Do I Need Medical Attention for a Minor Scratch After Nail Contact?
Could you please tell me if this could lead to a tetanus infection? I previously had a 1 cm long and 1 mm deep (very shallow) scratch on my shoulder, but I don't know what caused it. While working, I accidentally came into contact with a dirty nail, and it seems like it may ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. According to your description, the wound is not large; however, if it is a contaminated wound, it is still advisable for you to seek follow-up treatment at a surgical outpatient clinic as soon as possible. 2. Some wounds can develop secondary infections; there is also a possib...[Read More] Do I Need Medical Attention for a Minor Scratch After Nail Contact?
Does Gallbladder Removal Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk?
Several questions regarding diabetes? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about the high-risk groups for diabetes. I am a gallstone patient and have had my gallbladder removed. Does the absence of a gallbladder increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes? In my family history, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Having a family history of type 2 diabetes indeed increases the likelihood of developing the condition. This apparent familial clustering of incidence may be attributed to genetic factors, as well as shared dietary and lifestyle habits shaped by cohabitation. The progression o...[Read More] Does Gallbladder Removal Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk?
Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
About Gonorrhea Hello Doctor, I accidentally encountered a risky situation before, and afterwards I experienced painful urination. The pain during urination has resolved, but I have been experiencing persistent pain in my inner thigh and groin area for two months, and I have not ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, let’s introduce gonorrhea based on information from the Centers for Disease Control: (A) Transmission: The primary mode of transmission for gonorrhea is through sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted if an open wound comes into direct contact wi...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Persistent Swelling and Discharge from Leg Wound: What to Do?
The foot has an injury, and the wound is continuously swelling and oozing? Hello, a few weeks ago my dad stepped into a ditch and got a cut on his left thigh from the ditch cover. At that moment, he didn't get a tetanus shot, but after a few days and with my family's pe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If an accident causes skin damage to the body or limbs, or if there is contact with dirty water or soil, it is recommended to receive a dose of the tetanus vaccine. 2. After receiving the tetanus vaccine, proper wound care should still be performed. It is best...[Read More] Persistent Swelling and Discharge from Leg Wound: What to Do?
Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Dog Sneezes? Expert Insights
Rabies Consultation Hello, Dr. Liao: A dog being carried by someone on a motorcycle (standing on the motorcycle seat) passed by me about 1 meter away while I was waiting at a traffic light. It suddenly sneezed, and I have acne on my face that has already scabbed over and is no lo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, I. First, please refer to the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx?treeid=8d54c504e820735b&nowtreeid=dec84a2f0c6fac5b&tid=9D2E1B3A862F06FB <Transmission Methods> 1. Animals infected with rabies car...[Read More] Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Dog Sneezes? Expert Insights
Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days... on the 21st day... still suffering? Dear Dr. Liao, The patient does not have liver disease or diabetes and has sinusitis. The bacteria causing the infection and the substances they have been exposed to cannot be determined. The patient is ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If the knee is still swollen and round, rehabilitation exercises can be performed at the bedside or on a chair to improve circulation and reduce edema. 2. The goal is to keep the C-reactive protein (CRP) level below 1. Sometimes it may take a bit longer to gra...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Managing Cellulitis: A 11-Day Hospital Journey and Ongoing Challenges
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days, currently still unable to achieve complete control? On October 11, the patient experienced foot pain and sought medical attention at a general orthopedic clinic. The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication for three day...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. I have a general understanding of your (or your family member's) condition; it may be necrotizing fasciitis or severe soft tissue inflammation. This is inherently a serious and challenging condition to manage. 2. First, it is important to assess whether...[Read More] Managing Cellulitis: A 11-Day Hospital Journey and Ongoing Challenges
Understanding Pus from the Belly Button: Causes and Concerns
Pus-filled navel I would like to ask about the reasons for pus discharge from the belly button. The amount is very small, and there is no pain, and bowel movements are normal, but there is discomfort in the area of the belly button that covers an entire palm's width.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If the infant is less than one month old, it may be a fallen umbilical cord, which can be managed with proper wound care. 2. In normal circumstances (over one month old), the umbilical cord has regressed, and as long as there is no scratching that leads to cellul...[Read More] Understanding Pus from the Belly Button: Causes and Concerns
Kidney Health and Orthopedic Challenges After Severe Injury
Kidneys and Orthopedics After a severe car accident, my friend suffered a comminuted fracture in the lower leg, with the bone unable to be fully reconstructed, and there was damage to both blood vessels and nerves. Due to severe injuries in almost all limbs, a lot of medications ...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Pin, Thank you for your message. The patient is currently hospitalized, and it is recommended to discuss the condition with the attending physician at the hospital. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out again. Wishing you safety and health, Dr....[Read More] Kidney Health and Orthopedic Challenges After Severe Injury
Managing Numbness and Redness in Toes for Seniors with Diabetes
The toes are red and numb? I am 83 years old and have hypertension and diabetes. I take medication every day. Since last year, I have been experiencing numbness in the toes of both feet, along with a reddish appearance. I have tried soaking them in warm water, but there has been ...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Diabetes complications include neuropathy, which can affect sensory nerves, motor nerves, and even autonomic nerves. If there is redness and warmth in the feet, infection (such as cellulitis) must be ruled out before suspecting neuropathy. Numbness and pain are associated with se...[Read More] Managing Numbness and Redness in Toes for Seniors with Diabetes
Managing Wound Healing Challenges in Diabetic Patients After Surgery
Foot injuries in diabetic patients? Hello Doctor, my mother is 55 years old and has diabetes and hypertension. After an accident in early September, she underwent surgery for injuries to her right knee and calf, which resulted in three wounds. She was discharged after six days, b...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Xiaowen: Your mother's condition is quite complex. She has issues with diabetes, a wound infection, and nutritional problems, among others. It would be best to discuss with the attending physician before deciding whether a transfer to another hospital is necessary.[Read More] Managing Wound Healing Challenges in Diabetic Patients After Surgery
Understanding Bacterial Infections: Specific vs. Non-Specific Bacteria
Infected with bacteria? 1. The reason why bacteria can be classified as specific and non-specific bacteria is based on their ability to cause disease in particular hosts or under specific conditions. Specific bacteria are those that are associated with certain diseases and have a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Most people carry bacteria on their bodies, known as commensal bacteria, which coexist peacefully with our bodies. 2. However, there are times when these bacteria can invade the body, such as in urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, wound infections, ...[Read More] Understanding Bacterial Infections: Specific vs. Non-Specific Bacteria
Why Won't My Grandfather's Wound Heal After a Fall?
Why do injuries from falls never seem to heal? My grandfather fell and got injured over a year ago. At that time, we didn't think much and treated the wound with standard first aid, but it never healed and continued to spread. Later, we went to a major hospital for examinati...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, assess whether the grandfather is of advanced age and if his diet is normal; then consider if there are any underlying diseases or medications involved. Many factors can affect wound healing. 2. If liver disease, diabetes, and malnutrition have been ru...[Read More] Why Won't My Grandfather's Wound Heal After a Fall?
Understanding a Round Bump on Your Upper Lip After Swelling
There is a round bump in the middle of the upper lip? I scraped the upper lip with my fingernail, and now my mouth is swollen. After the swelling went down, there is a round bump in the middle of my upper lip that I don't know what it is.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. The skin and mucous membranes of the lips typically heal quickly after injury or abrasion (new skin formation), provided there is no nutritional imbalance (such as picky eating) or underlying immune diseases (e.g., diabetes). They should return to their origina...[Read More] Understanding a Round Bump on Your Upper Lip After Swelling
Can Saliva Contact with Wounds or Mucous Membranes Transmit STDs?
Can saliva coming into contact with a wound or mucous membrane transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Hello, Doctor: Here’s the situation. A few days ago, while I was riding my bicycle home, I "seemed" to hear someone spitting behind me on my right side (I onl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Intact skin and mucous membranes serve as our first line of defense; as long as there are no wounds in these areas, most pathogens do not pose a threat to us. 2. Although the cumulative number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country has surpassed 21,000, this only accou...[Read More] Can Saliva Contact with Wounds or Mucous Membranes Transmit STDs?
Understanding Infection Risks During Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
Risk of Infection during Health Check-ups Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up. 1. Due to my own oversight, I only noticed after the check-up that I had a skin abrasion on my toe. During the examination, there were several procedures where I had to lie down (gastroscop...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
1. If the bed sheets are not clean, there is a possibility that viruses or bacteria could enter the body through wounds. However, the HIV virus is extremely fragile and dies within a few hours outside the human body, making transmission through this route unlikely. In accredited ...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks During Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
Understanding Complications After Diabetes-Related Amputation
Diabetes issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my grandfather. He had an amputation above the left knee due to complications from diabetes, and he is currently in the intensive care unit with a breathing tube. His condition doesn't seem very good; the sputum that h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the text indicates that your grandfather is still in the intensive care unit. It is recommended that you consult the attending physician directly, as they are the most familiar with your grandfather's condition. Wishing for a speedy recov...[Read More] Understanding Complications After Diabetes-Related Amputation
Post-Fever Complications: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Problems that may arise after a high fever? Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. Two days ago, I had a high fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius and visited a family medicine clinic. The doctor mentioned that my high fever could be due to either a bacterial or viral infection....
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it does seem to be a respiratory infection. Typically, primary care physicians will only provide medications for symptomatic treatment. From the medications you are taking, it appears that the physician who examined you not only prescribed sym...[Read More] Post-Fever Complications: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding HIV Risks: What to Know After a Potential Exposure
I'm very scared. How long does it take to die from AIDS? Hello Dr. Lin, during a sexual encounter, the condom broke without my knowledge, and I continued for 3-4 minutes before realizing it. I am very scared... I would like to ask you a few questions, and I sincerely hope yo...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Question 1: Some laboratory reports use "non-reactive" to indicate negative results. So far, there is no evidence of HIV infection. Regarding your concerns: 1. Theoretically possible, but if the nurse follows standard procedures, she should not come into contact with yo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: What to Know After a Potential Exposure
Understanding Inguinal Inflammation in Children: Treatment and Management Options
Groin inflammation? The child has inflammation and pus formation in the groin area (without a clear wound this time) and has already seen a doctor. The physician suspects a possible lymphatic malformation and plans to arrange an MRI after the inflammation subsides to assess the s...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Recurrent infections, when the body is otherwise considered healthy, should prompt consideration of structural abnormalities. After magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), if abnormalities are detected, treatment should be based on the identified symptoms. If no abnormalities are found...[Read More] Understanding Inguinal Inflammation in Children: Treatment and Management Options