Has anyone ever had a bad case of poison ivy?

Monday and Tuesday I had a rash on my waist that got really really bad Wednesday and spread all over my body. I went to the doctor and she told me that some of it looks like poison ivy and the rest of it looks like an allergic reaction to something. I have not changed anything in my diet, have not changed my detergent or wear any clothes that have a different material than I am used to wearing. Anyway, the doctor gave me a shot and I have been on a mild dose of prednisone since Wednesday. Some of it looks like its healing but very slowly. My question is: Has anyone ever had this and how long did it take to go away? The itching has been better since the shot and at night, I take 2 Benedryl which helps so I can sleep. I just wish that this would go away..it looks so gross

Re: Has anyone ever had a bad case of poison ivy?

My husband is a landscaper so hes constantly getting poison ivy. The only thing I can suggest is filling your bathtub with oatmeal & soaking in it for a good hour. Although it wont heal the rash, it will definately supress the itching & swelling. Good luck!

Re: Has anyone ever had a bad case of poison ivy?

I had poison ivy once, luckily just on my arm. Even though mine wasn't a really bad case, the area that had the rash was horrible-looking and so itchy and uncomfortable. If it's poison ivy it'll take some time to go away, I used cortisone I think, I didn't even think of Benadryl. Oh, I also used this stuff called IvyDry, it did help, I think you can get it in like Walgreens/CVS.

Re: Has anyone ever had a bad case of poison ivy?

Oh, I am so allergic to poison ivy. I haven't had it in a long time, but I used to get it bad - it my eyes, in my throat. Awful. I used to get a steroid shot - probably what your doctor gave you, and then a topical cortisone to help with the itching and swelling. It should start to heal witin a week and be gone within 2.

I feel your pain! Try not to scratch!

Message edited 7/13/2007 9:26:21 AM.

Re: Has anyone ever had a bad case of poison ivy?

Thank you everyone..I just feel so yucky all over

Re: Has anyone ever had a bad case of poison ivy?

I have a horrible case of PUPPP's (preganancy related) ... but it basicall feels like an awful case of poison ivy ...

Try buying:

Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap
Jason's Organic Witch Vera Gel

Shower in luke warm water with the Pine Tar Soap. Turn off the water and let it sit on your skin for a bit. Then rinse with the coolest water you can handle.
Then slather in the Witch Vera gel ... (Description: "Cool Witch Vera instantly refreshes tender skin with calming, soothing pure Aloe Vera Gel mixed with natural Witch Hazel - nature's best botanical anti-inflammatory and cooling agent that makes skin feel instantly healed and revitalized.")

It has seriously saved my sanity!!!

You can buy these things at www.drugstore.com

Also, if you get dry skin (which I did) you can try Alba's Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion in unscented. Description: "Certified organic aloe vera provides skin with an infusion of mineral-rich moisture as well as amino acids, enzymes, proteins, and humectants. Meanwhile, organic chamomile and echinacea speed healing and promote regeneration in dry, cracked skin, while green tea provides powerful antioxidant protection" ... sooo soothing and makes skin very smooth.



Good luck

Re: Has anyone ever had a bad case of poison ivy?

My mother got terrible poison ivy last year and it took forever to go away!

She got it again this year, not as bad...but she learned one thing DO NOT cover it up....she put a band aid on a spot on her face and it got infected and started oozing....

feel better!!