Frequently Asked Questions

No, cellulitis itself is not contagious. It's caused by bacteria that enter the skin through cuts or breaks, rather than being spread from person to person like a contagious illness.

While over-the-counter creams might provide some relief for mild skin irritations, they are not effective in treating bacterial infections like cellulitis. Cellulitis requires prescription antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading.

With appropriate antibiotic treatment, you may start to notice improvement within a couple of days. However, it's important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, usually for about 7 to 14 days, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.

Yes, cellulitis can recur, especially if there are underlying factors that make you more susceptible, such as poor circulation, diabetes, or weakened immune system. To reduce the risk of recurrence, it's essential to manage any underlying conditions and promptly address skin injuries or infections.

You should seek medical help if you notice symptoms of cellulitis, such as redness, warmth, swelling, and pain, especially if they're accompanied by fever, chills, or worsening discomfort. If the infection is severe, spreading rapidly, or not responding to home care, don't delay in getting medical treatment to prevent complications.

It's strongly advised not to pop an abscess yourself. Popping it can worsen the infection, spread bacteria deeper into the skin, and lead to more serious complications. Instead, consult a healthcare provider for proper drainage and treatment.

While abscesses themselves are not contagious, the bacteria causing the infection can be spread through direct contact. It's essential to practice good hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, and keep the affected area covered to prevent the spread of bacteria.

While using antibacterial soap can help reduce the risk of infections, it's not a guarantee against abscesses. Good hygiene, keeping cuts clean, and avoiding friction are important preventive measures. However, if you're prone to abscesses, consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.

Pimples and abscesses share some similarities, but they have distinct differences. Pimples are generally smaller, commonly with a white or blackhead at the center. Abscesses are larger, more painful, and often filled with pus. If you're unsure about a skin lesion, it's best to consult a dermatologist.

While some natural remedies like tea tree oil have antibacterial properties, they might not be sufficient to treat a full-blown abscess. It's always best to consult a healthcare provider, as abscesses often require medical intervention such as drainage and antibiotics to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Unfortunately, male-pattern hair loss cannot be completely reversed. However, with early treatment, medications like minoxidil and finasteride, as well as lifestyle changes, can help slow down the progression and even promote some hair regrowth in some cases.

While natural remedies might contribute to overall hair health, they aren't as effective as clinically proven medications like minoxidil and finasteride. A balanced diet, good hair care practices, and stress management can support hair health, but for significant results, medical interventions are usually necessary.

Results vary from person to person. It may take several months (around 3 to 6 months) of consistent use of medications like minoxidil and finasteride to notice visible improvements in hair thickness and growth. Patience and consistent use are crucial for achieving the best outcomes.

While genetics play a major role in male-pattern hair loss, other factors like hormonal changes, age, and even certain medical conditions can contribute. It's important to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Yes, over-the-counter minoxidil is available and can be effective for some people. However, the prescription strength may be more potent and suitable for more advanced cases of male-pattern hair loss. Consulting a dermatologist can help determine the right concentration for your needs and provide proper guidance.

Saxenda is a prescription medication that mimics the hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, aiding in weight loss.

Clinical trials show that patients using Saxenda in combination with diet and exercise can lose an average of 8-10% of their body weight over 56 weeks.

Adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with a weight-related condition, may benefit from Saxenda.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage.

Saxenda can be prescribed by a healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of your medical history and weight loss goals.

Ozempic is a prescription medication that helps manage type 2 diabetes and aids in weight loss by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite.

Clinical trials show that patients using Ozempic can lose an average of 5-10% of their body weight and achieve significant improvements in blood sugar control over 68 weeks.

Adults with type 2 diabetes needing better glycemic control, and those with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with a weight-related condition.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage.

Ozempic can be prescribed by a healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of your medical history and health goals.

Scabies is generally not classified as a typical sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be transmitted through sexual contact. More frequently, scabies spreads through non-sexual close contact with family members, roommates, and others.

After a person becomes infested with scabies mites for the first time, it typically takes about 2 to 6 weeks for the symptoms to develop. This delay occurs because it takes time for the mites to cause an allergic reaction that leads to itching and other symptoms of this parasitic infection. If someone has had scabies before, their body's immune response can lead to symptoms appearing much sooner, within a few days.

Crusted scabies (a.k.a. Norwegian scabies) is a severe, highly contagious form of scabies infestation that leads to thick, crusted, and scaly lesions. It often occurs in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, or individuals who are elderly or have other underlying health conditions.

Scabies is unlikely to resolve without treatment. Without treatment, the mites can continue to reproduce and spread, causing the symptoms to worsen over time. It's important to seek medical treatment to effectively eliminate the mites and alleviate symptoms. You can come to CallonDoc to speak with one of our virtual doctors for scabies. 

While there's no instant fix, effective treatment involves using prescription or over-the-counter pediculicides, like permethrin cream, as recommended by your healthcare provider. These products are designed to eliminate lice and their eggs. Thoroughly cleaning personal items, such as combs, bedding, and clothing, is also essential to

While there's no instant fix, effective treatment involves using prescription or over-the-counter pediculicides, like permethrin cream, as recommended by your healthcare provider. These products are designed to eliminate lice and their eggs. Thoroughly cleaning personal items, such as combs, bedding, and clothing, is also essential to prevent reinfestation.

Yes, you can treat lice at home using appropriate medications. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Over-the-counter treatments or prescription medications like ivermectin might be necessary for effective at-home treatment.

To check for lice, closely examine the scalp and hair, particularly around the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Look for adult lice, nits (eggs) attached to the hair shafts near the scalp, and any red bumps caused by scratching. A fine-toothed comb can help detect lice and nits by combing through small sections of damp hair.

Head lice cannot survive for long away from the scalp. While it's unlikely for lice to live in pillows, it's advisable to wash bedding, pillowcases, and personal items in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill live lice that may be present.

Remember that lice are a common but manageable issue. Obtaining a prescription to treat lice and adhering to proper treatment and hygiene measures are key for effective lice removal.

Yes, the flu can occasionally cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, although respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches are more common. Gastrointestinal symptoms are more commonly seen in children than in adults with the flu.

The flu itself doesn't typically turn into pneumonia, but it can increase the risk of developing secondary bacterial pneumonia, which is a bacterial infection of the lungs that can occur after a bout of the flu. Influenza weakens the immune system and damages the respiratory tract, making it easier for bacteria to invade the lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia, which can be severe and life-threatening if not treated promptly.

The flu itself does not directly cause ear infections, but it can lead to complications like secondary bacterial infections. In some cases, the flu can weaken the immune system and create conditions in which bacteria can infect the middle ear, resulting in an ear infection (otitis media).

The flu typically does not cause a rash as a common symptom. Rashes are more commonly associated with other viral infections or allergic reactions rather than the influenza virus.

Yes, the flu can be a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, especially for individuals in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, very young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. Influenza can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, respiratory failure, organ failure, and death, which is why annual vaccination and prompt medical attention are crucial for preventing and managing the flu.

Urticaria can have various causes, including allergies, infections, stress, and physical factors. Identifying triggers may require keeping a diary of your symptoms and activities to spot patterns. Allergy tests and discussions with your dermatologist can also help pinpoint specific triggers.

Urticaria is not contagious. It's a skin reaction to internal or external factors and cannot be spread to others through physical contact or any other means.

Acute urticaria episodes often resolve within a few hours to a few days. Chronic urticaria, on the other hand, can last for several weeks or even months. Treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the duration of episodes.

In most cases, urticaria does not lead to long-term complications. However, if you experience severe swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema) or if your urticaria is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as it can be life-threatening.

For mild cases of urticaria, you may find relief with over-the-counter antihistamines, lifestyle changes, and home remedies like cool compresses. However, chronic or severe urticaria often requires prescription medications, and it's essential to work closely with a dermatologist to determine the most effective treatment plan for your specific case.

The most common insects that cause skin reactions with their bites include mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, and spiders. Mosquitoes are notorious for causing itchy and swollen bites, while ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.

Allergic reactions to insect bites can vary in severity but often include symptoms such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or a rapid heart rate. If you experience any of these symptoms after a bite, seek immediate medical attention.

In most cases, insect bites resolve without long-term complications. However, repeated scratching or secondary bacterial infections from broken skin can lead to more significant issues. It's essential to avoid excessive scratching and keep the bite area clean to prevent complications.

Yes, it's possible to develop an allergy to insect bites over time. This is especially true for individuals who are repeatedly exposed to specific insect bites, such as bee stings. Allergies can become more severe with each subsequent exposure, so it's crucial to be cautious if you've had previous reactions.

If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and gently pull upward with steady pressure. After removing the tick, clean the bite area with soap and water, and monitor for signs of infection or illness. If you develop symptoms like a fever or a circular rash (common in Lyme disease), consult a healthcare professional promptly.