if I accidentally get splashe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. On one hand, the infectiousness through this route is low, and on the other hand, the immune system can clear it. 2. It will not. 3. This will not cause an infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions