Understanding the Healing Process of Balanitis: Signs and Care Tips
How to determine the healing of balanitis? Hello Doctor, I have phimosis, but there are no issues with retracting the glans. Before the infection, I cleaned daily. Around October 10, 2018, I noticed a small red spot on the glans that gradually enlarged, peeled, and ulcerated. I v...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the typical treatment duration for balanitis is about one to three weeks. If there is no pain or itching, it usually indicates that the infection has largely improved. The skin of the glans is quite sensitive, and it is indeed possible for it to become red due to medicatio...[Read More] Understanding the Healing Process of Balanitis: Signs and Care Tips
Understanding IgA Nephropathy: Key Questions and Concerns for Patients
Regarding IgA nephropathy? Hello Doctor, I recently went to see a physician due to proteinuria and hematuria. After several examinations, the doctor suspects I have IgA nephropathy. Since the test results are not yet available, I would like to ask a few questions in case I am dia...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Below are the responses to your questions. 1. IgA nephropathy can be well controlled with medication, but regular follow-up appointments are still necessary. Appropriate treatment can indeed reduce the risk of renal function deterioration leading to dialysis. 2. It is re...[Read More] Understanding IgA Nephropathy: Key Questions and Concerns for Patients
Are These Symptoms Early Signs of a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
Is this a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? The presence of small red spots on the sides and tip of the tongue, as well as tiny white granular spots visible when pressing on the underside of the tongue, could be concerning. However, these symptoms are not definitive...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, to be honest, it is difficult to determine whether it is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or something abnormal just by describing it in words. The tongue can only have a chance of being infected with an STI after engaging in oral sex. The granular appearance on the ...[Read More] Are These Symptoms Early Signs of a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
Understanding Intermittent Numbness and Weakness in Feet: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent numbness in both feet? Hello Doctor: I am 24 years old and have been working for some time. I have hyperthyroidism, which I have been treating for six months. I have been going to the hospital for follow-ups, and my condition is currently stable and normal. However, ...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Based on the brief medical history you provided, it is recommended that hyperthyroidism be managed according to medical advice and that regular follow-ups are conducted. You should first rule out the possibility of having Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP). Statistics indicate t...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Numbness and Weakness in Feet: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gout: The Role of White Blood Cells in Uric Acid Crystals
Gout-related Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking a question that is not directly related to health care. I found online that the mechanism of gout occurs due to the accumulation of excess uric acid crystals in the body, which triggers an inflammatory response from white blood c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In terms of pathology, once the body produces gout crystals, they are recognized by white blood cells as foreign substances, prompting an immune response. We do use immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids, to mitigate the attack by white blood cells. However, these...[Read More] Understanding Gout: The Role of White Blood Cells in Uric Acid Crystals
Can You Get STDs from Contact with Infected Bodily Fluids?
Contact with the bodily fluids of a patient with a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? 1. I am very concerned about the possibility of contracting syphilis and gonorrhea if items in public places come into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual. If I touch the...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Your question is actually one that many people have similar concerns about. The primary mode of transmission for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is through contact with genital organs and their secretions. In principle, the secretions from an untreated STI patient m...[Read More] Can You Get STDs from Contact with Infected Bodily Fluids?
Managing Chronic Lymphadenitis: Tips for Self-Care and Awareness
What should be noted regarding chronic lymphadenitis? Two to three years ago, I had lymphadenitis in my right armpit. Since then, I have experienced intermittent redness, swelling, and tenderness, which have been milder than the initial infection. There are times when I feel comp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is important to determine whether you have ever had surgery or an injury to your right hand or right chest. Previous injuries or surgeries can indeed lead to the symptoms you are experiencing. If there is no history of such events, we should consider whether your right ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Lymphadenitis: Tips for Self-Care and Awareness
Understanding Discomfort in Dialysis Patients: Heat Sensation and More
Body heat or feeling hot? Dear Doctor, My elder family member is 70 years old and has been undergoing dialysis three times a week for over three years. Recently, we have noticed that if he misses a dialysis session or goes two days without it, he experiences several uncomfortab...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, these symptoms may be caused by uremia. Hemodialysis treatment (commonly referred to as dialysis) is not a panacea and cannot be compared to the natural functions of healthy kidneys. It can only assist the body in eliminating some water-soluble t...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in Dialysis Patients: Heat Sensation and More
Understanding Dry Mouth and White Coating: Is It a Sign of HIV?
Dry mouth and tongue coating? Symptoms of HIV can vary, but common early signs include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The symptoms you describe, such as dry mouth, white patches on the tongue, and skin rashes that come and go, could be indicative of various ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if proper safety precautions are taken, the chance of contracting HIV is very low. The symptoms you described, such as the tongue and rash, do not resemble typical manifestations of HIV. An increase in white blood cells is also not a typical presentation. It is recommended...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth and White Coating: Is It a Sign of HIV?
Understanding B Vitamins: Allergies, Kidney Health, and Monitoring Needs
Questions related to B vitamins? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing glossitis and have been taking B vitamins. After taking them, I sometimes feel a general sensation of heat, and sometimes I do not. Is this an allergic reaction? Could it cause kidney damage? Addit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Taking any medication or dietary supplements can lead to a variety of non-specific bodily reactions, so I'm not certain if your symptoms are an allergic reaction. However, most allergic reactions typically present with itching and skin ras...[Read More] Understanding B Vitamins: Allergies, Kidney Health, and Monitoring Needs
Chronic Illness: Recurring Colds and High Chickenpox Antibody Levels
Repeated colds for three years and varicella antibody levels? Since 2015, I have been experiencing recurrent colds, chronic acute sinusitis, tonsillar enlargement/abscess, mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma, influenza, and dizziness. On average, I visit the doctor about three times a m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the questions, here are the responses. Q1: I would like to ask the physician... Is the varicella antibody index a point of concern? A: Reference material: http://www.ucl.com.tw/webshop/shop/ServiceQueryInfo.asp?GoodsID=D0109032&GoodstypeID=D0&Midd...[Read More] Chronic Illness: Recurring Colds and High Chickenpox Antibody Levels
Understanding Metabolic Issues: Low Urine Output and Digestive Concerns
Metabolic issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that my metabolism seems to be off. I've been experiencing a decrease in bowel movements; they are infrequent and difficult to pass. Additionally, regardless of how much water I drink, my urine output is very low. F...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. The body's sources of hydration primarily come from drinking water, beverages, food and ingredients, as well as metabolic processes. Fluid loss mainly occurs through urine, feces, evaporation from the skin, respiratory water vapor, and sweating. For ...[Read More] Understanding Metabolic Issues: Low Urine Output and Digestive Concerns
Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers
Purulent tonsillitis in the oral cavity, gingival swelling, and purulent lips? Hello Doctor, since I took my sister to the hospital on January 4th and stayed there from 9 AM to 10 PM, I have not slept for eighteen hours. It was the most irregular day for my schedule in over a yea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your oral ulceration does seem severe. It may not be possible to determine the true cause based solely on your description. I recommend visiting a major hospital's dental department for relevant examinations, including viral testing. If ther...[Read More] Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers
Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Is morning stiffness always caused by arthritis? Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, over the past week or two, I've suddenly noticed that when I wake up in the morning (this has happened for three consecutive days, but also occurred once or twice last week), my hand joints feel st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The definition of morning stiffness is joint stiffness and pain lasting more than one hour. Therefore, if your morning joint stiffness lasts only 5 minutes, it does not meet the criteria for morning stiffness. However, even if your morning join...[Read More] Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Unexplained Internal Itching After Facial Fracture Surgery: What to Do?
Itchy face with areas that cannot be reached by hand? A family member sustained a zygomatic bone fracture due to a car accident over 20 years ago. They underwent surgery to place a steel pin at the site of the injury to facilitate healing. Recently, they have noticed that the are...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, typically we assess whether there is an issue at the surgical site based on the presence of fever or localized redness, swelling, heat, and pain. According to your description, it seems that the affected area is only itchy and does not exhibit the aforementioned symptoms. ...[Read More] Unexplained Internal Itching After Facial Fracture Surgery: What to Do?
Can You Contract HIV from Scratches During a Fight?
Can you get HIV from being scratched? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I had a conflict with someone, and during the struggle on the ground, the other person tightly grabbed my wrists. Afterward, I noticed that my wrists have wounds and scratch marks. I'm not sure if the wounds are ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, A. First, please refer to the information on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw. There are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Scratches During a Fight?
Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
IgG: 1750 and IgG4: 208? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I have some questions. Recently, after several days of staying up late, I have been feeling very fatigued, experiencing dry mouth and reduced saliva. Therefore, I visited an oral surgeon, but they did not ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I will address your questions as follows: 1. You may have IgG4-related disease, which has symptoms similar to Sjögren's syndrome. It may require long-term medication, but there might be possibilities for dose reduction or discontinuation. ...[Read More] Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
Understanding Staphylococcus Blood Infections: Causes and Treatment Options
Staphylococcus aureus infection in the blood? Hello, my family member was hospitalized due to a car accident, suffering from a mild concussion and some external injuries. However, after three days in the hospital, they started experiencing persistent high fever, and tests reveale...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, I. Regarding <The incubation period of Staphylococcus in blood infections>: A: Staphylococcus infections often originate from wounds, and occasionally from the respiratory and urinary tracts. In short, as long as there is an entry point on the body that is ...[Read More] Understanding Staphylococcus Blood Infections: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Please inquire about the HIV window period issue? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. In the context of having hepatitis C, if I have been exposed to a potential risk of HIV infection due to three factors: needlestick injury, skin break with blee...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether there is a premise of hepatitis C, the response is as follows: I. Referencing the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx? (1) Hepatitis C occurs globally. In th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure