Could Your Red Rash Be Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Allergies
Could a painless and non-itchy rash be indicative of lupus erythematosus? On October 1st, upon waking up in the morning, I noticed several small red rashes on my abdomen and arms (originally raised). Within a few hours, they flattened out, but the color remained reddish. There we...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It sounds like urticaria, but it does not resemble lupus erythematosus. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Could Your Red Rash Be Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Allergies
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
HIV issues I would like to ask the doctor, when I went to the restroom in the dormitory at night to change my sanitary pad, I found blood on the floor afterward. I'm not sure if it was mine. Then I used a piece of toilet paper from the trash can to wipe it up, but I forgot i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Immune system diseases Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. This past March, I experienced a persistent low-grade fever for a month and had blood tests done, which indicated elevated immune system markers suggesting rheumatoid arthritis. I was then referred to a r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should taking quinine prevent fever? I informed you that I had a fever for a while that day! But if I haven't been examined, which department should I consult to find out where the inflammation is? --> Fever ...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Post-exposure prophylaxis symptom inquiry Hello Doctor, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior with a sex worker on August 31st at noon. That evening at 7 PM, I immediately registered at the infectious disease department, and at 8 PM, I started taking PEP (post-exposure prophylax...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Your symptoms are more indicative of an allergic reaction or eczema, and it may not necessarily be a treatment failure. Whether you are HIV positive can only be determined through testing. 2. The incidence of HIV infection after prophylactic treatment failure is very...[Read More] Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Persistent Skin Rashes: Allergies or Immune System Issues?
Environmental stimuli and mosquito bites causing a rash that has not improved over time? Hello, I would like to ask about my friend who is 27 years old. In July, he worked in a central kitchen, which is a humid and hot environment, handling food while wearing gloves. After just s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. My answer is as follows: Q: I would like to ask if this is considered an immune system issue? Because he only develops new red rashes on his right arm where he was bitten by mosquitoes initially, and it's not without reason that the rash...[Read More] Persistent Skin Rashes: Allergies or Immune System Issues?
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
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
Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination
Shingles Hello, a family member has SLE and developed shingles on the left arm four months after receiving the shingles vaccine. Upon returning to the attending physician, it was found that shingles appeared again in a short period. They have been taking antiviral medication for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can continue taking antiviral medication, drink plenty of water, and monitor the skin rash. If the rash appears in different areas while on an adequate dose of antiviral medication, it is likely not herpes; however, if it is near ...[Read More] Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination
Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts: Expert Insights
Please consult a doctor? Hello, while I was having a meal with my friend in the underground food street, a sanitation worker came by to help me take my trash. I was unsure if I accidentally touched her gloves. I happened to have a small cut near my nail yesterday, which is no lon...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to infection with these bloodborne diseases, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts: Expert Insights
Understanding the Connection Between Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? Doctor, I have been suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis for six or seven years, and it has been quite stable until this year when I discovered that the tumor has grown larger and the markers have increased. I didn't h...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Patients with thyroiditis may sometimes experience hyperthyroid symptoms due to antibodies attacking the thyroid gland, leading to the release of thyroid hormones. Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience itching or rashes on the skin. In cases of hyperthyroidism, ultrasound ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Could a Rash Indicate Lymphatic Issues? Understanding the Connection
Could a rash be related to a lymphatic issue? A few days ago, I suddenly developed a rash on my body, specifically on my right arm and the right side of my abdomen (above the waist). Initially, I thought it might be heat rash since I've been exercising and it's been hot...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I have not seen a rash that only affects one side of the body, so I cannot answer your question definitively. However, I have encountered patients who only sweat on one side of their body, which is related to the nervous system. Therefore, you ...[Read More] Could a Rash Indicate Lymphatic Issues? Understanding the Connection
Shingles and Persistent Abdominal Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Abdominal swelling due to shingles? My mother has been experiencing shingles on her right abdomen for a week and is currently on medication for management. The blisters are nearly crusted over and falling off. However, prior to the appearance of the rash, the right side of her ab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after the shingles scab has formed, the swelling should gradually subside. If there is still significant abdominal swelling, it may indicate an issue that requires further evaluation through ultrasound or CT scan. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Thank you ...[Read More] Shingles and Persistent Abdominal Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure? A Guide
HIV Infection Counseling - Exposure Hello, doctor. First of all, thank you for your attention. About a year ago, I masturbated in a public restroom and, in a moment of urgency, I couldn't find any toilet paper, so I used some tissue from the trash can to wipe my glans after ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
There are three main routes of transmission for the HIV virus: 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 infection. B. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming in...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure? A Guide
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure?
HIV Infection Counseling - Exposure Hello Doctor, first of all, thank you for your time. About a year ago, I masturbated in a public restroom and, in a moment of urgency, I couldn't find any toilet paper, so I used the tissue from the trash can to wipe my glans after ejacula...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
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 the risk of infection. B. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into contact w...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure?
Thyroid Medication for Pregnant Women: Concerns and Considerations
Pregnant women with thyroid conditions taking Antithyroid medication? Hello Doctor, I would like to briefly summarize my medical history. During middle school, I developed benign thyroid nodules and underwent a partial thyroidectomy, removing three-quarters of my thyroid. My th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The nutritional benefits of seafood can be obtained from other food sources, so it is advisable to temporarily avoid seafood. This should not significantly impact fetal development. 2. All seafood contains different components, so it is quite common to suddenly disc...[Read More] Thyroid Medication for Pregnant Women: Concerns and Considerations
Understanding Sudden Red Rashes on the Torso: Causes and Concerns
Sudden rash on the torso? Hello, Dr. Lin. Two nights ago, I noticed some red rashes on my abdomen. When I woke up the next morning, the rashes had increased in number, extending from my abdomen to both sides of my waist and the sides of my chest. There are no rashes on my back, b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! There are many possible causes for this type of skin rash, so it's advisable to visit a dermatologist for a more accurate assessment. Generally, allergic rashes tend to be itchy, so if the rash is not itchy, we should consider infections, heat-related issues, or syste...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Red Rashes on the Torso: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Health Examination Report Hello doctor, last month I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist due to an unexplained rash on my skin (similar to petechiae). Initially, the doctor suspected it might be an allergy, but they still conducted blood tests. The results showed abn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Among the antibodies you tested, some are related to Sjögren's syndrome (Ro/La, C3/C4), some are associated with myositis (Jo-1, Ku), and others are more related to lupus erythematosus (ANA, C3/C4). However, we will consider clinical sympto...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Shingles in Lupus Patients: What to Expect
Patients with lupus develop shingles? Hello, I would like to ask if a family member has lupus erythematosus and recently developed shingles. After visiting the clinic and starting medication, they noticed that the rash has been spreading more over the past two days. Is this a nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Patients with conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, which compromise the immune system, are indeed more susceptible to developing shingles. Even with pharmacological treatment, shingles can progress through various stages, including an increase in the number of lesions, d...[Read More] Understanding Shingles in Lupus Patients: What to Expect
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease? Hello Doctor, I had an appointment in October and experienced symptoms of dryness. I consulted a rheumatologist, and all my blood tests came back normal, but my condition shows tendencies towards lupus erythematosus. However, I ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many causes of dry symptoms, and Sjögren's syndrome is just one of them. While blood tests show "lupus-like phenomena," there is no definitive evidence of Sjögren's syndrome. Typically, we recommend follow-up visit...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Mercury Exposure Risks from Broken Fluorescent Bulbs
Regarding heavy metal mercury? Hello Doctor: On Monday, while I was taking out the trash, I was in a hurry because there was a lot of garbage. As I was walking on the porch, a fluorescent light tube accidentally fell and broke. However, I didn't look back and continued to th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since the light tube is not powered, based on your description, the risk of poisoning should be very low. Please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Mercury Exposure Risks from Broken Fluorescent Bulbs