Understanding Folliculitis: Is That Red Bump on Your Back a Concern?
Is the redness on the back folliculitis? Hello Doctor, I accidentally discovered a small bump on my back that resembled a pimple while taking a shower, and I accidentally popped it. After class today, I visited a dermatologist who said it was just a common folliculitis and that I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image, it does appear to be more like folliculitis rather than a sexually transmitted infection. I recommend using the ointment prescribed by your doctor, so there’s no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Folliculitis: Is That Red Bump on Your Back a Concern?
Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
I'm not sure where to look? The patient has experienced abnormal sensations in the left limb for approximately two years and has had persistent hematuria for over three years, although kidney examinations have returned normal results. There is a mild Raynaud's phenomeno...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I believe it may still be an issue related to immunology or rheumatology. I recommend that you first visit the immunology and rheumatology department at a medical center, where they can arrange for more detailed examinati...[Read More] Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
Understanding Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns
Syphilis rash-related issues? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in early October and have been taking Doxycycline for four weeks. Prior to treatment, I had four deep red rashes on my palms. During the second to third week of treatment, I experienced...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The presence of a rash does not indicate the effectiveness of treatment; in some cases, the rash may become more pronounced during treatment. It is recommended to follow up three months later for a more accurate assessment of the indicators. 2. It is advisable to di...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns
Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Arthritis medications I have been under follow-up in the rheumatology and immunology department for a year and a half. Previously, I was not on any medication, but my erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for 2 hours and 1 hour has consistently been elevated, with values ranging f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your question, my response is as follows: 1. Your symptoms resemble urticaria, which may be a side effect of medication; both the anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications could be potential culprits. Urticaria is generally a mild ...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Concerns About Medication: Amoxicillin Allergy Risks for Patients
Medication concerns Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about folliculitis in my nose that seems to have a bacterial infection with pus. I am allergic to Penicillin (causing eye swelling, ear swelling, and rashes), which I have informed the clinic physician. The doctor prescri...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Penicillin and Amoxicillin are in the same class of medications, so if you are allergic to Amoxicillin, the likelihood of being allergic to Penicillin is also very high. It is not recommended to use it, and you may consider other types of antibiotics. Thank you for your in...[Read More] Concerns About Medication: Amoxicillin Allergy Risks for Patients
Understanding Your Immunology Blood Test Results: SSA and SSB Levels Explained
Examination Report The immune blood test report shows normal results, with SSA and SSB levels at 17.15. Are these considered positive? Are they normal?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The normal range values for SSA and SSB tests may vary slightly between hospitals, so it would be best to include the normal range from your test report for a more accurate assessment. Based on our hospital's reference normal range, your va...[Read More] Understanding Your Immunology Blood Test Results: SSA and SSB Levels Explained
Moderna Vaccine Concerns for Patients with Contrast Agent Allergies
Allergic Reactions to Contrast Agents and Issues with the Moderna Vaccine Hello Doctor, I have a history of heart surgery and I am currently on medication for hypertension and hyperlipidemia. I am very concerned about the risk of thrombosis, which is why I chose to receive the Mo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is indeed important to be cautious about allergic reactions to contrast agents when considering mRNA vaccines (including Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech). For the AstraZeneca vaccine, aside from known allergies and related contraindications, it should generally be safe to a...[Read More] Moderna Vaccine Concerns for Patients with Contrast Agent Allergies
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, about four months ago, I started experiencing a feeling of discomfort and pain in my upper abdomen, and sometimes my stomach would suddenly spasm. I visited a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed only mild gastritis. I also ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I noticed that you have experienced symptoms of dysphagia along with multiple areas of muscle pain, which may be related to rheumatology. If you have seen many specialists without a clear diagnosis, I recommend that you visit a rheumatologist fo...[Read More] Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Immune system dysfunction in adults with Still's disease? Hello Doctor: I have an immune system disorder (the doctor has diagnosed me with suspected "Adult Still's Disease" on the medical certificate). Due to the recent pandemic, I haven't been able to at...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The inflammation index you mentioned, which is over ten thousand, could possibly refer to the ferritin level, which is an indicator of adult Still's disease and also serves as a reference for disease stability. Given that your levels were o...[Read More] Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Understanding Post-COVID PCR Results and Ongoing Symptoms: Expert Insights
Positive result on rapid test for COVID-19 (continued three) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive via PCR on June 15. After self-isolating in Indonesia and taking Indonesian cold medicine for the first week, along with Qingguan No. 1 for about two weeks, and current...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Any case with a detectable CT value is considered positive, but the threshold for determining infectiousness and the criteria for ending isolation vary by country, with some countries setting the threshold at 26, 30, or even 40. These are regulations specific to each ...[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID PCR Results and Ongoing Symptoms: Expert Insights
Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Positive Rapid Test for COVID-19 (Continuation 2) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid test and PCR a few days ago. Since my diagnosis on June 14, I have experienced some changes in my health. Yesterday, June 19, I retested for PCR, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The value you mentioned should refer to the CT value of the PCR test. A higher CT value indicates a lower viral load, and values above 30 suggest that there is almost no transmissibility. Therefore, based on your values, it seems you are gradually recovering. 2. If ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Understanding Candida Infections: Persistent Anal Itching Solutions
Candida parapsilosis Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by this issue for several months. The symptom is "anal itching." I have seen several proctologists who prescribed various topical medications, but the itching persists. Eventually, after consulting all the doctors...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have already used topical ointments but are still experiencing significant itching. At this point, you may consider using oral antihistamines for relief. Regarding the diagnosis, theoretically, given your age, it shouldn't be that diffic...[Read More] Understanding Candida Infections: Persistent Anal Itching Solutions
Concerns About AZ Vaccine for Allergy-Prone Patients and Elderly
AZ-related issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you two questions. 1. I am allergic to penicillin (I experienced rashes on my hands and feet, and swelling in my eyes and ears). I also have mild allergic reactions to some long-acting pain relief and anti-inflammatory medi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Allergy to penicillin is not a contraindication for the AZ vaccine, so it can be administered. 2. Your grandfather's underlying conditions are also not contraindications for the AZ vaccine, whether in Taiwan or abroad. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About AZ Vaccine for Allergy-Prone Patients and Elderly
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Abdominal issues? Your question: Hello Doctor, in early January, one night I suddenly experienced pain in my side and back. Since I had been in contact with a chickenpox patient, I suspected it might be due to shingles. However, after receiving a shot in the emergency room, it se...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is more likely that you have a muscle strain in your lower back. I recommend applying heat therapy and using topical anti-inflammatory ointments, which should help improve your condition. The golf activities you mentioned could be one of the contribu...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Understanding Syphilis Treatment: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Syphilis-related issues? Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. I was diagnosed with syphilis on April 28 and went to the hospital on April 29 to receive a shot of Benzathine Penicillin. I am occasionally worried about its effectiveness; the rash has diminished, but there...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the syphilis blood test, the serological response is usually slower, and it typically takes 3 to 6 months for the blood test to more accurately determine whether the treatment has been successful. Immediate blood testing may have limited usefulness. As for your d...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Is it simple urticaria, a drug allergy, or a side effect of antithyroid medication? I started experiencing hyperthyroidism on April 2nd and began taking Levothyroxine, one tablet twice a day, and Metoprolol, one to two tablets daily. On April 20th, a Bartholin gland cyst recurred...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cephalosporins and penicillins have similar structures, and individuals who are allergic to one type have a 10-20% chance of being allergic to the other type of antibiotic. Therefore, it is indeed possible that you may also have an allergy to penicillin antibiotics. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Ants in the Bathroom: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
There are ants in the bathroom? Hello doctor, my mother has a family history of diabetes. There are many ants outside my house and on the upper floor due to the flower beds. I remember that when I was in elementary school, there were always ants in the bathroom (possibly because ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is advised not to use urine to attract ants as a method to determine if one has diabetes. The other symptoms you mentioned are also not reliable indicators of diabetes. It is recommended to get tested at a hospital.[Read More] Ants in the Bathroom: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, in October 2019, my son (7 years old) was infected with influenza type B. Later, he developed some red spots on his hands, and when we went to the hospital for a blood test, the emergency doctor said everything was normal, with a platelet count of 180,0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. It is indeed possible for children to develop skin rashes and abnormal blood test results due to viral infections, and if these symptoms resolve quickly or the test results return to normal, there is usually no need for concern. However, blood t...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing