Q&A with Top Doctors

What is the significance of a positive skin scratch test?

A positive skin prick test typically indicates the presence of an allergic reaction. This test involves gently pricking the skin and applying a drop of a potential allergen to observe whether a reaction, such as redness, swelling, or itching, occurs. A positive result suggests that the individual has mounted an immune response to the tested allergen, with the release of mediators such as histamine, leading to localized skin inflammation. This indicates that the individual is sensitive to the allergen and may experience allergic symptoms upon future exposure to the substance.

If the skin prick test yields a positive result, it is recommended to avoid contact with known allergens, which is an effective way to prevent allergic reactions. In daily life, it is important to observe and record substances that may trigger allergies and to avoid them when possible. If necessary, antihistamine medications may be used under a doctor's guidance to alleviate allergic symptoms. Additionally, regular allergy testing is recommended to monitor any changes in one's allergic status. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or generalized hives, immediate medical attention should be sought for emergency treatment. Maintaining good communication with a healthcare provider and developing a personalized allergy management plan can help improve quality of life.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
How to improve sagging facial skin

Methods for improving facial skin laxity mainly include lifestyle adjustments, skincare routines, and aesthetic medical treatments. As people age, collagen and elastic fibers in the skin gradually decrease, causing the skin to lose its original elasticity and firmness. Additionally, prolonged sun exposure, unhealthy lifestyle habits, stress, and other factors can accelerate skin aging, leading to sagging.

Facial skin laxity can be improved through the following measures. Maintain regular sleep patterns and a healthy diet, and consume antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which help combat damage caused by free radicals. Engage in moderate exercise to promote blood circulation and enhance skin elasticity. In daily skincare, choose products containing anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, which can help improve skin firmness. Regular facial massage to promote lymphatic drainage can also aid in improving skin laxity. If feasible, consider aesthetic medical treatments such as radiofrequency, ultrasound lifting, or thread lifting, which can more directly stimulate collagen regeneration and achieve skin tightening effects. Before undergoing any aesthetic medical procedure, it is essential to consult a qualified dermatologist to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
What should I do if my infant or young child has dry skin?

Dry skin in infants and young children can be alleviated through daily skincare and appropriate interventions. The skin barrier function of infants and young children is not yet fully developed, making their skin prone to dryness due to external environmental influences. Dry air, frequent bathing, and the use of harsh cleansing products can all worsen dry skin conditions. Therefore, it is important to maintain suitable indoor humidity, avoid excessive cleaning, and choose mild, non-irritating skincare products.

Parents can take the following measures to improve their child's dry skin condition. Apply a baby-appropriate moisturizing cream daily, especially after bathing, to lock in moisture promptly. Bath water should not be too hot, and the bathing time should not be too long; it is recommended to use lukewarm water and fragrance-free, non-irritating baby-specific bath products. Regarding clothing, choose soft, breathable pure cotton fabrics and avoid materials such as wool that may cause irritation. If the child's skin dryness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as rashes or severe itching, timely medical attention should be sought. Maintaining good lifestyle habits and attentive care can help ensure the baby develops healthy, well-hydrated skin.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
How effective is photofacial for removing pigmentation spots?

Photorejuvenation for pigmentation removal is a method that uses light of specific wavelengths to target pigmented areas on the skin surface, breaking down pigment particles and promoting their metabolism out of the body, thereby achieving the effect of removing skin spots and pigmentation.

The photorejuvenation treatment process is quick, with each session typically lasting about half an hour, causing minimal disruption to daily life. It is associated with little to no pain and does not require anesthesia, offering a high level of patient comfort. The recovery period after treatment is short, requiring only minimal post-treatment care. Additionally, it provides overall skin rejuvenation, improving uneven skin tone, fine lines, and other skin concerns.

It is important to note that photorejuvenation usually requires 3 to 5 treatment sessions, with about a week needed for recovery after each session. After treatment, the skin may be mildly damaged, so proper wound care, a balanced diet, and daily sun protection are necessary.

In the short term after treatment, temporary side effects such as redness, increased or decreased pigmentation may occur, but these typically fade gradually over time. Therefore, before undergoing photorejuvenation for pigmentation removal, it is recommended to consult a professional dermatologist to develop a suitable treatment plan based on individual skin conditions and needs.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
How to treat vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin condition, and its treatment varies depending on the individual patient's circumstances. If any physical discomfort symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital as soon as possible, followed by treatment according to medical advice.

Drug therapy is one of the primary methods for treating vitiligo, including the use of corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate and halometasone, which help suppress the progression of white patches and improve symptoms. Oral medications such as compound glycyrrhizinic acid and immunomodulators also demonstrate certain therapeutic effects.

Phototherapy is another commonly used treatment method, such as narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) irradiation, which can enhance melanocyte activity and aid in repigmentation. This treatment involves exposing the affected skin to specific light sources to stimulate melanin production by melanocytes and reduce the area of depigmentation.

For patients with large or widespread lesions, systemic phototherapy or a combination of oral medications and localized treatments may be more effective. Finally, surgical treatments, such as autologous melanocyte transplantation, can be a viable option for certain patients.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
What is the best medication for treating gray nail fungus?

Gray nail generally refers to onychomycosis (nail fungus). There is no single "best" medication for treating nail fungus; the choice of drug depends on the severity of the condition, the patient's overall health, and considerations of potential side effects.

Oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, are typically used for severe or widespread infections because they can penetrate beneath the nail plate to exert their effects. These medications usually require long-term administration and may have certain side effects, such as liver function impairment. Therefore, strict adherence to medical instructions is essential during treatment.

Topical treatments, including antifungal solutions, gels, or nail lacquers, are suitable for mild to moderate cases—for example, ciclopirox and amorolfine. These medications can be applied directly to the affected area to exert antifungal effects. However, it is important to consistently follow the prescribed regimen and to thin the infected nail before application to facilitate better drug penetration.

Treating onychomycosis is a long-term process; patients must have sufficient patience and strictly follow medical advice to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items with others can help reduce the risk of cross-infection.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
Will genital warts be contagious?

Genital warts are usually contagious, so protective measures should be taken. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital as soon as possible and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are primarily spread through direct skin or mucosal contact, especially through sexual contact. This condition is contagious and can be transmitted between sexual partners. It can also spread indirectly through non-sexual contact, such as sharing towels or washcloths, although this mode of transmission is relatively uncommon.

The key to preventing genital warts is avoiding unsafe sexual practices. Using condoms can reduce the risk of infection. Regular sexual health check-ups are also important to detect and treat lesions promptly, thus reducing the risk of transmitting the infection to others.

As genital warts are contagious, once diagnosed, patients should seek timely medical care, avoid sexual contact with others to prevent transmission, and maintain good personal hygiene, keeping the genital area clean and dry. Patients should avoid scratching the affected area to prevent secondary infections.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
How to remove facial acne scars

The treatment of facial acne scars needs to be customized according to the type and severity of the scars. If physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for management.

For superficial scars, treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, or laser therapy can be used to promote skin regeneration and improve the appearance of scars. Medication therapy is a common and effective approach. Drugs such as mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream and asiaticoside cream can help soften scar tissue and inhibit scar proliferation.

In addition, retinoic acid cream and recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel also demonstrate good therapeutic effects. For deeper scars, such as ice-pick or boxcar scars, more invasive treatments such as dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, or fractional laser therapy may be required. Filler injections are also an effective method for improving depressed scars.

Treating acne scars is a long-term process that requires patients to follow the treatment plan established by their physician and maintain healthy lifestyle habits and proper skincare to achieve optimal results.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 30, 2025
Is photorejuvenation effective for treating acne?

In general, when experiencing acne breakouts, photorejuvenation (also known as intense pulsed light therapy) can serve as an effective treatment option. Photorejuvenation utilizes light energy of specific wavelengths to act on the skin, offering multiple benefits including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, as well as improving skin texture.

Through the penetration of specific intense pulsed light energy into the skin, photorejuvenation targets pigmentation and blood vessels, helping to reduce sebum production, inhibit bacterial growth, and improve skin quality. It can be effective for mild acne, helping to control acne development and improve issues such as post-acne marks and enlarged pores. However, for severe acne (where inflammation extends deep into the skin layers), photorejuvenation may not reach the affected areas effectively, resulting in limited therapeutic effects and potentially worsening inflammation due to thermal stimulation.

If acne has not developed into pustules and the inflammation is mild, photorejuvenation may be considered. However, treatments should be spaced approximately one to two months apart to avoid excessive irritation. If acne is severe or the skin has already broken out, photorejuvenation should be avoided. Instead, medication treatments such as tretinoin cream, isotretinoin soft capsules, or benzoyl peroxide gel should be used first to control inflammation, with photorejuvenation considered only after the skin condition stabilizes.

Prior to undergoing treatment, it is recommended to consult a professional dermatologist or aesthetic specialist for a comprehensive skin assessment to determine the most suitable treatment plan. Additionally, following treatment, it is important to adhere to medical advice, maintain proper daily skincare, avoid direct sun exposure, and use sunscreen to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and protect skin health.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 28, 2025
Can hepatitis C be completely cured?

In general, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which can be completely cured.

Currently, direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are the primary treatment for hepatitis C, with cure rates reaching over 95%, and in some patients, even up to 100%. These medications effectively eliminate the hepatitis C virus in the body by inhibiting viral replication. The treatment of hepatitis C requires individualized therapeutic regimens based on the patient's specific conditions, including disease status and viral genotype. Commonly used DAA medications, such as sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir combined with daclatasvir, second-generation grazoprevir/paritaprevir/ombitasvir regimens (Technivie), and third-generation glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret), can completely cure hepatitis C within 3 to 5 months depending on the genotype, with a very low recurrence rate.

The typical treatment duration is 8–12 weeks, during which patients need regular blood tests to monitor viral load and liver function. Most patients achieve undetectable levels of virus in subsequent tests, meeting the criteria for virological cure. However, it should be noted that although DAA therapy can cure HCV infection, it is important to assess the patient's liver function and whether there are complications such as cirrhosis before treatment to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, patients who have been cured still require regular liver function monitoring to prevent recurrence or other liver-related problems.

Patients need to maintain a high level of cooperation and adherence during treatment, including taking medications on time, undergoing regular follow-up examinations, and following medical advice regarding lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding alcohol consumption and staying up late—both of which can damage the liver. Doing so can not only improve treatment efficacy but also help prevent disease recurrence and complications.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025