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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 15, 2016)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❜ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Skin rash associated with many conditions DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 64- year-old male in good health. I had an outbreak of blisterlike sores on my upper torso, in my mouth and near my eyes. I had an almost-incapacitating feeling and was able to consume only liquids and shakes because of the mouth blisters. The blisters took their course in seven to 10 days and scabbed over. These episodes reoc- curred three separate times, returning two to three weeks apart. Just prior to the outbreaks, I started taking Aleve because of sore knees while I was walking. On the third out- break, I consulted my dermatologist, and he observed a reddened throat without any noticeable soreness on my part, so he swabbed the throat, and it showed strep throat. The sore throat was treated, and I believe I was also SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Mars, your ruling planet, begins a journey that will open up a growing number of possibilities. Put that surg- ing Arian energy to good use and explore it to your heart’s content. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) This is the time to prepare for a career move coming up next month. Update your resume. Get those proposals in shape. And don’t forget to buff up that Bovine self-confidence. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your Gemini instincts will guide you to the right people who might be able to help you get over that career impasse that has been holding you back. Expect to make changes. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You’re getting closer, but you still given steroids. The physician’s diagnosis was ery- thema multiforme. The doctor thought the EM was related to the strep throat, and he wasn’t sure if the Aleve played a role. I am interested in your thoughts on the possible causes of the EM and the chances of it returning. I have been blister-free for a year now, but fear that the EM will return or that there is some underlying autoimmune issue. — T.C. ANSWER: Erythema multiforme is a skin rash with a characteristic tar- get appearance. They tend to appear on the backs of hands to the elbows, or on the legs from the top of the feet to the knees, and then appear closer toward the body. They stay for a few days and then leave after two weeks or so. EM has been associated with many medical conditions, including autoim- mune diseases; however, 90 percent of EM is related to infection. The most common infection is herpes simplex (the cause of cold sores as well as gen- ital herpes). Strep throat is not a com- mon cause of EM. However, the naproxen (Aleve) is a well-known cause. I would advise against using Aleve or related medications, and reassure you that the likelihood of a hidden autoimmune disease is low. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am in good general health. My problem is not being able to drink enough water to quench my thirst, especially in warm weather. If I drink more than 25 ounces per day, my stomach becomes upset. In warm weather, I have to bal- ance my fluid intake between dehy- dration and an upset stomach. I am not diabetic. Is there a solution? — E.K. ANSWER: A sensation of feeling bloated after fluid intake is not uncommon among athletes during competitions. I have heard many pos- sible treatments. These include sip- ping fluids slowly over time; however, some people seem to find relief by gulping fluids down in large amounts, the theory being that distending the stomach stimulates it to contract and send the fluid into the intestines to be absorbed. Having some food with the fluid helps many people, especially starchy foods (like cereals or crackers) to absorb lots of water. Tepid water may be more easily absorbed than ice-cold water. If none of these works, you might try adding a little fruit juice and very little salt to your water, which should reduce the stomach upset. have a ways to go before reaching your goals. Continue to stay focused, no matter how difficult it can be for the easily distracted Moon Child. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your Leonine pride might be keeping you from getting to the source of a dis- turbing situation. Don’t be shy about asking questions. Remember: Information is power. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good time to shake up your tidy little world by doing something spontaneous, like taking an unplanned trip or going on a mad shopping spree. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) This is a good week to get advice on your plans. But don’t act on them until you feel sure that you’ve been told everything you need to know to support your move. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Be careful. You might be probing just a little too deeply into a situation that you find singularly suspicious. The facts you seek will begin to emerge at a later time. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) This is a good week to make new friends and to look for new career challenges. But first, get all those unfinished tasks wrapped up and out of the way. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Relationships need a fresh infusion of tender, loving care. Avoid potential problems down the line. Stay close to loved ones as the month draws to a close. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Aspects favor relation- ships, whether platonic, professional or personal. On another note: Be a mite more thrifty. You might need some extra money very soon. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) This is the absolute right time to let those often-hidden talents shine their brightest. You’ll impress some very important people with what you can do 7 B Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO www. the siuslawnews.com E -E DITION • S PORTS • T OP S TORIES • O BITUARIES • W EATHER • F ORUMS • B LOGS
