Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I went to see a family physician for hair loss issues, and all my blood test results were normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for further rheumatology blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked repeatedly. I am reposting my previous response below, and please avoid asking the same question in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to h...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Skin Wounds: Care Tips and Healing Time
Please consult a doctor regarding the wound? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad with my family for a week. Two days ago, I noticed some itching on the side of my left foot. After rubbing it, some skin flakes came off, and it seems like there was already a small area of broken sk...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the image link cannot be opened! Additionally, online consultations are not available here. Based on your description, I recommend continuing with your current care methods and seeking medical attention as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Skin Wounds: Care Tips and Healing Time
Risk of Infection from Hair Removal Without Gloves: What You Need to Know
The risk of infection when hair removal technicians do not wear gloves? Hello, the beautician did not wear gloves while using a disposable razor for hair removal and used their hands to remove the shaved hair from the area. I did not see any blood on my skin and did not feel any ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper wound care. 2. In addition to beauticians, barbers also face similar concerns; if there are no large wounds after hair removal, the risk of infection is generally low. Howev...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Hair Removal Without Gloves: What You Need to Know
Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Detection of SSA antibodies? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about experiencing unexplained pain and swelling in 1-2 joints of my fingers and toes this year, which disappears after a few days, only to reappear in other areas with tenderness upon pressure. I visited the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of SSA antibodies is not related to the ability to conceive; however, there is still a possibility that Sjögren's syndrome may evolve into lupus erythematosus in the future, although the likelihood is unclear. Therefore, when ...[Read More] Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Understanding Causes of Lower Limb Edema: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
What are the possible causes of lower extremity edema? Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing lower limb edema (with pitting), abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, subjective fatigue (increased sleep duration), along with pain in the skin of both legs and ankle joint pain...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the albumin level in the blood is too low, it may also cause lower extremity edema. It is recommended to check the albumin level data, as low levels can lead to lower limb swelling. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Causes of Lower Limb Edema: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Anesthesia Allergies: Risks and Alternatives for Patients
Anesthesia Allergy Consultation About three years ago, I had to undergo surgery for testicular torsion. At that time, I received general anesthesia administered through an IV. I’m not sure if it was during or after the surgery, but the doctor mentioned that I developed pulmonary ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. If I developed acute pulmonary edema after surgery, is it likely due to an allergy to anesthesia, or could there be other possibilities? --> The likelihood is very low. It may be necessary to confirm whether it wa...[Read More] Understanding Anesthesia Allergies: Risks and Alternatives for Patients
Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) I have been diagnosed with low complement urticarial vasculitis for about six months. My symptoms include skin rashes, weight loss, lower extremity vascular pain, and gum pain, along with peripheral neuropathy and dizziness...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How to treat hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis? --> Treatment will be arranged based on the severity of the condition. If you only have skin manifestations, antihistamines may be effective; if there is asso...[Read More] Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome and medication issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome two years ago, initially experiencing only dry mouth. By June, I developed stiffness in my finger joints (sometimes only in the morning, sometimes lasting half a ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Based on the blood test report and the current symptom of dry mouth, do I need to take quinine? If I do not take it, what potential complications might arise in the future? (I have been hesitant to take medication sinc...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
When is the appropriate time to initiate medication treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, Doctor Gao: Two years ago, a family member was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. At that time, the only symptom was mild dry mouth, so no medication was prescribed. However, in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If there are signs of disease activity in Sjögren's syndrome, including abnormal blood test results and associated clinical symptoms such as skin petechiae and pulmonary symptoms, the risk of developing related complications, including lym...[Read More] When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
HIV transmission routes (abrasions) 1. If you accidentally cut the skin around your eyebrows while using an eyebrow razor that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk is considered to be very low, as HIV does...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it is a personal item, there is a potential risk of HIV infection. 2. If it is a shared item, there is still a possibility of contracting HIV, so it is recommended to consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet associated with cryoglobulinemia? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time in early June this year and recovered. At the end of June, I noticed similar bleeding spots on both feet and visited the hospital, where t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. To determine whether it is a neurological issue, including polyneuropathy, you can consult a neurologist. They will assess whether further nerve conduction studies are necessary. This test can help initially differentiate between polyneuropathy,...[Read More] Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Elbow issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I noticed some raised bumps on my elbow that feel itchy but are not red. I scratched and rubbed them, and yesterday the skin broke a little but it seems to have scabbed over. Now it looks a bit red in that area, but I don’t feel any open ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Just by looking at the pictures, it is difficult to determine; it resembles common eczema or contact dermatitis. I recommend seeing a dermatologist first. We do not solely rely on the rash to diagnose autoimmune diseases or HIV, so please do no...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding the Risk of STIs from Oral Sex: Key Insights
The likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from oral sex? Hello, doctor. Recently, I engaged in oral sex (I was the recipient). My partner has no sores or ulcers in their mouth, and there are no wounds on their genitals, so is there no risk of any infection? Additio...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the oral epithelium is considered a mucous membrane and does not have the same level of resistance as regular skin. If it comes into contact with pathogens or viruses associated with sexually transmitted infections, there is a risk of disease transmission. The likelihood o...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of STIs from Oral Sex: Key Insights
Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Antinuclear antibodies and abnormalities in complement levels C3 and C4? Hello Doctor, my wife has had abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels in her blood tests over the past few years (both AC-1 and AC-4 are affected), with titers fluctuating between a maximum of 1:320 and a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of abnormal ANA along with decreased C3 and C4 levels suggests a higher likelihood of an autoimmune disease. C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and generally, they increase in response to stress or infection. However, in cases of...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin
Modes of Transmission of HIV/AIDS I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person with HIV on a recently scabbed area (about five days post-injury) and then touched my face (which has a few pimples) and rubbed my eyes, is there a risk of contracting HIV? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Theoretically, if there is no contact with blood or bodily fluids, there should be no issue of exposure to the virus! (The skin does not contain the virus.)[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin
Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Possibility of infection Hello Dr. Lin, today while traveling by air, I accidentally pricked myself with a plastic fork when I opened it. Although there was no bleeding, it looks a little white, and I'm not sure if the skin is broken. Even though the fork appears to be dispo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless there is reasonable suspicion that the fork has come into contact with another person's blood or bodily fluids, there is minimal risk of infectious disease. It is advisable not to worry too much.[Read More] Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Infection may be consulted? Hello doctor, I am currently on a business trip abroad. For the first time, a colleague took me to a massage due to back pain. The establishment was a regular massage parlor without any sexual services. Since I have never had a massage before, I had my...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Based on the photos, it appears to be skin symptoms that resemble friction or treatments involving mugwort; it is unlikely to be a sexually transmitted infection (including HIV). It is recommended to treat it as a regular wound. If there are still concerns, you may consult a near...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Skin Contact
Probability of HIV infection I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person infected with HIV on a bruised area (approximately 4-5 days old) where the skin surface is peeling and scabbing (the skin looks dry with some flakes and does not feel wet to the touch), and then im...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. There are three routes of transmission for HIV: unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles and diluents, and transmission from an HIV-positive mother during pregnancy. 2. When touching a patient's wound, if you also have a wound and the patient is not adhering to t...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Skin Contact
Understanding Pemphigus Antibody Levels and Their Clinical Significance
Pemphigus blood test values Recently diagnosed with pemphigus with intercellular antibody titer of 1:1280. There are no skin blisters and no biopsy performed. Currently, the symptoms are concentrated in the oral mucosa with redness and ulceration. What is the clinical significanc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Intercellular matrix antibodies are one of the blood tests used to diagnose pemphigus. A higher value indicates a greater amount of antibodies and is related to disease activity. However, the values can change with treatment and can serve as an...[Read More] Understanding Pemphigus Antibody Levels and Their Clinical Significance
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin Contact
HIV infection I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person infected with HIV on a bruised area (about 4-5 days old) where the skin had peeled and scabbed, and then immediately touched my face (which has a few pimples) and rubbed my eyes, is there a risk of contracting HI...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of this happening is very low. Currently, HIV/AIDS is classified as an infectious disease. Although clinical symptoms are related to immune function, it is advisable to consult an infectious disease specialist for related concern...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin Contact