Q&A with Top Doctors

Is having pimples on the body a sign of excessive dampness?

In general, having pimples on the body is not necessarily caused by excessive dampness, although dampness might be one of the contributing factors. A comprehensive assessment combining other factors is required.

Excessive dampness refers to an imbalance in the body's fluid metabolism, leading to the accumulation of phlegm-dampness or damp-heat, which may trigger skin problems. If acne is accompanied by symptoms of damp-heat or phlegm-dampness such as a thick greasy tongue coating, sticky bowel movements, or heaviness in the body, it may indicate that dampness is one of the contributing factors. Acne has complex causes, often related to hormonal fluctuations, abnormal sebaceous gland secretion, excessive follicular keratinization, and bacterial infection. Therefore, excessive dampness is not the sole cause, and a comprehensive evaluation incorporating other symptoms is necessary.

If acne is triggered by dampness, it typically presents as red, swollen pustules or recurrent dark, dull-type acne, possibly accompanied by bitter taste in the mouth, yellow urine, or symptoms such as excessive phlegm and chest congestion. Dietary adjustments should include reducing raw, cold, greasy, and sweet foods while increasing consumption of dampness-resolving foods such as red adzuki beans and coix seed. Lifestyle modifications involve regular moderate exercise to promote sweating and avoiding late nights, which can worsen dampness. When necessary, traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as heat-clearing and dampness-resolving herbal formulas or acupuncture and cupping therapy may be considered, but must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid blind medication use.

In addition to dampness, acne can also be triggered by hormonal imbalances, improper diet, excessive stress, or inadequate skincare. If acne is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms such as menstrual disorders or hirsutism, prompt medical consultation is advised to rule out endocrine disorders. Daily prevention should focus on cleansing and oil control, moisturizing to maintain skin stability, and adjusting lifestyle habits and diet to avoid triggers. If improvement is not observed after managing dampness, a combination of Western and traditional Chinese medicine approaches is recommended for accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Is it dangerous for the skin to come into contact with copper sulfate?

In general, there is a certain level of risk associated with skin contact with copper sulfate.

Copper sulfate is a toxic chemical substance, whose main toxic effects on the human body are caused by the copper ions it contains. When the skin comes into contact with copper sulfate, it may lead to symptoms such as pain, burning sensation, redness, swelling, and ulcers. Prolonged exposure or high concentrations may exacerbate these symptoms and even result in skin necrosis and ulceration.

Additionally, following skin contact with copper sulfate, skin discoloration may occur, presenting as blue-green or dark brown spots. This staining is usually temporary but can also cause some irritation and discomfort. Moreover, individuals with allergic constitutions may experience allergic reactions upon contact with copper sulfate, such as rashes and skin itching.

During occupational exposure to copper sulfate, appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, protective goggles, and long-sleeved clothing, should be worn to reduce the risk of skin exposure. Furthermore, copper sulfate should be stored in a sealed container, kept away from children and unauthorized personnel to prevent accidental contact.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Can chickenpox develop on the soles of the feet?

In general, chickenpox can develop on the soles of the feet, although it is relatively uncommon and typically considered an atypical location.

The skin on the soles of the feet is thick and usually protected by shoes, reducing the chance of direct viral contact infection. However, when patients scratch due to itching or other causes leading to indirect viral contact with the soles, infection may occur. This is more commonly seen in children, who spend less time wearing shoes and therefore have more opportunities for their soles to be exposed, increasing the likelihood of chickenpox developing on the feet.

Chickenpox rashes initially appear as light red macules, which then progress to papules and ultimately form fluid-filled vesicles. If chickenpox develops on the soles of the feet, the treatment principles are the same as for other body areas, primarily involving symptomatic management such as maintaining local cleanliness and dryness and avoiding scratching to prevent secondary infection.

It should be noted that the progression and symptom presentation of chickenpox vary among individuals. Therefore, even if a rash resembling chickenpox appears on the soles, a comprehensive evaluation combining other clinical information is necessary. Additionally, treatment for chickenpox should involve early administration of antiviral medications and following medical guidance for care and observation to alleviate symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, and prevent complications.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Is chickenpox serious?

In general, the severity of chickenpox varies from person to person and depends on various factors such as age, immune status, and the risk of complications.

The severity of chickenpox varies among individuals. For most healthy children, chickenpox presents as a self-limiting disease, meaning it resolves on its own without specific treatment. Symptoms typically include fever, general discomfort, and the appearance of red spots on the skin, which subsequently develop into small blisters filled with clear fluid and finally crust over and fall off. The entire process lasts approximately one to two weeks, during which patients may experience intense itching. Symptoms in children are usually mild, with faster recovery, although children with weakened immune systems may develop severe complications. Adults tend to experience more severe symptoms, including higher fever, more extensive rash, increased pain and itching, and a higher risk of complications.

Potentially serious complications of chickenpox include skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, and blood disorders. These risks are particularly significant for individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Therefore, it is important to understand preventive measures for chickenpox, receive timely vaccinations, and seek professional medical advice when infection is suspected.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Is there a risk of infection if the scabs from chickenpox have not yet fallen off?

In general, chickenpox is typically not contagious once the blisters have formed scabs, although specific circumstances may still pose a risk of transmission.

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the initial infection of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and patients are the sole source of infection. After the blisters have scabbed over, the blister fluid is absorbed by the body. Without blister fluid serving as a culture medium, the VZV cannot survive within the scabs. Therefore, even if the scabs have not yet fallen off, chickenpox is generally not contagious. This is also why the isolation period for chickenpox is defined either by the formation of scabs on the blisters or by seven days after the rash appears.

If scabs fall off prematurely or become damaged due to scratching, the virus may be released from the damaged areas and remain contagious. If there are still exudates present at the site after the blisters have scabbed, these exudates may contain the virus. Transmission can occur through close contact with such exudates. For individuals with weakened immune systems, including children, elderly people, pregnant women, or those suffering from immunodeficiency diseases, the risk of infection upon contact with a chickenpox patient who still has incompletely detached scabs and remains contagious is relatively high.

To prevent the spread of chickenpox, it is recommended that patients resume normal social activities only after all skin lesions have completely scabbed over and fallen off naturally. Attention should also be paid to personal hygiene, and close contact with susceptible individuals should be avoided, especially in group settings such as schools and daycare centers. For children and adults who have not previously received the varicella vaccine or contracted chickenpox, vaccination against varicella should be considered to prevent the occurrence of the disease.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Is adult chickenpox contagious?

In general, adult chickenpox is contagious.

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the initial infection of varicella-zoster virus. Both children and adults are contagious when infected with chickenpox. The infectiousness of chickenpox in adults is similar to that in children. Respiratory secretions of patients contain the virus, and when patients cough or sneeze, virus-containing droplets spread into the air, making it easy for others nearby to get infected. Healthy individuals who directly contact the virus from a patient's blister fluid or touch contaminated clothing, objects, etc., and then touch their own mouth, nose, or other areas may also become infected.

After contracting chickenpox, adults typically experience more severe symptoms than children. General symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue are more pronounced, with a greater number of rashes, larger and itchier blisters. Additionally, adult chickenpox may lead to bacterial infections, worsening skin lesions and potentially causing severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Patients should avoid close contact with others, especially pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Home isolation is recommended until all blisters have crusted over and dried.

The patient's clothing, towels, and other personal items should be used separately and frequently washed and disinfected. Keep the skin clean and avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection. Regularly disinfect the living environment of infected individuals, using chlorine-based disinfectants to wipe frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and tabletops, while maintaining good indoor ventilation to reduce viral concentration.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Can running tighten facial skin?

In general, running can help tighten facial skin to some extent.

As an aerobic exercise, running improves cardiorespiratory function and promotes systemic blood circulation. Good blood circulation provides skin cells with sufficient oxygen and nutrients, accelerating the removal of metabolic waste, thereby helping maintain skin health and delay the aging process. Once adequately nourished, the skin's elasticity and firmness will naturally improve.

However, the effect of running on improving facial skin tightness is limited. Skin firmness is primarily determined by collagen and elastic fibers, whose production is related to multiple factors including age, genetics, and lifestyle habits. Moreover, frequent facial muscle movement during running may exacerbate the formation of fine lines, and particularly without proper sun protection, ultraviolet radiation can accelerate skin aging.

Therefore, while running, it is also important to maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate sleep, avoid bad habits such as staying up late, and practice appropriate facial massage and skincare measures to better promote facial skin tightening.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Can Vitamin E soft capsules whiten the skin?

In general, vitamin E soft capsules may help to whiten the skin to a certain extent.

Vitamin E soft capsules are a common dietary supplement, with vitamin E as their main ingredient, a powerful antioxidant. Theoretically, through its antioxidant properties, vitamin E can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, thereby potentially benefiting skin health, including improving skin tone and delaying the aging process.

However, vitamin E soft capsules are not specifically designed as skin-whitening products, and their skin-lightening effects are relatively limited. If a person naturally has dark skin, or if the darkness is due to genetic factors, endocrine issues, or other causes, the skin-whitening effect of vitamin E soft capsules may not be very noticeable. To achieve better whitening results, it is necessary to combine other skin-lightening methods and skincare products.

In daily life, emphasis should be placed on sun protection to avoid skin damage from ultraviolet radiation, as well as maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and moderate exercise, all of which contribute to maintaining healthy skin.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Can people with normal skin use medical face masks?

In general, normal skin can use medical masks.

The active ingredients in medical masks, such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, ceramides, and others, can provide deep hydration for the skin, enhance skin barrier function, and help prevent skin dryness and sensitivity caused by environmental factors. For normal skin, regular use of medical masks can help maintain the skin's moisture-oil balance and support a healthy skin condition.

However, medical masks are not considered a routine option for daily skincare. If normal skin does not have specific skin concerns, frequent use of medical masks may lead to over-hydration, which can instead compromise the skin's natural barrier function and potentially cause other skin issues. It is recommended that individuals with normal skin consult a dermatologist or skincare professional before using medical masks, choose suitable products based on their skin type and needs, and follow the correct application methods and frequency.

In daily life, it is recommended to keep the skin clean and dry, and to avoid over-cleansing or excessive friction, which may cause unnecessary irritation or damage to the skin.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Can skin allergies be cured?

In general, skin allergies can be treated effectively.

Skin allergies are primarily caused by an excessive hypersensitive reaction after exposure to allergens. Common symptoms include skin redness, itching, and flaking. The causes of skin allergies are diverse and may include environmental factors, foods, medications, and more. During treatment, the first step is to avoid contact with allergens to reduce allergic reactions. Medication is the main method for controlling symptoms. For mild to moderate skin allergies, antihistamines and topical corticosteroids may be selected to relieve symptoms such as itching and redness. For severe or recurrent cases, systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents may be required, but these must be used under the guidance of a physician, with attention to potential side effects.

However, due to significant individual differences, desensitization treatment cannot guarantee effectiveness for all patients. Therefore, during treatment, appropriate methods should be selected based on each patient's specific condition, and self-medication should be avoided to ensure efficacy and safety and to aid recovery.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025