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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 10, 2016)
6 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Chronic Urticaria: The Non-Stop Itch DEAR DR. ROACH: For the past year, I have had hives on and off again, with the hives being more prominent in the morning than in the evening. I have been told by a dermatologist that it is a viral infec- tion and that topical creams, antihis- tamines and/or steroids would only mask the virus -- it would still be in my bloodstream. Are there other causes of hives that could be causing or exacerbat- ing the problem? I do not know the exact cause of the hives, and they really don’t itch too much -- they are just unsightly. How long can a viral infection with hives take to clear up? Is there anything I can do to help speed along recovery? Can it be heat-related, as in the warmer months they tend to come out more than in the winter? SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) I know, dear Lamb, that you don’t like anyone trying to take charge of one of your projects, but try to be a bit more fl exible. A new idea could help hasten a positive result. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) I’m sure, like the time-thrift y Taurus that you are, that you’ve done much of your holiday shopping. But don’t relax yet. Wrap those gift s now to save yourself lots of unwanted pres- sure. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be receptive when a family member or friend asks to confi de in you. Your positive reaction could ensure that he or she will have a happy holiday experience. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t be rushed into wrapping up I get differing diagnoses from various doctors, some saying I shouldn’t go swimming or go out- side in the sun, and others saying to go about my normal routines. I just wish I knew the exact cause. I would be grateful for any advice or insight on the topic of hives. -- Anon. ANSWER: “Chronic urticaria” is the medical term for what you are describing, if you have hives most days of the week for six or more weeks. The rash is raised, usually round or ring-shaped, and can vary in size. They tend to be very itchy (you are lucky that way), and each lesion comes and goes within 24 hours. Chronic urticaria is common, occurs more often in women, and can appear on any part of the body. Sunlight and heat can be triggers for some people, whereas cold is a trig- ger for others. Diet usually is not a factor in chronic urticaria. There are many theories, but nobody is sure, so I can’t tell you the exact cause. It probably is not due to viruses, but hepatitis A and hepatitis C have been suggested, though there is confl icting data. We don’t know what causes it, but since the itchiness can be very uncomfort- able, even severe in some cases, I think treatment, even though it may “mask” the underlying cause, is still helpful, and antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment. I tend to prefer cetirizine (Zyrtec), since it is effective (both for itchiness and in helping clear the hives), usually doesn’t cause sedation and is very inexpensive as a generic. It may take two to fi ve years, but chronic urticaria usually does go away even- tually. DEAR DR. ROACH: I haven’t had to shave my legs for a few years, because I never get growth anymore. My doctor said it may be from hormones. I’m 78. Could that be the reason? -- C.K. ANSWER: Lack of hair can result from several reasons, including hor- monal changes, but also from “poor circulation” -- specifi cally, periph- eral artery disease. Unrecognized peripheral artery disease is impor- tant, since it predicts increased risk of heart disease and stroke. A physi- cal exam is sometimes enough to make the diagnosis; however, if your doctor’s suspicion is high, he or she might order a Doppler ultra- sound to evaluate the blood fl ow. that workplace problem. Consider leaving it until aft er the holidays. Th is way you’ll have the facts you need to reach the right resolution. LEO (July 23 to August 22) You’ll get news that will make you glow brighter than the lights of the holiday season. Be sure to use what you learn both carefully and kindly, to avoid giving the wrong impression. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Th at frayed relationship could be mended in time for the holidays if you were more fl exible. Give a little, and you could get back a lot more than you imagined. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Th ings might not seem to be set- tling down as quickly as you would prefer. But it might be just a little holiday time fl utter. You’ll soon get news that will lead to more stability. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Stop getting so involved in everyone’s personal problems that you lose precious time with loved ones. Remember, even the Supreme Court closes for the holidays. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) All signs point to a bright holiday, with all of those pesky problems fi nally resolved in your favor. Share the good times with people you love and, of course, who love you. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your plans should not be set in stone and cemented over. Leave some openings in case you need to make changes. Spend the holidays with your nearest and dearest. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Surprise! Th is holiday fi nds you on the receiving end of the generosity of those who are usually the recipients of so much that you give so freely and lovingly. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Th at piece of good news assures that you’ll be swimming in clearer, calmer waters this holiday season. Th ere might be a storm or two ahead, but you’ll weather it all in fi ne style. 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