Toe, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns

Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...

Understanding Numbness in the Right Big Toe: Causes and Solutions

Numbness on the inner side of the right big toe? I am a 24-year-old male. During the pandemic, I have not gone outside, but today I started to notice numbness in my right big toe, particularly on the side closer to the midline of my body. I have been barefoot at home and have not...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the provided images, it is possible that the symptoms you are experiencing are due to nerve compression in the buttocks caused by the material of your chair and prolonged sitting. It is recommended to find a more comfortable chair and to get up and m...

Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...

Understanding Pain in the Sole: Causes and Recovery Tips

There is pain in the area of the left foot sole? Hello Doctor, I visited an orthopedic specialist because I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the bottom of my foot, especially when I was on my toes. However, the doctor diagnosed that there was no issue and advised me to relax during ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the location of the pain, it is likely plantar fasciitis, which refers to the inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of the foot due to strain or prolonged friction. Treatment typically involves the use of anti-inflammatory ointments, such as the T...

Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?

Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some sleep disturbances. Today, after putting on my shoes and returning home, I noticed that my toe is painful and appears to have a bit of redness. When I touch the swollen area, it feels slightly rai...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Regarding joint swelling and pain, it is recommended to first consult a rheumatologist to determine the underlying cause. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis presents with polyarticular swelling and pain, while the occurrence of a single joint flare...

Understanding Uncommon Hand Conditions: Symptoms and Solutions

Hand problems My older sister has a red patch with dots on her finger that hurts when touched, and it has been present for some time. She recently visited a doctor at Pingtung Hospital, who mentioned it was the first time seeing such a case. The doctor conducted various allergy t...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Generally speaking, painful nodules are less likely to be related to allergies and are more likely associated with rheumatic or autoimmune diseases. If the patient's attending physician is a rheumatologist, it is advisable to return for a f...

Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice

Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...

Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment

Toe problems (continued inquiry) Thank you for your response, Doctor. Regarding the first question, I still have some concerns I would like to ask. I recently took some leftover cold medication from last week when I had a cold and visited an ENT specialist. The medication contain...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The black spots you described are likely the openings of hair follicles, which is a normal structure. 2. The so-called immune-mediated arthritis mostly affects multiple joints, with the highest likelihood of a single joint being involved in gout. However, your sympto...

Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?

Will cutting my nails too deep with a nail clipper cause a hepatitis B infection? Hello Doctor: I am 22 years old, and it has been almost ten years since I received the hepatitis B vaccine in middle school. According to information online, the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vac...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Whether you still have antibodies for Hepatitis B can vary depending on individual physiology, so a blood test is necessary to determine this. However, it is usually assessed based on your occupation and whether you frequently come into contact with Hepatitis B patien...

Can You Catch Infections from Public Baths? Understanding Risks and Precautions

Is the disease contagious? Hello, today I had to take a shower outside because the pressure valve in my home bathroom broke and there was no plumber available. I went with my family to a hot spring place. My left big toe doesn't have any bleeding wounds, but I felt pain in t...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you described, the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection through a small wound is very low, so you don't need to worry. Thank you for your question.

Understanding STD Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered

Infectious disease issues? Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. My boyfriend had a small spot on his glans about a year ago, and it was diagnosed as genital warts. I got checked afterward and was fine, but we haven't had sexual intercourse since then. Today, I not...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the issue with cotton swabs, theoretically, cotton swabs are single-use disposable items and should not cause infections. As for the toes, they are not a common area for warts to become infected, so it is unlikely to lead to an infection. 2. Taking the sub...

Can Scratching a Nail Injury Lead to Infection? Expert Advice

Will it get infected? Hello Doctor, I used my fingernails to scratch at the hard skin growing out from my toenails last night. I slightly tore the skin, and although there was no bleeding, there is a small wound. My fingernail got caught in my toenail, and I'm worried about ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the redness you described is likely a mild inflammation. Whether there is an infection would need to be assessed through a direct examination. For the wound, you can use fusidic acid ointment; however, hydrogen peroxide is not recommended as it can be too irritating to the...

Concerns About Mosquitoes: Health Risks and Symptoms Explained

The issue of mosquitoes? Hello, I was called back to my hometown by my family to help with some rituals. I usually stay in the northern part of Taiwan, where there aren't many mosquitoes near my home. However, at my grandmother's house, I didn't notice them during ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, mosquitoes primarily transmit bloodborne diseases through their bites, such as dengue fever. Direct contact does not transmit specific diseases. Therefore, based on your description, unless you are bitten, you should not contract any specific diseases, unless you have an a...

Morning Finger Joint Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Something Else?

Finger joint pain Hello Doctor: For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain and stiffness in my fingers upon waking up in the morning, making it difficult to bend them or make a fist. After 1-2 hours of activity, the symptoms lessen, and by evening, I gradually return...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Morning joint stiffness and pain in the distal interphalangeal joints are indeed similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, since you have only experienced these symptoms for three weeks, further evaluation is necessary for confir...

Understanding HIV and HBV Transmission Risks: A Guide for Concerned Partners

Inquiry about the transmission routes of HIV and HBV? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you a question on behalf of my girlfriend. She has a small wound on her toe due to paronychia. Last night, she called me and mentioned that while she was on her way home, a worker passed by ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the viral load of HIV in saliva is very low, so transmission does not occur through saliva contact, nor does it occur through contact with wounds. The primary mode of HIV transmission is still through sexual intercourse, so you can reassure her about this. Thank you for yo...

Unexplained Bruises and Swelling on Feet: Seeking Solutions

Unexplained bruising on the foot, recurring? I have had a wound on my foot since a cut at the swimming pool a year ago, which has formed a scab that has not fallen off for a long time. I have started to experience unexplained bruising and swelling, which has been increasing. It i...

Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
However, based on the current description, a definitive diagnosis cannot be established. It is recommended to visit the internal medicine outpatient department at a hospital. If there are frequent unexplained bruises, a blood test to check for coagulation function issues may be w...

Managing Steroid Dosage: Coping with Persistent Symptoms and Allergic Reactions

The steroid dosage has been reduced to 7.5 mg, and the symptoms are becoming more pronounced? Last year, I developed a skin wound from scratching due to flea bites, which became infected with bacteria. The wound started to hurt, but after taking antibiotics, the pain subsided. Ho...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, skin disorders can indeed be very bothersome. If reducing the steroid dosage to 10 mg causes instability in your symptoms, there’s no need to panic. This indicates that your skin condition is still unstable. It may be advisable to adjust the methotrexate (MTX) dosage and w...

Managing Appetite and Bloating in Elderly with Chronic Lung Conditions

Elderly individuals may experience bloating and loss of appetite? Hello, doctor. My elderly family member has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has experienced severe asthma after repeated pneumonia infections (he is on medication and uses an oxygen machine). He ha...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: 1. The Lockfei you mentioned is likely a probiotic. Aside from a few patients with significantly compromised immune systems who may not be suitable for its use, most patients should not have major issues using it. However, since it is a prescription medication, it should...

Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment

What is happening with my medical process? I am filled with confusion and fear? I am currently on antibiotics and waiting for an MRI examination... Let me recount my medical journey from November 23, 2018, to the present... On the 23rd, I developed a corn on my right big toe, so ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. When bacterial infection is confirmed, why is it not possible to be hospitalized immediately (waiting for 4 days), and even after hospitalization, immediate testing is not available? After nearly 2 weeks of anti...

Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Morning stiffness, urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, last Monday night I accidentally ingested shrimp powder, which caused me to develop hives the next day. At that time, I only went to the pharmacy to buy antihistamines, taking one in the morning and evening on Tues...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiaolin. Thank you for your question. I believe your initial concerns are related to urticaria. Some cases of urticaria can have a prolonged duration, starting with widespread symptoms and gradually becoming localized to a few areas, at which point typical urticaria manife...

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