What’s Going Around this week is likely due to an increase in outdoor activities. Urticaria, better known as hives, is an allergic reaction to things such as contact with plants, insect stings, or even pollen.
The greatest increases in Central Florida were seen at the following Centra Care locations:
- Waterford Lakes – up 600%
- Lake Buena Vista – up 500%
- Winter Park – up 400%
- Dr. Phillips – up 300%
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Hives appear as red or white bumps or welts on the skin. They are the result of allergic reactions, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions. They are itchy and how long they last varies.
To reduce itch, avoid things that increase the warmth of your skin, like hot showers or staying outside on a hot, sunny day. You should also avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing. Over the counter medications like Benadryl can be taken orally to treat itchy skin. If Benadryl causes too much sleepiness, then non-drowsy alternatives like Claritin or Zyrtec can be used. Follow instructions on the medication package for dosage and how to use the medication safely.
If an insect sting is the cause of your hives, you’ll want to treat the hives and the actual sting location. For Insect Stings: Apply ice every 2-4 hours for 20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the affected area elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling.
Go the Emergency Room immediately or call 911 if any symptoms of difficulty breathing, tongue or throat swelling, or worsening swelling/rash develop.
If you need to see a doctor, Centra Care’s No Wait, Online Reservations allows you to secure a time at any of our locations that fits with your schedule. Now if you are sick or injured, you can schedule to see a doctor during your lunch break, after work, on the weekend, or whenever is convenient for you. For more information visit:
www.CentraCare.org
Sincerely,
Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3