Q&A with Top Doctors

The best treatment for hand fungus

Hand fungus is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection, commonly occurring between the fingers and on the palms.

Ensure an accurate diagnosis of hand fungus, which is usually confirmed through skin examination and possible fungal culture. Assess the severity and type of infection to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment for hand fungus may involve following medical advice to use topical antifungal medications. First-line treatment includes applying antifungal creams or solutions externally, such as clotrimazole or terbinafine. Apply 2-3 times daily and continue for 1-2 weeks after the lesions have completely subsided to prevent recurrence.

Wash hands frequently, avoid damp environments, and reduce opportunities for fungal growth. After washing hands, dry them thoroughly, especially between the fingers. Enhance hand care by keeping the skin clean and dry. Moisturizing products such as hand creams or oils can be used to hydrate the skin and reduce dryness and cracking. Avoid using irritants such as soap and dish detergent, and wear gloves for protection.

For widespread or persistent hand fungus, oral antifungal medications such as itraconazole or fluconazole may be required under a doctor's guidance. Regular follow-up visits with a physician during treatment are necessary to evaluate effectiveness and adjust the treatment plan if needed.

avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Is olive oil effective for removing blackheads?

Olive oil has limited effectiveness in removing blackheads.

Blackheads, medically known as open comedones, are small black or brown dots formed when excess sebum from sebaceous glands and dead skin cells become trapped in pores and undergo oxidation. Olive oil has some ability to dissolve oil residue, which may help remove blackheads to a certain extent. However, olive oil cannot directly open hair follicles, so its effectiveness in removing blackheads is not significant.

As a natural oil, olive oil does offer some moisturizing benefits. However, its molecular structure is relatively large and does not easily penetrate deep into the pores, making it difficult to effectively dissolve or clear the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells within the pores.

It is recommended to adopt more scientifically proven methods, such as regular deep cleansing and using skincare products containing ingredients like salicylic acid to aid in exfoliation. For blackhead concerns, more professional treatments such as micro-bubble therapy or chemical peels may be considered, as these methods can more effectively remove blackheads and improve overall skin condition.

If any physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.

avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Is a blood glucose level of 9.3 mmol/L indicative of diabetes?

In general, a blood glucose level of 9.3 mmol/L is usually considered hyperglycemia. Whether this can be diagnosed as diabetes needs to be determined based on additional test results and clinical symptoms.

The normal fasting blood glucose range is generally between 3.9 and 6.1 mmol/L, while postprandial (2 hours after meals) blood glucose is typically below 7.8 mmol/L. A blood glucose level of 9.3 mmol/L is significantly higher than these normal values, but it does not directly equate to diabetes. If elevated blood glucose levels persist, accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, and frequent urination, and repeated measurements of postprandial glucose also show elevated levels, these may be signs of diabetes.

In addition, the patient's lifestyle habits and family medical history are also factors that need to be considered in diagnosis. Therefore, it is recommended to visit a formal healthcare facility for a comprehensive examination and have a professional physician perform an integrated evaluation and diagnosis. Meanwhile, even if the criteria for diabetes diagnosis are not met, elevated blood glucose indicates existing health risks, and proactive lifestyle adjustments should be made, blood glucose should be monitored regularly, and treatment under a doctor's guidance should be considered when necessary.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 04, 2025
Does rock sugar increase blood sugar levels?

Under normal circumstances, rock sugar may raise blood sugar levels, so it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

As a common type of sugar, rock sugar's main component is sucrose, which can significantly increase blood sugar levels. After consuming rock sugar, the sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose, both of which can be rapidly absorbed by the body, thereby raising blood glucose levels. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar back to the normal range, and for healthy individuals, moderate consumption of rock sugar generally does not cause significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

However, for individuals with diabetes, controlling rock sugar intake is particularly important. Excessive consumption may lead to significant blood sugar fluctuations and negatively affect health. Even for healthy individuals, rock sugar should be consumed in moderation to avoid increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases caused by long-term excessive intake. In daily diets, maintaining balanced nutrition and consuming a variety of foods is important for maintaining overall health.

Diabetic patients should regularly monitor their blood glucose levels and promptly adjust their dietary habits and treatment plans to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 04, 2025
Does dextrin raise blood sugar?

In general, dextrin has the effect of raising blood sugar levels, so it is recommended to limit the intake of foods containing dextrin in daily life.

As a type of polysaccharide, dextrin is broken down into glucose during digestion, thereby affecting blood sugar levels. Therefore, dextrin indeed has the effect of elevating blood glucose. Excessive intake of dextrin may lead to blood sugar fluctuations. Especially for individuals with a family history of diabetes, a history of elevated blood sugar, or a history of gestational diabetes, excessive consumption of dextrin-containing foods should be avoided as much as possible.

Secondly, for individuals with high blood sugar, including those with prediabetes and diabetes, dextrin—being an intermediate product of starch—may cause sustained increases in blood sugar levels after consumption. These individuals should pay particular attention to controlling total calorie intake and prioritize choosing foods with a low glycemic index. It is recommended that such patients avoid consuming foods high in dextrin, such as certain processed foods, fast food, and baked goods, to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

In daily dietary management, understanding food components and making balanced meal choices are key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 04, 2025
Is blood sugar high after a nap in healthy individuals?

In general, after a nap, blood glucose levels in healthy individuals may rise to some extent.

During napping, physical activity decreases, metabolism slows down, and energy consumption reduces, which may lead to a mild increase in blood glucose. Moreover, excessive nap duration or poor sleep quality might affect the metabolic rate and indirectly influence blood glucose levels. Additionally, lack of physical activity contributes to elevated blood glucose after napping, as exercise helps muscles absorb glucose and reduce blood sugar concentration. However, under normal circumstances, this increase is slight, and the blood glucose level should remain within the normal range, with random blood glucose below 7.8 mmol/L.

A mild increase in blood glucose after napping may be temporary and can be effectively managed through appropriate dietary control and moderate physical activity. However, if abnormal blood glucose levels frequently occur after napping, it is recommended to monitor blood glucose fluctuations throughout the day and consult a doctor to rule out the possibility of diabetes or other related conditions. In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for stable blood glucose levels.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 04, 2025
Does sucralose raise blood sugar?

Under normal circumstances, sucralose does not raise blood sugar levels, but attention should still be paid to controlling intake.

Sucralose, also known as saccharin, is an artificial sweetener with a sweetness approximately 300-500 times that of sucrose, yet it contains virtually no calories. Since sucralose is not metabolized by the human body for energy, it theoretically does not directly cause an increase in blood glucose levels. For individuals with diabetes or those needing to control blood sugar, sucralose can serve as an alternative to reduce sugar intake.

Although sucralose itself does not elevate blood sugar, excessive consumption may affect the intestinal microbiota and appetite, potentially causing metabolic disturbances. Furthermore, individuals who use artificial sweeteners over long periods may develop increased cravings for sweet foods, which could ultimately lead to higher overall sugar consumption. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the consumption of foods containing sucralose in daily life. When using any sweetener, moderation is key, and usage should be guided by a physician or nutritionist.

In daily life, individuals needing to control blood sugar should regularly monitor their glucose levels to stay informed about their health status and make timely dietary adjustments.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 04, 2025
Is a fasting blood glucose level of 5.12 mmol/L high for a pregnant woman?

Generally speaking, a fasting blood glucose level of 5.12 mmol/L in pregnant women is slightly higher than the standard.

Typically, the normal fasting blood glucose range for pregnant women should be maintained between 4.0 and 5.1 mmol/L. This range is established to ensure the health of both mother and baby. A fasting blood glucose level of 5.12 mmol/L slightly exceeds the upper limit of the normal range. At this point, the pregnant woman should pay attention to adjusting her diet, avoiding excessive intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, and appropriately increasing physical activity, such as walking after meals or practicing prenatal yoga, to help control blood glucose levels.

In addition, if necessary, the doctor may prescribe medication based on the individual situation. Although a fasting blood glucose level of 5.12 mmol/L is not considered a severe elevation, it requires close monitoring and following the doctor's guidance for necessary examinations and management. It is recommended that pregnant women undergo a glucose tolerance test for diabetes screening between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to promptly detect and address any potential blood glucose issues.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 04, 2025
Can gallstones pass on their own?

Under normal circumstances, if the stone is small, it may pass on its own; however, if the stone is large, it is unlikely to be expelled naturally. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the stone is small—for example, less than 0.5 cm in diameter and smooth-surfaced—it may pass through the cystic duct into the common bile duct and eventually be excreted into the intestines with bile, particularly when gallbladder contraction function is good and the bile duct is unobstructed. However, this scenario is relatively uncommon. During the passage, the stone may become lodged in a narrowed portion of the biliary tract, causing serious complications such as biliary colic, cholangitis, or even pancreatitis, which may present with symptoms including intermittent right upper quadrant abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever.

Larger stones generally cannot pass spontaneously due to the narrow diameter of the gallbladder and bile ducts. These stones may become impacted in the neck of the gallbladder or within the common bile duct, leading to bile duct obstruction, abdominal pain, chills, high fever, and other severe symptoms that can even be life-threatening.

If the stone is small, bile-promoting medications such as phenylpropanol soft capsules, anti-inflammatory bile-promoting tablets, or Chushu capsules may be taken orally under a doctor's guidance to help dilute bile, relax the smooth muscle of the gallbladder, and facilitate stone expulsion. At the same time, dietary adjustments are important—reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and consume more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Increased consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, which contain dietary fiber, can help promote intestinal motility and reduce bile stasis within the gallbladder.

avatar
Dr. Gao Jun
May 30, 2025
Can pancreatitis be cured?

Under normal circumstances, pancreatitis is a common digestive system disease. Acute pancreatitis can usually be cured; however, if it is chronic pancreatitis, complete recovery may be difficult. After being diagnosed with pancreatitis, patients should actively cooperate with their doctor's treatment plan and receive timely treatment to prevent worsening of the condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:

From the perspective of disease progression, pancreatitis is divided into acute and chronic types. Acute pancreatitis is commonly triggered by gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, or overeating, and presents with sudden severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. If medical attention is sought promptly, and obstruction is relieved and pancreatic enzyme secretion inhibited, most patients can recover within 1–2 weeks.

Chronic pancreatitis is often caused by repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis or long-term heavy alcohol consumption. It has a long treatment course and frequently leads to complications such as pancreatic insufficiency, making complete cure difficult.

In terms of daily care, strict abstinence from alcohol is essential, along with avoiding greasy and spicy foods. A low-fat, high-protein diet and regular meal times are recommended. At the same time, patients should ensure adequate sleep, avoid excessive fatigue, and undergo regular follow-up tests such as serum amylase levels and abdominal CT scans to monitor pancreatic function recovery.

avatar
Dr. Gao Jun
May 30, 2025