- Female
- 26 Years
- 29/01/2025
Do I really need to fast before getting tests for vitamin B12, vitamin D, CBC, and thyroid? I was told to get these because I'm dealing with hair fall, but I'm not sure if fasting is necessary. Can you clarify this for me?
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
The needle-like stomach pain could be due to gas, acid reflux, food poisoning, or stress. To alleviate the discomfort:
Self-Care
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid triggers: Steer clear of spicy, fatty, or heavy foods.
- Over-the-counter relief: Try antacids or acid reducers like Tums, Rolaids, or Zantac.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Severe pain: Unbearable or worsening pain.
- Vomiting: Vomiting blood or severe vomiting.
- Fever: High fever (over 101.5F).
- Abdominal tenderness: Stomach tenderness to the touch.
Dr. Anshul Suggests...
Consult a Dermatologist
Answered 04/07/2025
0
0

Ask Apollo
AI powered Health Chatbot
For your tests related to hair fall, here are some key points to know about fasting requirements:
-
Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D tests: Generally, you do not need to fast before these blood tests. They can be done at any time of the day.
-
Complete Blood Count (CBC): No fasting is required for a CBC test.
-
Thyroid function tests: These also do not require fasting.
It's always a good idea to follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider or the lab. If you are taking any medications or supplements, mention them before the test.
If you have any other concerns or symptoms, discussing them with your doctor will help tailor the testing and treatment plan effectively.
Answered 20/08/2025
0
0

More Dermatology Health Queries
View allI've been using Melacare for about 4 years now and I'm thinking of stopping. I'm a bit worried though, if I stop using it, will my skin be able to recover on its own or am I going to have to deal with hyperpigmentation forever?
Stopping Melacare may cause: 1. Rebound hyperpigmentation (temporary) 2. Skin recovery with proper skincare and sun protection 3. Ongoing hyperpigmentation management Post-Melacare skincare: 1. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) 2. Moisturize with a gentle moisturizer 3. Exfoliate regularly 4. Consider alternative treatments
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I've been dealing with a red rash around my waist, and it's been itching pretty badly. It's been going on for at least two months now and seems to disappear from one spot only to show up somewhere else nearby. I'm starting to worry about what might be happening. Any thoughts on what this could be or what steps I should take next?
for providing more details about the red, itchy rash around your waist. To help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan, I recommend the following: Visual Assessment: If possible, please upload a photo of the rash. This will help in making a more accurate assessment. Additional Information Needed: Have you noticed any patterns or triggers, like exposure to new clothes, soaps, or environments, that coincide with the appearance or worsening of the rash? Do you have any personal or family history of allergies or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis? Based on the information you've already provided, here are some possible considerations and general recommendations: Possible Causes: Eczema or Contact Dermatitis: Often results in itchy, red rashes and can be triggered by irritants or allergens. Fungal Infections: These can appear as red, itchy, and scaly patches, particularly in areas like the waist where moisture might be trapped. Hives (Urticaria): Can cause red, itchy, raised welts that move around the body. Suggested Treatment: Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can help reduce inflammation and itchiness. Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine can help relieve itching. Avoid Irritants: Use mild, fragrance-free detergents and skincare products. For persistent or spreading rashes, it might be valuable to consider further diagnostics. These could include skin swabs, allergy tests, or patch tests if an allergic reaction is suspected. Please feel free to upload a photo or share any more details, and I'll be glad to provide further guidance.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I'm having issues with my tongue the skin is peeling, it's really painful, and I can't eat anything. Could you recommend any medicine for this? Do you think those Vitamin C chewable tablets would be helpful?
Could be due to a condition called oral mucositis. Vitamin C chewable tablets may not directly help with this issue. I recommend using a topical oral gel containing a local anesthetic like lidocaine to help with the pain and a mouthwash containing a mild antiseptic like chlorhexidine gluconate to prevent infection. Additionally, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen for pain relief. If the symptoms persist, please consult a doctor for further evaluation and management.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.





