Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Will ankylosing spondylitis continuously cause boils? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in April this year. After taking medication for half a month, I suddenly developed a boil in the groin area, which required surgical intervention. I took antibiotics fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe the relationship with medication is relatively low; it may be more related to ankylosing spondylitis or related rheumatic diseases. I suggest discussing this with your physician and paying attention to whether you have recurrent oral ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question 210066. The ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), the ANA Titer 1 is 1:80, the Anti-RNP Antibody is 0.6 U/ml (reference value [<10.0]), the Anti-La and Anti-Ro are both <0.3 (both reference values: Ne...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My opinion remains the same as before. In the information you provided, the abnormal result is ANA, while other tests such as anti-RNP, anti-LA, anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-ds DNA, and anti-Cardiolipin IgG are normal. The latter tests are conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Understanding Oral Sex Hygiene: Addressing Concerns About Smegma and Bad Breath
Oral sex issues? Hello doctor, recently when I was performing oral sex on my boyfriend, I noticed that his glans and coronal sulcus had a white, flaky substance. I want to confirm if this could be smegma. Besides the potential for infection, could this also lead to issues like ba...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Smegma is composed of secretions from the sebaceous glands on the inner surface of the foreskin and dead skin cells from the foreskin. It is typically white or yellow in color and can have a hard or viscous texture, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. If the foreskin is not ...[Read More] Understanding Oral Sex Hygiene: Addressing Concerns About Smegma and Bad Breath
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Report for Sjögren's Syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao. My salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration, confirming a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. I subsequently underwent salivary gland scintigraphy and would like to ask how this report i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Compensatory parotid function refers to the adaptive response of the salivary glands, resulting in heterogeneous signal distribution on imaging, where some areas show strong signals while others show weak signals. This indicates that the functi...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Autoimmune diseases and allergic issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, usually once a day, and sometimes twice when my back pain is worse. I would like to kn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, typically once a day, and sometimes twice when your back pain is more severe. You are wondering if it is normal to feel tha...[Read More] Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Post-Massage Discomfort and Skin Concerns: A Doctor's Insight
May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and yesterday I went for a shoulder and foot massage with my university classmates. I would like to ask why my shoulders, which were tight before, feel sore after the massage. This is my first time getting a massage. Addit...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. People who are not accustomed to massages may feel uncomfortable during their first experience and may even resist the massage therapist, resulting in soreness afterward. Therefore, it's important to relax and enjoy the massage process during your next visit. 2. As for ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Massage Discomfort and Skin Concerns: A Doctor's Insight
Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Complications of Hypothyroidism Dear Dr. Li, My mother is 73 years old. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused severe allergic rashes and itching due to medication. After a year of changing medications without success, she was evaluated by a metaboli...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Skin rashes and itching can also be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello Doctor, I apologize if I am repeating a question as I forgot whether I successfully asked it last time! I had unprotected sexual intercourse in June of last year, and a month later I took a rapid blood test which was negative. In January of this ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it has been more than six months, the possibility of HIV can be ruled out. 2. If you are still concerned, you can visit a nearby medical facility for further consultation and testing.[Read More] Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?
Can antibody rapid tests completely avoid infections? In June of last year, I had a risky sexual encounter, and more than a month later, I took a blood rapid test (Kenvair) which was negative. Then in December of last year, due to my concerns, I took the OraQuick HIV Self-Test, a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If the window period has exceeded 3 to 6 months, you can be reassured. 2. If there are still other concerns, you may consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.[Read More] Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot? Yesterday, on June 14th, I was punctured on the inner side of my foot by a rusty metal object while outside my home. At the time, it didn't penetrate completely; I felt something poke my foot and immediately moved away. There was a smal...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. According to the literature, even if the wound is clean or very minor, if you have never received a tetanus vaccine before or if it has been more than 10 years since your last vaccination, it is advisable to get vaccinated. There is no data avai...[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained
Is there a risk of HIV infection? Hello doctor, I previously went to a gay nightclub where a partner possibly ejaculated on my calf. There is a small area on my calf that seems to have a minor wound that is about to scab over. Is this a concern? Additionally, I licked the partner...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is generally little risk associated with saliva coming into contact with the skin, but if semen comes into contact with an open wound, there is theoretically a slight risk of transmission (though it is low). I can only tell you that contact with bodily fluids carries...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. The first one is that a few days ago, the outer side of my thigh felt itchy and looked like it was bitten by an insect, with a little swelling. I didn't pay much attention to it and didn'...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to determine the exact condition just from the pictures, but insect bites combined with scratching can indeed lead to similar wounds. Lyme disease is almost non-existent in Taiwan, and most cases are contracted while traveling to Europe or America. The ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Infection issues Hello, I apologize for the previous question. I would like to ask again: on March 24, I got a haircut and was accidentally cut on the neck, causing a small piece of skin to bleed. There is dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the perso...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
It can be said yes, but it can also be said no; to transmit bloodborne diseases (including HIV and hepatitis B/C), aside from direct contact like sharing needles among drug users, the risk of transmission through other wound exposure is relatively low. If you are concerned, you m...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: 1. I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, despite having a light diet, while still losing weight after being diagnos...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I am an SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient. I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, even though I have been eating a light diet and have been on medica...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Questions related to lupus erythematosus and kidney biopsy? Hello Dr. Gao, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2012, and recently underwent a kidney biopsy that confirmed class III lupus nephritis. I have some questions related to lupus and the kidney bio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. If the biopsy results indicate Class III lupus nephritis, is it possible for treatment to reduce it to Class I or II lupus nephritis, or even to have no nephritis at all? --> The classification may change, but the...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions related to HIV. If you can help me with my concerns, I would greatly appreciate it. I purchased a depilatory cream online, and when I picked it up and opened it, I didn't pay special attention to whether it ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Cutting hair to the point of bleeding? Hello, on March 24, I got a haircut and accidentally got cut on my neck by the scissors, causing a small piece of skin to come off and some dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the person who used the scissors bef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or e...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Do You Have Diabetic Dermopathy?
Is it a diabetic spot? Hello Doctor, my BMI is 21. I have been consistently engaging in aerobic exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, but I have been troubled by diabetes issues recently. At the end of February this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, but by the end of Marc...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, blood sugar levels are normal. Regarding skin lesions, you can consult a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Do You Have Diabetic Dermopathy?