Q&A with Top Doctors

Can milk and honey be consumed together?

Under normal circumstances, milk and honey can be consumed together.

Milk is rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients, while honey mainly contains glucose and fructose, along with vitamins, minerals, and active substances such as enzymes. These components do not cause harmful chemical reactions when combined; instead, they complement each other nutritionally. The calcium in milk helps stabilize mood, while the glucose in honey helps regulate nervous system function, and consuming them together may have a synergistic effect on promoting sleep. In general, most people can safely consume milk and honey together, which can enhance flavor and nutritional value.

However, individual differences should be considered. People with diabetes or poor blood sugar control should be cautious about honey's high sugar content, to avoid causing blood sugar fluctuations. Additionally, individuals with allergies should be cautious, as honey may contain pollen, which sometimes causes allergic reactions. People with high blood sugar or diabetes should consume it cautiously and preferably consult a doctor first, making decisions based on their individual blood sugar control conditions regarding whether and how much to consume.

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Dr. Yu Yongchao
May 28, 2025
Can tattoos be removed?

In general, tattoos can usually be removed. The specific analysis is as follows:

Tattoos are created by injecting pigments into the dermal layer of the skin, allowing pigment particles to remain in the skin for a prolonged period, thus forming patterns. Since the cell renewal rate of the dermis is slow, these pigments are difficult for the body to naturally metabolize and expel, making tattoos long-lasting.

Commonly used laser tattoo removal works by utilizing high-energy laser pulses to selectively break down pigment particles into smaller fragments, which are then metabolized and expelled from the body through the immune system. Surgical excision is suitable for smaller tattoos, involving direct removal of the tattooed skin followed by suturing. However, removal effectiveness is influenced by various factors such as the tattoo's color, depth, size, and individual skin recovery capacity.

If you wish to remove a tattoo, it is recommended to visit the dermatology or cosmetic and plastic surgery department at a reputable hospital. Doctors will formulate an appropriate treatment plan based on the specific characteristics of the tattoo. Laser tattoo removal typically requires multiple sessions, with intervals of 1–3 months between each treatment. After treatment, it is important to keep the treated area clean and dry, avoid contact with water, and refrain from scratching to prevent infection. Surgical excision carries a risk of scarring, and post-operative wound care, as well as use of scar treatment medications, should follow medical advice.

Individuals with sensitive skin should inform the doctor prior to treatment to assess skin tolerance and choose a gentler treatment method. Additionally, tattoo removal costs vary depending on the method used and the tattoo's size. Before treatment, it is important to understand all related costs and potential risks involved.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 28, 2025
Can pregnant women eat okra?

Pregnant women can eat okra, but should do so in moderation.

Okra is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable that contains high levels of vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber, all of which are beneficial to the health of both the pregnant woman and the developing fetus. Its folic acid content helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus, calcium supports fetal bone development, and dietary fiber helps relieve constipation during pregnancy. In addition, the mucilaginous protein in okra can protect the gastric mucosa and reduce irritation caused by stomach acid, making it suitable for pregnant women with weakened digestive function.

However, okra is cold in nature and contains oxalic acid. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or interfere with calcium absorption. Some pregnant women may be allergic to the mucilaginous protein in okra, experiencing symptoms such as rashes or diarrhea. During pregnancy, it is best to prepare okra by stir-frying, boiling in soup, or steaming, avoiding frying or the addition of spicy seasonings in order to preserve its nutrients and minimize irritation. Because the oxalic acid in okra may interfere with calcium absorption, it is recommended that pregnant women increase their calcium intake while consuming okra, for example by eating dairy products.

If abdominal pain, diarrhea, or abnormal fetal movement occurs after eating okra, consumption should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought. A balanced diet is essential during pregnancy, and okra can be consumed together with other vegetables and protein-rich foods to ensure comprehensive nutrition.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
May 28, 2025
What department should you visit for mouth ulcers?

Oral ulcers are a common oral mucosal disease with complex causes. It is usually recommended to seek treatment at departments specializing in oral mucosa, stomatology, pediatrics, rheumatology and immunology, or gastroenterology.

For simple oral ulcers, it is generally recommended to visit the oral mucosal department. Doctors in this department have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating oral mucosal diseases, can accurately assess the condition, and provide appropriate treatment plans, such as prescribing medications to promote ulcer healing and pain relief. If there is no dedicated oral mucosa department in the hospital, the general stomatology department is also suitable.

In children with oral ulcers, additional factors such as picky eating habits and poor oral hygiene may be involved. In general hospitals, parents can choose either the pediatrics or stomatology department. In specialized oral hospitals, visiting the pediatric dentistry department is recommended, as doctors there are more skilled in managing children's oral problems and can develop treatment and care plans tailored to children's specific needs.

If oral ulcers recur frequently and are accompanied by systemic symptoms such as joint pain, rashes, or eye inflammation, they may be related to immune system abnormalities. In such cases, a visit to an immunology or rheumatology and immunology department is necessary to rule out autoimmune diseases.

If oral ulcers are accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain or diarrhea, they may be associated with digestive system disorders. In this case, consultation with a gastroenterology department is required. Gastroenterologists can evaluate the condition of the digestive tract through related examinations, such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy, and screen for gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis or ulcerative colitis.

During treatment, patients should follow medical advice, maintain good oral hygiene, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to promote the healing of oral ulcers.

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Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

In general, periodontitis may present symptoms such as gingival bleeding, redness and swelling of the gums, gum pain or sensitivity, bad breath, and gum recession. Patients should visit a hospital and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gingival bleeding: Bleeding of the gums during tooth brushing or biting hard objects is the most common early sign, possibly caused by inflammation-induced dilation and increased permeability of gum blood vessels.

2. Redness and swelling of the gums: The gum edges appear red and swollen, with a soft texture, losing their normal pinkish luster, appearing dark red or bright red.

3. Gum pain or sensitivity: The gums are sensitive to stimuli such as cold, heat, sour, or sweet substances, or mild pain may occur, especially noticeable during tooth brushing.

4. Bad breath: Oral odor caused by bacterial metabolic products and retained food debris may be accompanied by worsening of gum inflammation.

5. Gum recession: The gum margin recedes toward the root of the tooth, exposing the root surface, leading to tooth sensitivity and widened gaps between teeth.

If left untreated for a long time, periodontitis can destroy periodontal tissues, resulting in insufficient tooth support, tooth mobility, or even displacement. When the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for periodontal treatment to control the condition and maintain oral health.

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Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
What are the uses and benefits of Loratadine tablets?

Loratadine tablets are a highly effective and long-acting antihistamine medication. Their primary functions and benefits include anti-allergic effects, anti-inflammatory effects, auxiliary sedation, and improvement of quality of life.

1. Anti-allergic: Rapidly relieves nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes caused by allergic rhinitis. Also alleviates skin allergy symptoms such as荨麻疹 (urticaria) and eczema.

2. Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits the release of inflammatory cytokines and reduces inflammatory reactions such as redness and pain caused by allergies.

3. Auxiliary sedation: Although the sedative effect is mild, it can relieve anxiety and irritability caused by allergic reactions.

4. Improves quality of life: Effectively controls allergic symptoms, helping patients resume normal life and work, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Loratadine tablets are indicated for allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and contact dermatitis. They are particularly effective for seasonal or persistent allergic symptoms. However, use must strictly follow medical advice. Use with caution in pregnant women, lactating women, patients with impaired liver or kidney function, and children under 2 years of age. Avoid driving or operating machinery during treatment, as side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may occur.

If symptoms are severe, other antiallergic medications or topical treatments may be combined under medical supervision. Known allergens should be actively avoided, and indoor cleanliness and ventilation should be maintained.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 28, 2025
What are the hazards of paronychia?

Paronychia is an infectious inflammation of the nail groove and surrounding tissues, primarily triggered by bacterial invasion through skin injuries. Its main risks include worsening local damage, functional impairment, and complications.

1. Worsening local damage: If not treated promptly, the infection may spread deeper, leading to subungual abscess, osteomyelitis of the phalanges, or even local tissue necrosis.

2. Functional impairment: Recurrent paronychia can cause severe pain, affecting normal movement of fingers or toes. Long-term inflammation may result in chronic granuloma formation and local deformities.

3. Suppurative infection: If bacterial invasion progresses, paronychia may develop into a suppurative infection, forming abscesses. These abscesses can intensify pain and potentially lead to local tissue necrosis.

4. Chronic paronychia: Repeated episodes of paronychia can lead to chronic paronychia, which is more difficult to treat and prone to recurrence.

5. Serious complications: Paronychia may cause nail loosening, deformation, or even detachment, damaging the nail bed and potentially leading to nail bed injury, osteomyelitis, and other severe complications.

It is recommended to keep the affected area clean and dry, avoiding squeezing or excessive trimming of the nail. In early stages, follow medical advice to disinfect with povidone-iodine solution, then apply mupirocin ointment, erythromycin ointment, or compound polymyxin B ointment locally, combined with warm compresses to promote absorption of inflammation. If an abscess has formed, seek timely medical treatment for incision and drainage to prevent the spread of infection caused by self-squeezing.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 28, 2025
Is acute pancreatitis prone to recurrence?

Acute pancreatitis carries a high risk of recurrence, as analyzed below:

If the underlying causes of acute pancreatitis are not effectively controlled—for example, if gallstones or cholecystitis remain untreated—displaced stones may re-obstruct the pancreatic duct, triggering pancreatitis again. Persistent unhealthy lifestyle habits such as chronic alcohol abuse and overeating can continuously irritate the pancreas and increase the likelihood of recurrence.

Following an episode of acute pancreatitis, the pancreas may sustain functional and structural damage, leading to reduced digestive capacity and decreased tolerance to stimuli. If dietary or lifestyle precautions are not taken, the condition may easily recur.

To prevent recurrence of acute pancreatitis, it is essential first to actively treat underlying conditions such as gallstones or cholecystitis through surgery or medication. At the same time, significant lifestyle modifications are necessary, including complete abstinence from alcohol, maintaining regular and bland dietary habits, avoiding high-fat and greasy foods, and following the principle of eating smaller, more frequent meals.

In daily life, one should also increase physical exercise, manage weight, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and enhance overall immunity. Additionally, regular follow-up examinations at the hospital—including blood amylase tests and abdominal ultrasound—are important for monitoring pancreatic function. If symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting occur, prompt medical attention should be sought for early detection and treatment.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025
Will hyperthyroidism cause the skin to become lighter after recovery?

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland. After recovery from hyperthyroidism, the skin generally does not become lighter. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, leading to an increased metabolic rate throughout the body. During treatment, thyroid hormone levels return to normal, the metabolic rate stabilizes, and melanin synthesis and metabolism in the skin also return to normal, bringing the skin color close to its usual tone. However, skin color is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, degree of sun exposure, skin disorders, anemia, and abnormal liver function. Hyperthyroidism itself typically does not directly cause skin darkening; therefore, after recovery, skin color generally does not significantly lighten.

Although skin may not necessarily become lighter after recovery from hyperthyroidism, skin condition can be improved through other means. For example, maintaining skin cleanliness by choosing suitable facial cleansers and skincare products; practicing sun protection to prevent ultraviolet radiation damage; and ensuring adequate sleep to aid skin repair and regeneration.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 28, 2025
How to moisturize and hydrate the skin

Common methods for moisturizing and hydrating the skin typically include adjusting cleansing routines, enhancing moisturizing skincare, improving the living environment, paying attention to dietary hydration, and receiving professional care. The details are as follows:

1. Adjust cleansing methods: Choose gentle facial cleansers and avoid over-cleansing. For dry and sensitive skin types, reduce the frequency of face washing and use lukewarm water for gentle cleansing.

2. Enhance moisturizing skincare: Select suitable moisturizing creams or lotions based on skin type and apply them promptly after cleansing to lock in moisture. Regular use of hydrating face masks can also help replenish skin moisture.

3. Improve the living environment: Minimize prolonged exposure to dry environments, such as air-conditioned rooms. Use a humidifier indoors to increase air humidity and alleviate skin dryness.

4. Pay attention to dietary hydration: Drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in vitamins and moisture, such as fruits and vegetables, to internally hydrate and nourish the skin.

5. Professional care: Regularly visit reputable medical institutions for skin assessments and choose appropriate moisturizing treatments based on skin condition, such as hyaluronic acid injections or hydrating facial masks.

In addition, ultraviolet radiation is a significant factor in skin dryness; it is recommended to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to reduce moisture evaporation.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 28, 2025