Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Eosinophil count is low? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test at the hospital, and one of the items was the eosinophil count, which was <18, while the standard range is 40-350. Could this be related to my oral Prednisolone treatment (1 tablet BID) for skin vasculitis 10...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your low eosinophil count is indeed a change in your test results due to your previous use of corticosteroids. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?
Hello, I am the questioner 198067? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking again. Do you mean that if it has been over 20 years without any rabies symptoms, this indicates that the rabies virus did not enter my body at the time of the initial bite? Or is it possible that a trace am...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
According to the existing literature, it appears that the rabies virus does not coexist peacefully with the human body in the long term. The incubation period generally does not exceed one year, so if there are no related neurological symptoms after one year, it can be considered...[Read More] Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?
Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
Vasculitis symptoms issues? Doctor, I am the previous patient who inquired about vasculitis. It has been confirmed that my skin condition is not ANCA-related and has improved. However, I am unsure why this afternoon I experienced some abdominal discomfort and lower back pain. Aft...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe the symptoms you described are not specific, but if you are concerned, you can schedule an earlier follow-up appointment for tests. A simple urine test can help determine if there are any issues with your kidneys. The Allergy, Immunolo...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, doctor. I am the person asking the following question: "I have a wound on my calf that looks like it was scratched from itching or possibly a mosquito bite. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
You're welcome![Read More] Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials
Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Vasculitis issues I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. On June 26, I visited a dermatologist who ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. The urine test results were all normal. A...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The ANCA test performed at a general laboratory can initially determine the presence of ANCA, and there is usually no need to specifically test for c-ANCA and p-ANCA unless the ANCA result is positive, at which point differentiation is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Scleroderma and Urinary Microalbumin Hello, in April of this year, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department due to hand pain and found the following abnormalities: ANA 1:160 (AC-10) Nucleolar punctate, Anti-Scl-70 16 (-) reference value (120 au/ml), Anti-Sm 9 (-), Ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The results from your rheumatology examination are mostly negative, with some results falling into a gray area, making it indeed difficult to draw conclusions based on the current test results. The diagnosis of scleroderma can sometimes be confi...[Read More] Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Understanding HIV Transmission: Risks of Contact with Infected Fluids
HIV exposure and infection? 1. In normal, unbroken skin, contact with the saliva, sweat, urine, or blood of an HIV-infected individual does not pose a risk of infection. 2. If there is a wound present, there is a potential risk of infection from contact with the blood of an HIV...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the HIV virus dies outside the human body after more than ten minutes and becomes non-infectious. 2. Therefore, unless the patient is irregularly taking their medication and we come into contact with them while having an open bleeding wound, there is a chance of infecti...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Risks of Contact with Infected Fluids
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood or Semen?
Exposure to HIV infection If intact skin (without any wounds) comes into contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the HIV virus dies outside the human body after more than ten minutes and is no longer infectious. 2. Therefore, unless the patient is irregular with their medication and we come into contact with them while having an open bleeding wound, there is a chance of infection.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood or Semen?
Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Hello, doctor. 1. After engaging in high-risk behavior, I went to the hospital for an HIV PCR test and a syphilis test 10 days later, and both results were negative. I only engaged in [unprotected oral sex from a male to a female]. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is recommended to monitor for at least 3 months to definitively rule out infection. Each individual's constitution varies, so there is no exact timeframe; however, in rare cases, the window period for the virus can extend up to 3 months. 2. Typically, infectiousness is...[Read More] Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Understanding STD Transmission Risks When Caring for Children
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission issues? Hello, Doctor: 1. I would like to ask if it is possible to transmit a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to my child if I accidentally become infected but have to take care of them at home. 2. For example, if I am in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are typically transmitted through sexual contact, and the risk of transmission through general contact is low (though it depends on the specific STI in question). 2. No, unless the lesions of the STI come into direct contact with the ch...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission Risks When Caring for Children
Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Consultation I have been suffering from skin allergies for over six months, with daily recurrences upon waking up. I believe it is dyshidrotic eczema, but it is very deep and extremely itchy. The outer layer has scabbed over while the inside contin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. We often use chloroquine in patients with early immune dysfunction or rheumatic diseases. Although you only have allergic symptoms, the elevated ANA antibody levels may lead your physician to be concerned that the cause of your dyshidrosis is n...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Timing for STD Testing: Understanding Risks and When to Get Checked
Timing for STI Screening Hello, Doctor: 1. I had sexual intercourse with an online acquaintance on May 27. The partner has multiple sexual partners. During our encounter, we took a bath together, and during oral sex, the male performed oral sex on the female without a condom, w...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, 1. Individual intimate contacts have been studied regarding their transmission risks, but it is quite difficult to assess the overall risk of sexual intercourse. Essentially, HIV transmission requires contact between mucous membranes or broken skin and infected bodily fl...[Read More] Timing for STD Testing: Understanding Risks and When to Get Checked
Concerns About Cockroach Contact: Risks and Precautions for Foot Wounds
A person with a wound on their athlete's foot stepped barefoot on a cockroach? 1. Given your situation, the likelihood of contracting a cockroach-related disease from stepping on a cockroach is low, especially since the cockroach did not come into direct contact with your ex...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The chances are very low, as it is merely encountering a cockroach and not being bitten by one. 2. Typically, the risk is higher when consuming food or water contaminated by cockroaches; similar cases are rarely encountered in Taiwan. 3. Different types of parasites or ...[Read More] Concerns About Cockroach Contact: Risks and Precautions for Foot Wounds
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis
HIV transmission issues Dear Dr. Liao, I do not engage in any high-risk behaviors, but I have psoriasis that causes redness and peeling of the skin on my limbs (sometimes I scratch until I break the skin or cause cracks due to itching). Does this condition increase my risk of in...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluid...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis
Understanding Abdominal Masses: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal mass? I would like to ask the doctor, today I suddenly noticed a small lump on the right side of my navel, about the size of a one-centimeter round ball. It hurts when I press it lightly, and it also hurts when I apply more pressure. I'm not sure what the issue cou...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A friend online mentioned that an abdominal mass could be a sign of various conditions, ranging from skin lesions to intra-abdominal tumors. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: Causes and Concerns
Alternatives to NSAIDs for Fever Relief and Allergy Concerns
Drug allergy Hello, doctor. If I have already experienced allergic reactions to NSAID fever reducers and have recently discovered that I am also allergic to acetaminophen, do I have other options for fever reducers? Additionally, could taking acetaminophen and traditional Chinese...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of being allergic to paracetamol (acetaminophen) in clinical practice is very low; I rarely encounter such cases. Especially if you suspect it may be related to traditional Chinese medicine, I recommend confirming this further. F...[Read More] Alternatives to NSAIDs for Fever Relief and Allergy Concerns
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments
Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor: I have a concern that I would like to ask you about. During my middle school years, the tutoring center environment was quite poor; there were very few restrooms, and the design might have been problematic, as there was often a puddle of urine...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is basically no risk! HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with blood, bodily fluids, and mucous membranes, mainly through sexual intercourse. The viral load in urine is very low, and splashes that come into contact with the skin typically do not pose a trans...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments
Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Do allergens need to be tested repeatedly? Hello, Doctor Gao: I am 21 years old this year and have had an allergic constitution since childhood. When I was 16, I underwent allergen testing (M25-130-Z MAST ALLERGY) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, which tested 36 allergens, all of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I still have some allergic symptoms, but I'm not sure what the allergens are. Is it necessary for me to undergo the 36-item allergen test again? Generally speaking, is there a high probability that something tha...[Read More] Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
For issues related to gonorrhea, chlamydia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you should consult a urologist or an infectious disease specialist? Hello, Doctor! I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you some questions regarding gonorrhea and chlamydia. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Both types can have asymptomatic infections, and even if there are no symptoms, there is still a possibility of being infectious. 2. Asymptomatic infections are rare in males, but more common in females. If there are no symptoms, unless your intimate partner has been diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis
Sjögren's syndrome and sialography? Hello Doctor, (I forgot to attach the data and there were some missing words, so I am asking again.) My immunologist diagnosed me with possible reactive arthritis. Recently, after hearing that I have dry eye syndrome, the doctor arranged f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. My doctor told me that my salivary gland function is impaired, likely due to arthritis-related xerostomia, which is different from typical dry mouth. Can reactive arthritis also lead to symptoms of dry mouth? Is it po...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis