Q&A with Top Doctors

Can gallbladder stones be expelled using traditional Chinese medicine?

There is a certain possibility that gallbladder stones can be expelled using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), although effectiveness varies among individuals. The analysis is as follows:

In TCM, the formation of gallbladder stones is believed to be associated with disharmony of the liver and gallbladder, Qi stagnation and blood stasis, and internal accumulation of damp-heat. Herbs may help improve the gallbladder environment and promote bile secretion and excretion by regulating organ function, unblocking meridians, clearing dampness, and resolving stasis, which may aid in expelling small stones.

For example, chicken gizzard lining (Ji Nei Jin) has functions of strengthening digestion, eliminating food stagnation, promoting diuresis, and resolving stones, thus facilitating stone expulsion. Lysimachia christinae (Jin Qian Cao) clears heat, removes dampness, promotes urination, reduces edema, increases urine output, and assists in stone elimination. However, TCM has limited effectiveness on larger or more complex stones, which require combination with other treatment methods.

If attempting TCM treatment, it is essential to undergo syndrome differentiation and treatment under the guidance of a qualified TCM physician, avoiding self-medication. Regular follow-up examinations are necessary during treatment, monitoring stone changes via imaging studies, and timely adjustment of the treatment plan.

If stones are large or cause severe symptoms such as intense abdominal pain or jaundice, prompt medical attention should be sought, and surgical treatment should be considered. TCM treatment requires long-term adherence, and patients should remain patient, actively follow medical advice, and manage the condition comprehensively.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 30, 2025
Is gallbladder stone disease easy to treat?

In general, if gallstones are small in size, few in number, and asymptomatic, they are usually easier to treat. However, if the stones are large or cause significant symptoms, treatment may be more challenging. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If gallstones are small, few in number, and not causing symptoms, treatment is relatively straightforward. Symptoms can be alleviated and complications prevented through dietary control, appropriate exercise, and medication, resulting in a better prognosis.

However, if the gallstones are large, numerous, or trigger acute attacks and severe symptoms such as persistent pain, nausea, and vomiting, the treatment becomes more difficult. Patients in this category often require prompt surgical intervention, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy or open cholecystectomy, to control disease progression. Additionally, the effectiveness of gallstone treatment is influenced by the timing of intervention. Delayed treatment may lead to complications such as cholecystitis and cholangitis, further increasing treatment complexity.

Once gallstones are detected, timely medical consultation and following the doctor's recommendations are essential. Patients with small, few, and asymptomatic gallstones can undergo regular follow-up observation while adjusting lifestyle habits and diet, such as reducing intake of spicy and irritating foods and moderately increasing physical activity.

For patients experiencing significant symptoms, large gallstones, or multiple stones, active cooperation with surgical treatment is necessary. Most gallstone patients who undergo surgery have a good prognosis, with significantly improved quality of life after surgery. Moreover, maintaining a balanced diet, controlling body weight, eating regularly, and drinking plenty of water also help reduce the risk of gallstone formation.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 30, 2025
How serious is pancreatitis?

Under normal circumstances, pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreatic tissue, with varying severity. Mild acute pancreatitis usually can be cured with timely treatment, but severe acute pancreatitis is more serious.

The causes of pancreatitis are complex, and common etiologies include gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, and hyperlipidemia. Based on disease severity, pancreatitis can be classified as mild acute pancreatitis or severe acute pancreatitis. Mild acute pancreatitis mainly presents as pancreatic edema, with relatively mild symptoms such as mild abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Most patients can recover within a short period after treatment, and the prognosis is generally good.

Severe acute pancreatitis is a life-threatening condition, often complicated by serious complications such as pancreatic necrosis, infection, and hemorrhage. It may also involve multiple organ failure, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure, and heart failure, with a high mortality rate.

Once symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting occur, prompt medical attention should be sought to establish a diagnosis through clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and imaging examinations. Patients should also pay attention to quitting smoking and abstaining from alcohol, maintaining a low-fat, high-fiber diet, increasing fluid intake appropriately, and avoiding foods high in fat.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 30, 2025
Can drinking more water improve sallow skin?

In general, drinking more water can help improve yellowish skin tone, but the effect may not be significant.

Yellowish skin tone may be caused by multiple factors, such as chronic lack of sleep, unbalanced diet, excessive stress, and skin dehydration. Among these factors, skin dehydration is a common and often overlooked cause. When the skin lacks sufficient moisture, cellular metabolism slows down, leading to dull and lackluster skin. In addition, dehydration may also cause dryness, fine lines, and other skin problems, further exacerbating the yellowish appearance of the skin.

At this point, drinking an adequate amount of water can help improve the sallow complexion. When the body is well-hydrated, skin metabolism functions more efficiently, aiding in the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body, thereby improving the yellowish skin tone. However, simply drinking more water alone cannot completely resolve the issue of yellowish skin, as it may also be related to other lifestyle habits and health conditions.

In addition to drinking enough water, it is important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, including fresh fruits and vegetables, can also help improve yellowish skin tone.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
Are dark spots after pimples caused by melanin deposition?

In general, post-inflammatory pigmentation (dark spots left by pimples) is not entirely equivalent to melanin deposition, although melanin deposition is one of the primary causes of such pigmentation.

After acne subsides, localized capillary expansion or proliferation in the skin has not yet fully returned to its normal state, causing the skin to appear red. Red acne marks are mainly related to vascular dilation and inflammatory responses, rather than caused by melanin deposition. During the inflammatory process of acne, the skin is stimulated, causing melanocytes to become active and produce excessive melanin, which deposits in the epidermis or dermis, forming dark brown acne marks. This represents a typical type of acne mark caused by melanin deposition.

When the skin is subjected to inflammatory stimulation, melanocytes secrete more melanin to protect the skin from further damage. These melanin deposits within the skin cause acne marks to appear dark brown. Different individuals' skin reacts differently to inflammation, and there is also variation in the activity levels of melanocytes. Therefore, some people tend to develop dark brown acne marks after acne subsides, while others are less prone to this condition.

There are various methods for treating acne marks, including using products containing ingredients such as vitamin C and fruit acids to help fade melanin; phototherapy and laser treatments can promote collagen regeneration and improve skin texture; physical treatments such as microneedling and chemical peels can also help accelerate the fading of acne marks.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
Will liposuction cause loose skin?

Under normal circumstances, if liposuction is performed at a reputable hospital and a relatively small amount of fat is removed, skin laxity may not occur. However, if a large amount of fat is extracted, skin laxity may develop. It is recommended to communicate with your doctor before the procedure. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If a moderate or small amount of fat is removed and the skin has good elasticity, postoperative skin laxity may not be significant and may gradually return to normal through the skin's natural regenerative capacity.

When a large volume of fat is removed, the skin may become loose due to the loss of underlying fat support. This is especially true when the skin's natural elasticity is poor, in which case laxity may be more noticeable. The area and volume of liposuction can also influence the skin's response. For example, performing extensive fat removal on areas such as the abdomen or thighs may carry a relatively higher risk of skin laxity.

It is recommended to choose a qualified medical facility for the procedure and to have thorough communication and evaluation with your doctor beforehand to ensure surgical safety and effectiveness. After surgery, it is important to wear professional compression garments or bandages to help the skin adhere better to the underlying tissues and reduce laxity. Wearing such garments is generally recommended for 2–3 months. During the postoperative recovery period, strenuous activities should be avoided to prevent excessive pressure on the treated areas and to facilitate proper skin healing. Additionally, it is important to keep the incision sites clean and disinfected to prevent infection.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
Can red acne marks heal on their own?

In general, red acne marks can often heal on their own, but the healing time and effectiveness vary depending on individual differences, severity of the marks, and skincare methods.

Red acne marks are a common skin manifestation following the resolution of acne. During acne development, localized inflammation occurs in the skin, causing dilation of capillaries. After the acne subsides, the dilated capillaries may not fully return to normal, resulting in redness. During acne formation, the skin's barrier function is compromised and the stratum corneum becomes thinner, making the skin more susceptible to external stimuli, which can intensify the red appearance.

Over time, the dilated capillaries gradually constrict, and the redness fades. The skin's barrier function gradually recovers, the stratum corneum thickens, and resistance to external stimuli increases, leading to improvement in red acne marks. Young people generally have faster skin metabolism and stronger self-healing abilities, so acne marks tend to fade more quickly. Some individuals with stronger skin repair capabilities may experience even faster resolution of acne marks.

If red acne marks persist for a long time or cause psychological distress, it is advisable to seek medical attention and consult a professional dermatologist. The doctor may recommend specific topical creams, laser treatments, or microneedling therapy to accelerate the fading of acne marks.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
Is anal itching caused by pinworms?

In general, itchy buttocks do not necessarily indicate a pinworm infection, although pinworm infection can be one of the causes of anal itching.

Pinworm disease is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms). One of its characteristics is the occurrence of anal and perineal itching, especially noticeable at night. In addition to itching, pinworm infection may also be accompanied by mild abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, and irritability.

Aside from pinworm infection, there are many other possible causes of itchy buttocks, such as seborrheic dermatitis and acne. These conditions may lead to folliculitis or small nodules on the skin of the buttocks, which in turn can cause itching. If anal itching persists, timely medical consultation is recommended for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a qualified physician to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

In daily life, maintaining good personal hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, regularly changing underwear, and avoiding sharing bedding with infected individuals, can also help prevent pinworm infections.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
Is it okay to squeeze pimples on the temples?

Generally, it is not recommended to squeeze pimples on the temples.

Squeezing may cause bacteria to penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to localized or more widespread infection. The temple area is close to the dangerous triangle of the face, where infections might spread through the bloodstream and even lead to serious conditions such as meningitis. Squeezing can damage the skin and hair follicle structure, exacerbating the existing inflammatory response, causing the pimple to become redder, more swollen, and possibly more painful. Forceful squeezing may damage the skin tissue, making it difficult to heal properly and leaving behind depressed or hypertrophic scars. After being irritated, the skin may produce more melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation issues such as dark spots or dullness.

For mild acne, topical medications such as tretinoin cream, adapalene gel, or erythromycin ointment may be used under a doctor's guidance to regulate epidermal cell growth and differentiation, reduce sebum secretion, and improve follicular keratinization. If acne is accompanied by inflammation, antibiotic ointments can be used to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. For more severe acne, medical aesthetic treatments such as laser therapy or photorejuvenation may be considered. These treatments can effectively kill Propionibacterium acnes, stimulate collagen regeneration, and improve skin texture.

It is recommended to keep the face clean and use gentle facial cleansers, avoiding overly oily or harsh skincare products. Topical medications containing ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be used to help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, exfoliate, and prevent pore blockage. If acne is severe or persists for a long time, prompt medical attention should be sought for professional treatment to avoid the risks associated with self-treatment.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
Can erythromycin ointment relieve inflammation and itching?

In general, erythromycin ointment can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

Erythromycin ointment is a topical antibiotic medication, with erythromycin as its main active ingredient. It is primarily used to treat skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria, such as impetigo and folliculitis. Erythromycin exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. In cases of skin inflammation accompanied by bacterial infection, erythromycin ointment can play an anti-inflammatory role. At the same time, as the skin infection is controlled, the associated itching may also be relieved.

However, the anti-inflammatory effect of erythromycin ointment mainly targets inflammation caused by bacterial infection and has limited effectiveness on non-bacterial inflammation, such as allergic dermatitis. Before using erythromycin ointment, it is advisable to first determine the underlying cause and confirm whether it is caused by a bacterial infection. If not, more appropriate treatment methods should be selected.

When using erythromycin ointment, it should be appropriately applied according to the specific condition and cause under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025