Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Inquiry about Hepatitis B transmission? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Sometimes, my skin has wounds due to various reasons, such as accidental cuts/scrapes, eczema, or insect bites, and I am unsure if these wounds have any fluid or blood. If these wounds come into contact...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control data: The hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are infectious. The presence of the e antigen indicates a high viral load and high infectivity. Transmis...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination
Shingles Hello, a family member has SLE and developed shingles on the left arm four months after receiving the shingles vaccine. Upon returning to the attending physician, it was found that shingles appeared again in a short period. They have been taking antiviral medication for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can continue taking antiviral medication, drink plenty of water, and monitor the skin rash. If the rash appears in different areas while on an adequate dose of antiviral medication, it is likely not herpes; however, if it is near ...[Read More] Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination
Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Inquiry about blood test report values? Hello, Doctor. I had blood tests done on January 8 and July 4 of this year, and overall the values were normal. The only concerning changes were in the white blood cell differential: neutrophils decreased from 52.5% to 37.3%, and lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively new, which may lead to a higher chance of side effects, and there are various symptoms that can occur after vaccination. However, most of these are temporary, so there is no need to worry too much. The ch...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Can Abnormal Thyroid Antibodies Trigger Urticaria? Exploring the Connection
The possibility of thyroid antibody abnormalities triggering urticaria? Hello, Doctor. I have been suffering from severe urticaria since the end of March, and it has not improved as of now (July). After blood tests, all thyroid-related examination reports were abnormal. TSH < ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. From the perspective of a rheumatologist, some causes of chronic urticaria may be related to thyroid dysfunction. Although the viewpoints of the two specialties may differ, the treatment for urticaria falls under rheumatology. Therefore, I beli...[Read More] Can Abnormal Thyroid Antibodies Trigger Urticaria? Exploring the Connection
Understanding Variations in Posterior Tibial Artery Pulsation: When to Seek Help
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lee, I hope this message finds you well. I am unsure which specialty to consult regarding my issue, so I am starting with internal medicine. If this is not your area of expertise, I would appreciate your guidance on which specialty I should consult....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Dear Dr. Huang and Dr. Hsiang, The posterior tibial artery is located more superficially near the skin at the ankle, and in thinner individuals, it may be possible to see its pulsation. Generally, it is not easy to "see" it, and quantifying blood flow status visually i...[Read More] Understanding Variations in Posterior Tibial Artery Pulsation: When to Seek Help
Understanding the Risks of Industrial Alcohol Exposure in Labs
Industrial alcohol inquiry? Hello Doctor, I am currently interning and trying to understand the products, so I followed a lab technician to conduct experiments. To clean the marker off the beaker, it is better to use 95% alcohol spray, as it washes off more easily. Since I haven&...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these chemicals or compounds do indeed have a pungent odor, and many can cause dizziness when inhaled. However, unless consumed in large quantities, they are unlikely to cause significant harm to the body. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and rest; this should he...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Industrial Alcohol Exposure in Labs
Post-COVID Symptoms: Taste Changes and Skin Concerns Explained
Please inquire about issues related to diagnosis? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 a while ago. This morning, I felt post-nasal drip, so I took a mucolytic medication prescribed by the hospital. I haven't taken it in a long time, and it seems a bit sour to me; occ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the taste of phlegm is indeed slightly sour and bitter, which is normal. Regarding the small blisters, it is likely that they were caused by accidental friction. There is no need to puncture them with a needle; they can be left to absorb on their own. Thank you for your qu...[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Taste Changes and Skin Concerns Explained
Unexplained Itching: Could It Be a Parasite Infection?
Uncertain if there is a parasitic infection? There is no abdominal pain or diarrhea, but there is frequent itching around the anus. Additionally, the eyes and skin often feel itchy, and there are occasional sensations as if insects are crawling, although nothing can be seen or fe...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: To determine if there is a parasitic infection, you can go to the hospital to check for parasite eggs. For skin diseases, you can visit a dermatologist. Thank you for your message![Read More] Unexplained Itching: Could It Be a Parasite Infection?
Understanding the Connection Between Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? Doctor, I have been suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis for six or seven years, and it has been quite stable until this year when I discovered that the tumor has grown larger and the markers have increased. I didn't h...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Patients with thyroiditis may sometimes experience hyperthyroid symptoms due to antibodies attacking the thyroid gland, leading to the release of thyroid hormones. Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience itching or rashes on the skin. In cases of hyperthyroidism, ultrasound ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Gratitude to Dr. Gao: Expert Insights on Ankylosing Spondylitis Care
Thank you, Dr. Gao? Hello Dr. Gao, my son is 19 years old and is a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since his diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis a year ago, we have had many questions and uncertainties, especially since this is our first encounter with such a disease. There ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Please feel free to reach out. If you have any questions or concerns in the future, you can jot them down whenever you have time. In addition to asking in the e-hospital, you can also bring your organized questions to the outpatient visit with y...[Read More] Gratitude to Dr. Gao: Expert Insights on Ankylosing Spondylitis Care
Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Do all patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience morning stiffness? Hello Doctor: I would like to confirm something with you regarding a question I asked yesterday (<a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/182368">#182368</a>, details below). I am attaching...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Morning stiffness is not related to the condition of the L4-5 vertebrae. Morning stiffness is associated with inflammation of the joints, tendons, and ligaments. The reason some individuals experience morning stiffne...[Read More] Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Concerns About HIV Infection from Minor Cuts and Skin Contact
HIV infection issues When I was checking out at a convenience store, the cashier had a small bleeding wound on their finger, and they touched my hand, which had some abrasions. Should I be concerned about the risk of HIV infection in this situation? Additionally, when I visited a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not lead to HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Minor Cuts and Skin Contact
Red Spots After Moderna Vaccine: Should You Be Concerned?
Red spots appeared subcutaneously after receiving the Moderna vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, I received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine on May 14 (Saturday). Since the vaccination until today, May 18 (Wednesday), I have only experienced arm pain and no other side effects. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the photo you provided, it appears to be more like skin inflammation rather than bleeding or a blood clot. It is likely caused by contact with an allergen or friction leading to inflammation. Currently, there is no need for medical attention; observation should su...[Read More] Red Spots After Moderna Vaccine: Should You Be Concerned?
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Shower Heads?
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Is there a possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if a showerhead comes into contact with a small amount of urine from a previous user (since they did not use the toilet flushing mechanism but inste...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you referred to, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Shower Heads?
Can You Contract HIV from Minor Cuts and Blood Exposure?
HIV infection The nurse took a container with a yellow sharp object box that had some blood stains on it. Then the nurse handed me something or touched me. At that time, I had a small skin injury next to my thumb nail that was bleeding a little, and there was a small cat scratch ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the contact situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of HIV infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Minor Cuts and Blood Exposure?
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Ankylosing Spondylitis: What to Know
The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about the worsening of my ankylosing spondylitis condition after receiving the first dose of the BNT vaccine (where my medication became ineffective in controlling inflammation levels ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the COVID-19 vaccine does not necessarily worsen ankylosing spondylitis; however, it is true that approximately 5% of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases may experience instability in their condition after vaccination. The reasons for this are unclear, and the degr...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Ankylosing Spondylitis: What to Know
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Ankylosing spondylitis and autoantibodies? Hello Doctor, my son is currently over 18 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. The notes below are from a previous examination report at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Although ankylosing spondyliti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Although ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, it does not mean that patients with ankylosing spondylitis will necessarily have autoantibodies, correct? --> Yes. 2) According to the attached report, does m...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Risks: Key Insights
Follow-up questions regarding complement system? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response. In your previous article, you mentioned that complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. For normal individuals, it is related...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Are you asking if low complement levels in healthy individuals could increase their likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases in the future, or if individuals who already have autoimmune diseases could have low co...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Risks: Key Insights
Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the feet accompanied by unexplained blisters? Dear Dr. Lin, My mother is 58 years old. Over the past six months, she has experienced weakness in her legs (mainly feeling unsteady while walking, as if she is walking on cotton). In the last three months, she has develo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine the issue based solely on this information. I recommend separating the concerns of foot weakness and blisters. For foot weakness, it is indeed advisable to consult a neurologist, preferably at a regional hospital or higher, as they can arrange ...[Read More] Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Anal Itching: Is It a Sign of Infection or Hemorrhoids?
Anal itching Last week, I accidentally ate several slices of undercooked refrigerated pork while having hot pot with my child. I later observed that neither my child nor I experienced diarrhea or abdominal pain. However, for the past two to three days, I have felt a slight itchin...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The chance of contracting parasites in Taiwan is quite low! Most parasites die at low temperatures in the freezer, so the risk of infection is primarily associated with consuming fresh raw meat. If the pork slices have been frozen, the risk is actually very low. Additional...[Read More] Understanding Anal Itching: Is It a Sign of Infection or Hemorrhoids?