Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
Chronic urticaria Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if chronic urticaria can only be managed with medication. I have been taking antihistamines for over two months, and during that time, I felt fine without itching, although sometimes my skin would be a bit red. A few years ago,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The result of the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is acceptable; although it is marked as positive, the value is still within an acceptable range according to rheumatology standards, so there is no need to worry too much. Regarding chronic urti...[Read More] Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
Understanding Risks of Bloodborne Diseases: Key Concerns and Clarifications
Regarding issue #201311? Regarding your inquiry about the risks of HIV and other bloodborne diseases: 1. There is a potential risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases if a wound or blood comes into direct contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. However, if the area around...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. If there is no contact with the skin where the fingers touched, theoretically, there is no risk of transmission (referring to the absence of blood, not just the lack of visible blood). 2. The risk is extremely low because the virus must travel from the bloodstain to the ointm...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Bloodborne Diseases: Key Concerns and Clarifications
Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits
Concerns and anxiety about medical consultations, worrying about blood and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I took my child to a pediatric clinic for a urology consultation. During the consultation, I noticed that the physician had a noticeable laceration at the base...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Direct contact of wounds or blood with mucous membranes or broken skin may pose a risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases. However, if there is blood at the base of the fingernail and the finger touches intact skin, theoretically, there is a risk of transmission. 2. The surf...[Read More] Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits
Concerns About Wild Dog Encounters: Infection Risks and Precautions
Stray dog issue Hello doctor, today I went up the mountain with my family and while riding a motorcycle, two or three wild dogs suddenly rushed towards us, barking loudly. It was quite frightening, but fortunately, they did not chase us afterward. During the encounter, I don'...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If the skin is intact and without wounds, there should be no risk of infectious diseases. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Wild Dog Encounters: Infection Risks and Precautions
Understanding Allergies and Joint Pain: Insights on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inquiry about Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. Over the past two to three years, I have frequently experienced skin allergies (rashes). When I am back in my hometown (Miaoli), my condition improves significantly during my vacation, but it immediately relapses when I return to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. For someone like me who experiences long-term allergies that recur, could it be due to environmental factors, stress, or irregular lifestyle? What should I pay attention to or how can I improve? --> All three fact...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Joint Pain: Insights on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can Scratched Groin Skin Lead to HIV Infection After Safe Sex?
Is there a risk of HIV infection from a scratched area in the groin? Recently, I had sexual relations with a sex worker. About 1-2 months later, I noticed that my groin area had been scratched and was red, with some broken skin, but there was no significant bleeding. I used a con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk o...[Read More] Can Scratched Groin Skin Lead to HIV Infection After Safe Sex?
Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Four months ago, the patient developed a rash on the skin and underwent numerous immunological tests. The results showed C1q 24.2, C1c 24.2, C3 73, PL-12 (++), WBC 3600, platelet count 129,000, and urine tests were negative. ANA, dsDNA, pANCA, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The examination data you provided is insufficient, so I cannot offer any recommendations based on these results. However, I believe that a negative ANA (antinuclear antibody) test reduces the likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus and increa...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
The skin bruises easily upon impact? Hello, doctor. I previously recovered from COVID-19 and noticed red spots (petechiae) on my calves. Later, my doctor diagnosed it as vasculitis. After a series of immunological tests, the main abnormalities found were cold agglutinins IgM (1+)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Cryoglobulinemia can also cause petechiae, but it is better to confirm this in conjunction with other clinical symptoms and examinations. I recommend that you have regular follow-ups with a specialist in immunology or hematology for a comprehens...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injury: What You Need to Know
HIV infection risk issues I apologize, but I would like to ask about a needle that appears to have a small amount of dried blood on it (not a syringe needle, but a regular needle). I accidentally pricked myself with the needle and bled. Is there a possibility of contracting HIV i...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If the blood is from another person and it penetrates your skin causing bleeding, there is theoretically a risk of transmission. However, since the HIV virus can only survive outside the human body for a maximum of a few minutes, dried blood is generally very unlikely to transmit...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injury: What You Need to Know
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults
Behçet's disease? Hello, doctor. I am a 43-year-old male. Previously, I experienced some issues with my glans and foreskin; when I tried to retract the foreskin to clean the glans, it would sometimes cause minor tears, but this would heal after a while. This symptom occurred...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The oral mucosal ulcers associated with Behçet's disease, similar to thrush, often occur in multiple locations, and the ulcers in the genital area are also similar. Based on your symptoms, it seems unlikely to be Behçet's disease. Addi...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults
Can Sex Toys Transmit STDs? Understanding Safety and Hygiene Concerns
Can sex toys potentially lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Hello, I recently purchased a sexual wellness product online. The outer packaging appeared intact, but I later discovered that the inner packaging was damaged. I immediately washed the item and my hands with...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus is difficult to survive outside the human body, and the risk of infection is very low. It is recommended to wash and then disinfect with alcohol before use, and to pay attention to any damage to the skin or mucous membranes to reduce the risk of infection fro...[Read More] Can Sex Toys Transmit STDs? Understanding Safety and Hygiene Concerns
Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Drinking or Rinsing with Oral Wounds?
Transmission routes of HIV Can HIV be transmitted through drinking water (beverages) or rinsing the mouth if there are wounds in the oral cavity?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus primarily exists in blood and semen, and it can infect through broken skin. The likelihood of contracting HIV through drinking water or rinsing the mouth is very low.[Read More] Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Drinking or Rinsing with Oral Wounds?
Can Male Masturbation Devices Transmit Viruses? Expert Insights
Can male masturbation devices transmit viruses? Hello, doctor. Some time ago, I purchased a masturbation device online. Although the outer packaging was intact, I found that the inner packaging was damaged upon opening. I washed the entire device with soapy water two or three tim...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases; please consult an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Can Male Masturbation Devices Transmit Viruses? Expert Insights
Understanding the Effectiveness and Frequency of Immune System Tests
Immune system examination? Hello Doctor: I had an immune system blood test related to rheumatoid conditions last November, and all the values were normal at that time. I would like to ask how long the effectiveness of the immune system test lasts and how often I should have it do...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If your tests are all normal and you do not have any symptoms related to the immune system or rheumatic diseases, I believe routine follow-up may not be necessary. However, if you experience rheumatic symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, un...[Read More] Understanding the Effectiveness and Frequency of Immune System Tests
Risks of Using IV Bags for Enemas: Health Concerns Explained
Using an IV bag to infuse water into the rectum for bowel evacuation? Hello doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. Everyone in the family has talked to her about this, but she won't listen. She is almost 60 years old, and recently she learned a strange way of using the ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Basically, if the water is contaminated, there is a risk of causing inflammation in the intestines if it is administered too deeply. However, if the water is clean, it is equivalent to an enema, and there are generally no significant side effects.[Read More] Risks of Using IV Bags for Enemas: Health Concerns Explained
Can Wiping with a Towel Contaminated by HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Wiping with a towel contaminated with HIV? Using a towel that has been contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids to wipe the male genitalia can pose a risk of HIV transmission, although the likelihood is generally considered low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus does not survive well outside the human body (with a survival time of less than ten minutes), so the risk of infection is very low. However, there is still a possibility of other infectious diseases, so sharing towels is not recommended.[Read More] Can Wiping with a Towel Contaminated by HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital
Risk of blood infection from being cut by scissors used by a nurse in the hospital? Hello Doctor: A few months ago, my child was hospitalized for pneumonia for 5 days. On the day of discharge, while the nurse was removing the IV bandage, she accidentally cut my child's littl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual po...[Read More] Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Please inquire about bacterial resistance to antibiotics? Hello Dr. Lin, I am part of the group with a high BMI. Between 2015 and 2019, I experienced multiple bacterial infections of the left parotid gland, and the clinic doctors treated me with CURAM. However, the infection at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Different infections can be caused by different bacteria, so the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in previous infections does not necessarily mean that future infections will also involve bacteria resistant to the same antibiotic. If bacterial cultures can be perf...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Antinuclear Antibody (Indirect Immunofluorescence) Report I had this report done at the end of last year because I have been experiencing itchy and painful bones for many years, so I underwent a thorough examination. In my report, there are two highlighted results. One is the ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The general value should be less than 1:40. What does it mean if my value is so high? Is there a possibility of developing a disease? --> Generally, a value of 1:1280 is considered high, and we would conduct furthe...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health