The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Xiao Jiping looked to be in his sixties or seventies, with a head full of white hair, a slim build, and an elegant demeanor. Although he wore a smile, he inexplicably gave off a very authoritative presence.

Zhang Zhen politely said, "Dr. Xiao, I really apologize for troubling you so late at night. Our child’s condition is quite serious, and the family is very worried. We really appreciate your help in having a good look!"

Xiao Jiping nodded, exchanged a few polite words, and then said, "Mr. Zhang, I’ve carefully reviewed the photos you sent. However, I need to communicate with the patient in order to get a clearer understanding of the situation before proceeding further. Let’s begin the consultation now."

Xiao Jiping is an expert in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, renowned nationwide, and the dermatology department at the Provincial Third Hospital is celebrated.

After receiving photos of the patient, Zhang Xueyao, in the afternoon, he had already formed a preliminary judgment in his mind.

The patient’s acne condition was classified as moderate level three, with comedones accompanied by inflammatory papules, and even pustules had started to form.

Acne is a common condition during adolescence, it can be cured, but is prone to recur, the treatment process is slow, and requires the patient’s proactive cooperation.

Currently, most quick-acting treatments available on the market are laden with hormones, which are very harmful to the body.

Since the patient is in the hormonal development stage of adolescence, even if they were not introduced by a trusted acquaintance, he still wouldn’t recommend trying such treatments.

However, conventional conservative treatment methods are slow to show effects, and the prolonged medication period could easily affect the child’s psychological state.

Having practiced medicine for decades, Xiao Jiping understands patient psychology very well. Thus, when he learned that the patient’s personality had changed due to the acne condition, he knew this case would be challenging.

If this were in the city, during regular consultations, he could think of ways to persuade and guide them. But now, with the barrier of a phone screen, no matter how sincerely and earnestly he tried to advise, it would inevitably have a diluted effect.

Even someone as skilled as Xiao Jiping found this situation somewhat tricky.

Zhang Zhen held up the phone, aiming it at Zhang Xueyao’s face.

The young girl tucked her bangs behind her ear cooperatively but only glanced quickly at the phone screen before looking away, her gaze uncertain and evasive.

Xiao Jiping tried to speak in a calm and gentle tone, "Yaoyao, is that right? Hello, I need to understand your situation a bit more, so I hope you can cooperate."

Zhang Xueyao quickly glanced at the screen and nodded.

Xiao Jiping said, "Acne, also known as pimples, is a common condition during adolescence. As long as you pay attention to your diet and hygiene, it can heal on its own, without needing immediate medical attention."

Zhang Xueyao was surprised, looking at the compassionate face of the old traditional Chinese medicine doctor on the screen.

"So, you don’t need to worry. Acne isn’t a major ailment, and as long as the right measures are taken, it can be completely cured." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Zhang Xueyao nodded her head.

Perhaps it was because of the distance provided by the phone screen, or maybe it was the reassuring words of the old doctor, but Zhang Xueyao noticeably relaxed a bit and looked up at the old doctor on the screen.

Xiao Jiping went through a routine set of questions.

Like how long has the acne been present?

Is her daily schedule regular?

Does she often stay up late?

Zhang Xueyao cooperatively answered each question one by one.

Xiao Jiping, being an experienced physician, after a simple inquiry, asked Zhang Zhen to send over all the previous skin microscopy, VISIA skin analysis, and hormone test results performed on Zhang Xueyao.

Having reviewed them all, Xiao Jiping quickly formulated a few stable and reliable treatment plans.

Xiao Jiping explained the first plan.

"The most conventional treatment is to use topical antibacterial medications to eliminate Propionibacterium acnes and reduce inflammation. Additionally, vitamin A acid medications can improve the keratinization of pilosebaceous duct and dissolve comedones, while also improving and preventing acne scars and pigmentation."

"At the same time, oral medications such as antibiotics and B vitamins need to be used to control oil secretion."

Upon reaching this point, Xiao Jiping leaned forward, bringing himself closer to the screen.

"Besides that, surgical treatments can also be considered, like incision and drainage of cysts, which involve draining the contents of cysts to promote recovery. Electric ion cyst fenestration is another option, it has a small incision and rapid recovery... "

Zhang Zhen had heard of similar treatment methods before; the head of the dermatology department at the Second Hospital had recommended the same, providing two plans as well, one being medication treatment and the other surgical.

However, both treatment methods, while straightforward and causing little discomfort to the patient, had very apparent drawbacks.

They tend to recur easily and are slow to show results.

Xiao Jiping then introduced physical and chemical treatments, employing photodynamic therapy to inhibit oil secretion.

Though this treatment method might cause some degree of pain.

Even though it is bearable, it could cause psychological pressure and harm to the patient.

Finally, he elaborated on the most conservative yet safest treatment method, traditional Chinese medicinal regulation.

A total of four treatment methods, all of which are the most fitting for Zhang Xueyao’s condition, most rational, and safest treatment plans.

Hearing the final plan of Chinese medicinal regulation, Zhang Zhen couldn’t help but brighten up.

After all, Xiao Jiping is a top-tier expert in traditional Chinese medicine, if he could prescribe a treatment, the process of treating acne would surely be much more efficient!

After finishing his introduction, Xiao Jiping sought Zhang Zhen’s opinion: "Mr. Zhang, which plan do you find more acceptable?"

Zhang Zhen unhesitatingly replied, "The fourth one, Chinese medicinal regulation. Dr. Xiao, isn’t it true that compared to the other three, Chinese medicinal regulation works the best?"

Xiao Jiping replied truthfully, "The effects are actually quite similar. Acne can be cured, but it often relapses. Compared to the other three, the traditional Chinese medicine method is the gentlest."

Zhang Zhen nodded, increasingly convinced of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine treatment.

At this moment, Zhang Xueyao, who had been sitting quietly by the side, suddenly spoke softly, "Uncle Zhang, can we not do the Chinese medicine?"

Zhang Zhen had previously brought Zhang Xueyao to see a Chinese medicine doctor and had a course of decoction prescribed.

The prescription used quality medicinal materials, but the brewed concoction’s taste is hard to describe.

Zhang Xueyao would often vomit out half of it after drinking a bowl, leaving a shadow over her from the experience.

Xiao Jiping was slightly taken aback and asked, "What’s the matter? Is there a problem?"

Zhang Xueyao hurriedly shook her head, stammering, "No, it’s just..."

Zhang Zhen quickly explained, "I previously took her to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and got a decoction. She couldn’t bear that taste, it made her nauseous just smelling it. It was quite torturous, so the child is a bit scared."

Xiao Jiping nodded in understanding, "Actually, treating acne doesn’t necessarily require consuming Chinese medicine. Many fruits and vegetables have significant effects in regulating acne symptoms. If medicinal ingredients are incorporated into food and consumed together, the effect would be better."

Zhang Zhen: "!"