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
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