Wellness

[Elom]

Oh I have been battling spreading poison ivy. I think I got it pulling weeds. That will teach me! Hands neck and face. Face is under control but neck and hands still have blisters and itching. I have been putting benedryl gel for itching as it gets intense. Any remedies. I am taking benedryl tab at night. This has been going on for a week now and soon the doctors which I am putting off. Thanks

[Nadine O]

So sorry.  I get it so badly also.  Make sure that you rub alcohol over every area of poison.  The alcohol will kill the poison oil that remains on your skin.  I use a product from Aveeno that has calamine and promaxine.  It works well, but you must use that alcohol.  I hope you soon feel better.  

[noodleann]

I feel for you. I remember my first attack of poison ivy, but can't remember using anything to deal with it. It got getter and I got smarter about weeding.

So I can't help there, but I can strongly recommend a product called Tecnu skin cleanser in case you're exposed again. You follow the directions and should either prevent the blistering and misery or cut it way down. I use it after every weeding session and battle with vines on the trees.

Tecnu also makes products called Rash Relief and Calagel to deal with the itching, etc., but I haven't tried them, so can only endorse the Tecnu cleanser.

I got my first bottle of Tecnu at Walmart years ago and they might have it. Amazon sells it, too.

Good luck.

[hoosieroriginal]

@Elom - I usually get it every year - sometimes have to have a shot.  But the past two years, if I'm outside working I come in and use one of my Skinn facial wipes (with goats milk) and I swear that has kept it off of me.   I think it has something to do with the goats milk in it - maybe it neurtralizes the ivy oil?  I get the Sweet Grass wipes and keep them in my refrigerator and use them when I come in - face, arms, neck.  I've been using them for 2 years and haven't gotten poison ivy once!  I also use them if I have a bug bite - instantly soothes the area and the itching stops. 

[Day1128]

I live in a state (Alaska) without poison ivy, but when I visit family I always seem to get it. The BEST product ever to get rid of poison ivy is TecNu. CVS had it and probably other drug stores. Be sure to follow the directions and rub it on the PI for two minutes. By the end of the first day, no itching. 2nd day after using this, the welts were practically gone. Third day, couldn't even tell I had it. 

[RedTop]

There's a point where poison ivy/oak can go from a simple skin rash to a systemic infection.   For anyone who is affected in a major way, I strongly suggest a steroid shot/ medical treatment as soon as you see the first signs of rash.  

My husband has poison ivy on his neck right now; his first experience with it in more than 30 years.   He received a steroid shot for it 2 weeks ago, and within 3 days I could see a big difference.   I noticed today the rash is back, and I feel sure he reinfected himself thru his c-pap mask.   He has an appt tomorrow to see his PA to get another shot.   

My family does not respond well to OTC treatments for this type of rash; everyone gets to their doctor or MedExpress ASAP for treatment that works from the inside out.   My baby brother is so allergic, if he sees the first sign of rash on him at night when he showers, he needs to go to the ER immediately, or he will have a septic situation by morning.   

[Katcat1]

@Elom,  You can take 2 Benedryl tabs at night and you will sleep really good.  I think I had it as a kid but don't remember much.  Calamine lotion calms the rash down some.  Whatever works.  I am sure baking soda and water mixed together takes down inflammation.  I just used it recently for a bee sting.  I hope you feel better soon.

[IamMrsG]

Our young son used to be so sensitive to the plant that one single blister could and would ruin our Summer.  His pediatrician gave me a tip:  throw him into the swimming pool.  Believe it or not, chlorinated water (aka chlorine bleach) dries it up. 

[CatsyCline]

if your blisters are continuing to pop up, it has become systemic like Red Top said.

the last time i had it was about 17 yrs ago and i had to get a Prednisone dose pack. i got systemic with it once years ago and each i time i get exposed i react the same way, that first time i sat for days on end with gauze bandages soaked in Domeboro solution. i was covered with it...it was agony...i knew nothing about corticosteroids to treat it.

[Jtdmum]

So sorry to hear you have this.  I usually get a good case of it every year and end up on prednisone.  If you can find Zanifel it will dry it out and take away the itch, amazon and walmart usually have a reasonable supply through the summer months here and are much less expensive than the local pharmacies.  Tecnu also has a new scrub out which is similar that works well.  Follow the instructions but dont over use it.  If I remember correctly it's once every 12 hours (?).  In between make a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to your affected areas.  I hope you feel better soon.  It's really a miserable feeling.