SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Eyeglasses cause
skin to blister
DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently
purchased two new pairs of prescrip-
tion eyeglasses that are in plastic
frames. Forty-eight hours after I
began wearing the first pair, the
bridge of my nose became very red,
and small, flat blisters appeared. The
same behind both ears — anywhere
the plastic touched my skin. I got
this to heal with cortisone cream,
and a week later I tried the other pair.
This time, the reaction came within
about 14 hours and involved
swelling of my nose as well as the
blistering and bright redness.
What causes this — an allergy or
some sort of chemical burn? The
area itched yet felt like a burn and
peeled after the cortisone treatment
brought the blistering down. —
N.W.
ANSWER: This sounds like a
case of contact dermatitis, probably
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
Disappointed about something that
didn’t go your way? Cheer up. Look at
the reasons it happened, and you could
find a valuable lesson about what to do
(or not do!) the next time.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s
a good time to do some reassessing of
plans and goals — even how you con-
sidered redoing your bathroom. The
point is to be open to change if change
can improve things.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Take
some time to learn who is the right per-
son (or persons) to approach and dis-
cuss your ideas with for your new proj-
ect. Also, reserve time to prepare for an
upcoming family event.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Dealing with a demanding situation, as
you recently did, could drain much of
related to the chemicals used in the
manufacturing of the plastic. Some
people are just sensitive to any of the
many chemicals used; however, I am
increasingly seeing bad reactions to
manufactured goods, especially to
those made overseas. Not every
country has the same safeguards we
have in place in North America.
Some of these chemicals are
volatile and disappear after a short
while. It’s possible that washing the
glasses in hot, soapy water could
have been able to remove them.
However, in your case, the reaction
was so strong that I would avoid that
brand in the future.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have
arthritis in my neck. When I turn my
head, I get a snapping sound in my
head under the skull. What can be
done for this, and is it dangerous to
ignore and maybe just wear a collar?
A doctor in Florida wanted to do sur-
gery on my neck when I went for
back surgery three years ago. I’m 76
years old. I have no pain or weak-
ness, just a light ringing in my head.
— S.M.
ANSWER: The snapping sound is
likely made by one of the tendons in
your neck moving over a bony
prominence. If it isn’t causing any
pain, I don’t think you need to do
anything about it. I certainly would
not recommend neck surgery. I
reserve consideration of neck sur-
gery for people with severe neuro-
logic symptoms, such as pain and
weakness, and those whose function
is limited.
A warm pack on the back of the
neck probably is as good a treatment
as anything.
DEAR DR. ROACH: Does taking
psyllium interfere with the body’s
absorption of prescription medica-
tions? If so, how long should one
wait after taking psyllium before
taking prescription medications? —
M.H.S.
ANSWER: Psyllium, which is in
Metamucil but also can be bought in
bulk, is a soluble, non-absorbable
fiber that carries water with it as it
passes through the GI tract, relieving
constipation. It is safe and effective
for most people with mild constipa-
tion, but can cause some bloating
sensation, especially if started at too-
high doses. It should be taken with
plenty of water.
Psyllium can prevent absorption
of medications. It should be taken
one hour before or at least two hours
after other medications.
your own emotional reserves. Take
time to relax and indulge yourself in
some well-earned pampering.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) The
regal Lion might feel that she or he is
above emotional displays. But show-
ing your feelings can be liberating for
you, and reassuring for someone who
has been waiting for you to do so.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) An emotionally needy person
might make more demands than you
can cope with. Best to ask for some
breathing space NOW, before resent-
ment sets in and makes communica-
tion difficult.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) An unexpected spate of mixed sig-
nals could cause serious schedule set-
backs. Best to focus on straightening
everything out as soon as possible and
get everyone back on track.
SCORPIO (October 23 to
November 21) Be aware that someone
in the workplace could try to use a dis-
agreement with a colleague against
you. If so, be prepared to offer your
side of the story with the facts to back
you up.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) An unexpected chal-
lenge to a previous decision can be
unsettling. But your reservoir of self-
confidence — plus your loyal support-
ers — should help carry the day for
you. Good luck.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) While the idea of making
some sort of major move in the near
future continues to interest you, don’t
overlook a new possibility that could
be emerging closer to home.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) Be careful not to base an
upcoming decision on gossip or any-
thing you might hear if it can’t meet
provable standards. That’s true regard-
less of whom the source might be.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
You might still need to do some solid
reassessing early in the week before
you can close that sensitive situation.
A new job-related opportunity could
present itself later in the week.
5 B
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