Can You Contract HIV or Other Infections from Haircut Tools?
Regarding the risk of contracting HIV and other various infectious diseases? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if the hair clippers or trimmers used for cutting hair, which may have come into contact with blood from someone with HIV or other infectious diseases, could pose a ris...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sharing needles, blood transfusions, or sexual intercourse. The hair-cutting activities you mentioned do not transmit HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV or Other Infections from Haircut Tools?
Persistent Leg Discomfort After COVID-19 Vaccination: When to Seek Help?
Persistent soreness and numbness in the right calf after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. I received my third dose of Moderna, and starting the next day, I have been experiencing soreness and numbness in my right calf and foot. This sensation has been persistent, la...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you described are indeed potential symptoms of the vaccine. It is recommended to rest for a few days, and you should gradually improve. If there is no improvement or if the symptoms continue to worsen, then medical attention is necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Leg Discomfort After COVID-19 Vaccination: When to Seek Help?
Persistent Leg Discomfort After COVID-19 Vaccination: When to Seek Help?
Persistent soreness and numbness in the right calf after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. I received my third dose of Moderna, and starting the next day, I've been experiencing soreness and numbness in my right calf and foot. This sensation has been quite persi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you described are indeed possible symptoms of the vaccine. It is recommended to rest for a few days, and it should gradually improve. If there is no improvement or if the symptoms continue to worsen, then medical attention is necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Leg Discomfort After COVID-19 Vaccination: When to Seek Help?
Understanding Nausea and Discomfort: Common Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea and discomfort? In the past few days, I have been experiencing a nauseating sensation in my throat. It's not painful, but it feels like something is there, and I can't seem to burp it out. Additionally, I occasionally feel mild discomfort in my upper left abdomen...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you mentioned seems to be different conditions. Nausea and upper abdominal pain may suggest gastritis, and a light diet is recommended, which should help improve the skin condition on your hands. Since I haven't seen it directly, I cannot make a definitive diagno...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Discomfort: Common Gastrointestinal Issues
Essential Questions About HIV Transmission and Prevention
Basic HIV Transmission Issues Hello, I am person 178279 and I have a few basic questions about HIV transmission: 1. If I touch someone else's blood with my hands and forget to wash them before going to the restroom, is there a risk of infection? 2. If my phone comes into ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. General skin contact does not transmit HIV. 2. You can simply wipe with tissue paper. 3. Ordinary wounds do not typically get infected with HIV and can be disinfected with povidone-iodine. 4. Regular wounds are unlikely to become infected with HIV. 5. Just be careful no...[Read More] Essential Questions About HIV Transmission and Prevention
Can HIV Survive in Semen on Surfaces? Understanding Infection Risks
HIV infection Is it possible to contract HIV if a doctor steps on or touches semen in the restroom? (Approximately half an hour) I am unsure how long the HIV virus can survive in semen.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus cannot be transmitted through skin contact, so the situation you described would not result in HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can HIV Survive in Semen on Surfaces? Understanding Infection Risks
Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure During Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello, doctor. Following up on the previous question, during vaccination, due to the high number of people, the nurse did not follow the standard disinfection procedures. It was also noticed that there was blood on her hands (unknown whose it was) during the injec...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have been busy administering vaccines, which may lead to lapses in following standard disinfection protocols; however, wearing gloves and practicing proper hand hygiene can suffice. 2. Even in the case of HIV-positive individu...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure During Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Risk of Infection from Contaminated Vaccine Injection: What You Need to Know
Viral infection If the nurse did not follow the standard hand hygiene protocols due to a high number of patients and you noticed blood on their hands during the injection (unknown whose blood it was), the risk of infection depends on several factors, including the presence of vir...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the presence of blood stains on the skin, whether related to Hepatitis B or HIV, typically involves infection through needles entering the bloodstream. In your case, the risk of infection is very low, and no special treatment is necessary. Thank ...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Contaminated Vaccine Injection: What You Need to Know
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 Anal Fissures and Surrounding Skin Tags
Perianal granulation tissue associated with anal fissure? Doctor, I've been experiencing anal fissures for the past couple of days. Could this be the reason for some itching? Additionally, there are some small white growths around the affected area; is this normal? (See phot...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, issues related to the anus may cause mild pain, especially in the case of hemorrhoids or when there are wounds. The sensation we experience is often described as itching. After cleaning the area, applying a thin layer of lotion or ointment should suffice. 2. If you stil...[Read More] Understanding Anal Fissures and Surrounding Skin Tags
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Small Wounds? Understanding the Risks
The possibility of sexually transmitted infections being transmitted through wounds? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I asked a question: During a high school experiment, I used a clean, newly opened lancet to prick my finger, resulting in a small wound that bled a few drops. If th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds. ...[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Small Wounds? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a small wound on my fingertip caused by a sharp object, but it has stopped bleeding by today, so it can be considered an overnight wound. However, today I came into contact with a person living with HIV who has a wound on their hand,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (such as semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds. The transmission routes...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Managing Thyroid Antibody Levels: Dietary Tips and Medication Guidance
If thyroid antibodies are abnormally high, what dietary changes should be made? Hello, Doctor Gao: I would like to ask you about my current medication, Bile Acid Sequestrants. I have a habit of drinking goji berry tea right after taking the medication. Will this affect the effica...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. Does drinking goji berry tea immediately after taking medication affect the efficacy of the drug? --> Goji berries are considered to be between traditional Chinese medicine and food, and their i...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Antibody Levels: Dietary Tips and Medication Guidance
Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Visiting the Dentist?
Can you get hepatitis B from visiting the dentist? A few days ago, I had swelling when my wisdom teeth were coming in, so I visited a relatively tidy dental clinic. Later, I recalled that a few weeks ago, I had undergone testing for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies, bot...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the CDC website: A. Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in bodily fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are considered infectious. The presence of e antigen indicates a high concentration of the virus in the b...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Visiting the Dentist?
Understanding a Red Spot on Your Foot: Causes and Concerns
A red spot on the dorsum of the foot? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about something. I received a vaccine at the beginning of September, and I am scheduled to get another one next week. However, after taking a shower just now, I suddenly noticed a red spot on the top of m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image, it appears to be caused by microvascular hemorrhage in the skin, likely due to unintentional friction or impact. It is advisable to simply observe it, as it should gradually resolve in a few days. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding a Red Spot on Your Foot: Causes and Concerns
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?
Understanding Syphilis and HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Transmission of Syphilis and HIV 1. If I have eczema on my hands and come into contact with a significant amount of sweat from a person with HIV or syphilis, or if I handle money that has been contaminated with bodily fluids after using the restroom, what is the likelihood of con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin. The modes of transmission include: 1. Sexual transmission: En...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
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
Managing Warts and Hemorrhoids: Treatment Options and Concerns
After developing cauliflower-like lesions, the surface appears fine, but I have been informed that I have hemorrhoids and need to apply steroids. What should I do? Hello doctor, my anal warts have been clean for a few days. The doctor said I don't need to apply phenol soluti...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently your warts have at least been treated temporarily, and it is more important to manage your hemorrhoids. It is recommended to use the Liyu hemorrhoid suppository as advised by your physician; this suppository should have a limited impact on your warts. As for Taiy...[Read More] Managing Warts and Hemorrhoids: Treatment Options and Concerns