Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my father, who is in his 60s. He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Medical Settings
Risk of HIV Infection I went to get an injection previously, and the nurse placed an alcohol swab (which was almost dry) and the needle on a metal tray to administer the shot. After the injection, she used that same swab to apply pressure to the injection site. Upon reflection, I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual, or exchanging other bodily fluids, carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into con...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Medical Settings
Can You Catch Rheumatoid Arthritis from Touching an Infected Area?
Inquiry Consultation Hello, Dr. Gao: I have limited understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, so I would like to seek your professional opinion. My question is as follows: Q. If my hand comes into contact with a patient who has rheumatoid arthritis, and that patient shows obvious sy...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. Rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious, so there is no need to worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.[Read More] Can You Catch Rheumatoid Arthritis from Touching an Infected Area?
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
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Transmission routes of HIV If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, and then engages in masturbation without washing their hands, while having a small open wound on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV transmission?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, blood transfusions, and improper wound management. 2. Therefore, if you have engaged in any of these high-risk behaviors with an infected individual, you should consider self-testing or ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
The risk of HIV infection for a nurse administering an IV drip without wearing gloves? Hello, doctor. Recently at the clinic, after the nurse inserted the IV, some blood spilled out and got on the nurse's finger. The nurse was not wearing gloves, and I'm not sure if the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper handling of wounds. 2. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. After coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person (who has not rece...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
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
Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Suspected needle stick injury? Two days ago, while walking on the street, I felt a sudden pain in my foot, as if I had been pricked by a needle. Which type of doctor should I see for this, and what should I do to address it?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can first check what was collected by yourself or ask a family member to do so, remove any foreign objects, and then perform wound care. 2. If the wound does not improve, you may go to a nearby medical facility for a dressing change or further treatment.[Read More] Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Suspected needle stick injury? Two days ago, while walking on the road, I felt a sudden pain in my foot, as if I had been pricked by a needle. Which type of doctor should I see for this, and what should I do to manage it?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can first check what was collected by yourself or ask a family member to help, remove any foreign objects, and then perform wound care. 2. If the wound does not improve, you may visit a nearby medical facility for dressing changes or further treatment.[Read More] Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
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
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
Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Alcohol Swabs?
HIV transmission routes (injection) If the alcohol swab was placed on the table and potentially contaminated with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, the risk of HIV transmission through that swab is extremely low. HIV does not survive long outside the human body, and it is part...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to 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 the risk of infection....[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Alcohol Swabs?
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
Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Surfaces? Common Concerns Addressed
Inquiry about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) 1. If you sit on a surface contaminated with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, the risk of contracting HIV is extremely low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as through open w...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Viruses can only survive outside the human body for a few minutes, so the risk of contracting HIV through indirect contact with bodily fluids in the environment is extremely low. Essentially, there is no need for concern.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Surfaces? Common Concerns Addressed
Stepping on Glass: Understanding Tetanus Risks and Symptoms
Stepping on glass? On Saturday, September 16, I stepped on a small piece of broken glass at home. The wound was very small, about 2-3 millimeters, so I didn't get a tetanus shot. However, by September 21, the muscle near my right zygomatic bone became a bit tense (the left s...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there are any changes in the wound, please visit a hospital for diagnosis. Thank you for your message![Read More] Stepping on Glass: Understanding Tetanus Risks and Symptoms
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