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Posted 9/5/2011 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone.  Ok...poison ivy probably doesn't belong here in the depression forum, but in my mind i need to post this.  From some of the clean-up that I did outside from Hurricane Irene, I got a real bad case of poison ivy.  A friend of mine who is a doctor prescribed Prednisone for 5 days....I finished it yesterday; as the poison ivy was on my eye lids.

The Prednisone cleared up 98% of what was on my eye.  However, it has also gone up my ankles, the back of my knees, my thighs and is moving on up to my waist right now.  I'm exhausted because I can't sleep from any of this...I'm absolutely going crazy with the burning/itching.

I have also tried rubbing alcohol, apple cider vinegar, Aveeno bath, Aveeno and Baby Soothing Relief Diaper Rash Cream (i.e. Zinc Oxcide).

Does anyone have any suggestions on anything else I can try to stop it from spreading or provide some relief for a little sleep? 

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Cass

 

Posted 9/5/2011 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Ye Gads, Cass, I know exactly what you are going through. Calamine
lotion helps; just keep pouring it on with a cotton swab. I think you can get it in a cream form, too, which gives a little more solidity to the covering. Oatmeal baths are supposed to help. Keeping a fan
blowing on you at night might help decrease the itching, too.

I washed in Octagon soap, then covered everything with lots of
Calamine lotion or cream--those were the days before the cream
steroids were available. Try to get that; it really is good.

Call your doctor and ask for a sterioid cream to apply to the places that are still itching so badly.

How many days have you been broken out? The worst of it will be over by day 5. The rest will then be healing and peeling. Maybe aspirin will help you sleep at night. Even try asking your pharmacist for the newest thing and try that.

(The worst case I ever had I got from helping to fight a forest fire; I am so allergic to it, too.)

Let us know how you are in the next few days, please.

It's Genetic

Post Edited (It's Genetic) : 9/5/2011 1:58:33 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/6/2011 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
sorry mate. i use aqueous cream. 10 % olive oil mde up in aqueous cream. use for diabetic sores and such. sending healings your way. very sorry mate. jamie
Posted 9/6/2011 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cass, I know poison ivy pretty well as I got it a few times.  I found that Ivarrest (I'm pretty sure that's the spelling.) helped a lot better than the Caladryl or calamine lotion.  To stop it from spreading, make sure you've washed the sheets and towels, your clothes and socks (even after just wearing or using once while you still have poison ivy) or you will give it to yourself again even after it goes away if you're not careful.  You may need to change the sheets daily.  You might try taking a couple of Benedryl (or its generic) at night since it can help you sleep in addition to helping with the itch.  Sorry you're suffering.  I know what that's like! 

yeah

Posted 9/6/2011 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Baking soda and plain white vinegar. Make a paste and cover what itches.

For you NCIS fans out there you probably remember this being Gibbs recipe. It does work.

As already mentioned be sure to always use clean towel, wash cloths and wash or change all your bedding daily until it is gone. Also be sure to use a separate towel to dry the effected areas and the rest of yourself after a bath or shower.
Posted 9/6/2011 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
It's about 7:40 P.M. here on Tuesday night, Cass, how are you tonight?

Feeling better? We all hope so, I can tell you.

I.G.
Posted 9/7/2011 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi IG.  Thank you for asking.  Last night was the 7th night of this and it was absolutely the worst.  I took 2 Aveeno oatmeal baths at 12:00 and 4:00 am.  The itching/redness was unbelievable.  The rash has gone from my ankles to my inner thighs and up my waist to my bra.  Despite my best efforts I ended up having a major scratch-fest. (Yuck!)

Tonight is much better however.  The Aveeno Desitin is working wonders and it is only about 1/2 as itchy...so I think I hit that peak that you described.  I've just been so shocked by this as I took Prednisone in the beginning when it was on my eyelid.  I never imagined it would get this bad.

I'm really hoping for at least 3/4 of a good night sleep tonight.  I haven't slept well since the hurricane and I'm exhausted.  But from what you described it sounds like I might finally be on the end.

Thanks for bearing with me and so sorry for my pity party.  I promise I'll be more positive once I get some sleep!

Cass

PS: And thank you to everyone that replied!  I used any/all suggestions that were give to me and was quite grateful for them.

Posted 9/7/2011 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad you've hit the peak and will come down now from the
infernal itching that goes along with the allergy. Take care and
get prepared for Lee. It's on its way up the coast.

The report is that the hurricane will not hit the coast. Let's hope not.

Keep resting and feeling better.

I.G.
Posted 9/7/2011 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
i am really allergic to poison ivy, so bad my face swells up to where i cant see. thank god i havent had it in 10 years and hope my kid never gets it as i would have to leave the house til its gone. i know when i did get it i had to go to the doctors and get a shot in my butt and that helped although i dont know what the shot was but hey its worth it.
Posted 9/7/2011 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Cass, don't know if this will help but have you tried benedryl lotion? It comes in a clear type gel lotion and does work well for itching. But don't take benedryl tablets if you use the lotion. Also what about a 1% hydrocortizone lotion or cream. I wonder if that would help.

I hope you get relief soon.

Hugs,

Aurora

Posted 9/9/2011 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Aurora.  Just wanted to let you know I am on the mend.  I'm more itchy again tonight, but I had a good night sleep last night.  And today is the first day that I don't feel sickish either.  So I am excited about that.

My poor legs do look absolutely horrible so I am keeping them covered up.  I can honestly say I will never take not itching for granted again.  Also, I am tired of getting poison ivy and have made a vow that I am not dealing with the lawn or outside again.  As to the solution for that.....I'll worry about it later.

Thanks for thinking of me.  I hope you are continuing to do well too.

Cass

Posted 9/9/2011 6:53 AM (GMT 0)
Be careful if you have pets, too, Cass, especially if they are permitted to roam over your property. They can bring the toxin back on their
fur and you can catch it just by having them rub you as they pass by.

You'll be much better by tomorrow, I feel sure.

Hopefully, these new hurricanes are going to miss the U.S. mainland
entirely. That would be a pleasure, for sure.

Take care,

It's Genetic
Posted 9/12/2011 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi IG.  Actually the itching has gotten worst again and the poison ivy is now spreading up my back and is on my neck.  Maybe its my dog, but I don't know.  I'm considering calling the doctor tomorrow because nothing is helping.

Cass

Posted 9/12/2011 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
I can't pass a long any cures but I can share in your misery: I had poison ivy once in 1972.....a week and a half ago, I went hiking on vaca and 3 days later started with a itchy rash. Thought bedbugs due to hotel stays but after a week, as it spread, off to the doctor I went on FRiday  and it's poison ivy!!!!! Twice in forty years and both times, all over my legs shakehead


Got a steroid cream but I'm still in the spreading stage and live in fear it's going to cover me before it's over. Dr said it can show up to 2 weks after exposure and to wash everything that I wore while hiking and after in hot water and dry hot. Where we hiked had been hit by flooding due to Irene so we were off trail a lot ...duh!!!! Hubbie said he didn't see any so on we went.......guess we missed it... shocked

So good luck, I can commiserate with you and think I'm going to mix up that vinegar and bs concoction and spread it all over.....bed will smell like a salad dressing!!!! yeah

Post Edited (momz) : 9/11/2011 6:55:30 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/12/2011 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Cass, I'm so sorry to see you have to go through this again. Yes, I'd call the doctor by all means--this morning, not tomorrow-- and he might even recommend another shot. The steroid cream is very helpful, I think. Would you think about asking him for that, too? You've had a second exposure somehow. Gee, what an unfortunate thing to have to deal with again!

I apologize for not responding sooner; I just saw the new posts on your thread this A.M. (It's Monday,9:58 A.M.) here now.

When you have the time and extra money, would you think about having
someone who does lawn work come over and spray your grounds with a
poision ivy killer? It'll be a big help. I think Roundup may kill it if you decide to do a little spraying yourself. A hardware store employee could probably
direct you right to the best product to use.

The pets are a more difficult situation. Spraying the poison ivy is about the only way you can keep them free of it. You can't bathe them after every play period in the yard. I guess you might have to try what I did; I just stopped petting them and let the other family members be their pals.

Please take care of yourself; we'll all keep in touch to make sure you're getting the attention you deserve. I'll check in again on Wednesday. Maybe
getting to it early will help to eliminate it sooner than is usual.

How do your legs look now? (That's all gone, no doubt.)

I.G.
Posted 9/12/2011 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Not good Cass, and sorry to the new poster momz that has it too.

It sound horrible, I have never had it, so can't be of any help, but wanted to pass my best wishes on to you both.

I did a quick search, and this is a cut and paste. Most has already been said by other members though.

http://landscaping.about.com/od/weedsdiseases/a/cure_poison_ivy.htm

The First Line of Defence in the Treatment for Poison Ivy Rash, Poison Oak Rash

The first thing you should do for the treatment of poison ivy rash, regardless of whether you intend a natural or a medical treatment, is to take the following steps within 10-15 minutes of contact:


Apply rubbing alcohol to the infected area.
Rinse with water (any water).
Wash up with soap and warm water.


Treatment for Poison Ivy Rash, Poison Oak Rash the Medical Way

Different people find different degrees of relief in the treatment of poison ivy rash through over-the-counter remedies, such as hydrocortisones. But some people have such a severe reaction to the plant that they need to visit a physician. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to get rid of the ivy rash. "Severe reactions can be treated with prescription oral corticosteroids," according to Vincent Iannelli, about's Pediatrics Guide. Oral corticosteroids are prescribed "if the rash is on the face, genitals, or covers more than 30 percent of the body. The drug must be taken for at least 14 days, and preferably over a three-week period." about's First Aid Guide, Rod Brouhard, offers additional resources on the treatment of poison ivy rash.

about's Dermatology Guide offers a fine article on the treatment of poison ivy rash, including prevention tips and an overview of the medical options for relief, from antihistamines to Calamine Lotion.
Posted 9/13/2011 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Awty and IG.  Thank you for sticking by me and for your follow-up comments.  I don't have health insurance so I have been trying not to incur any more medical bills.  Luckily I have a good friend who is a doctor and he is helping me out.

Well tonight I called him and asked him if he could give me another prescription for Prednisone because the poison ivy was getting worst.  He said he wanted to see me first to make sure I didn't have an infection.  So needless to say, I got in my car and was there within 10 mts.

In short, I am sicker or worst than I realized.  My legs are very red and hot and he thought that I felt warm.  He took my temp and I don't have a fever but he wasn't happy about it because of how warm my body is when you touch it.  Also, I've been overheating fast, and have felt achey and yucky.  He prescribed me a much stronger dose of Prednisone and an antibiotic for a week.  He also mentioned that if I get the chills or spike a fever he is going to have me go to the hospital for an IV.  He knows how stubborn I am about not incurring more medical bills but I guess we'll wait and see.  I am so thankful to have him as a friend.

To Momz:  I hope you feel better soon.  It sure is not fun getting poison ivy.  I hope we never get this again.

Cass

Post Edited (CassandraLee) : 9/12/2011 7:16:42 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/13/2011 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Cass,

I hope that it gets better soon. I have never had poison ivy, knock wood, but I had a dermatitis on my hands that made them itch so bad. So I know how hard it is not to scratch. I really do hope that it goes away soon and that you don't have to go to the hospital. But listen to your friend, If you need to go, you can make payments.


Best wishes to you during this difficult time.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 9/13/2011 12:10 PM (GMT 0)

Awe Cass,

I am really pleased you do have a friend that is a Dr, it sounds simply horrible.  I hope this stronger med works for you.

Posted 9/13/2011 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning, Cass, I'm so glad you went back to the doctor yesterday. I talked to my daughter this A.M. about the shots, and she said yes to the idea of going back and getting another. It really did the trick for her. That's encouraging.

I think you'll be much, much better within two days, and I doubt that you will have to go to the hospital at all unless something else is going on. Your doctor is certainly looking out for you. I'm keeping you in my prayers and will touch base again with you tomorrow to see how you are.

Take care; keep rested as much as possible. That's such a healer!

It's Genetic

11:00 A.M., Tuesday, 9/13/2011

Post Edited (It's Genetic) : 9/13/2011 10:11:44 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/14/2011 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cass-
I am going through almost EXACTLY what you are going through. I am a few days ahead of you (day 15) and yesterday, my body started to quiet down a bit. No sleep. Oatmeal baths. The itchiest thing I could ever imagine.
Anyway- my best tips: Sarna Sensitive Skin (quiets things down for a bit) and sleeping the last three nights with a cooler and some ice packs next to the bed. When my body starts to go crazy in the middle of the night, I put the ice packs on the terrible spots, and they quiet down. I like it better than the baths.
Also, had an acupuncture treatment yesterday- because the Eastern medicine people consider the heat in your body. I believe that also helped me turn the corner.
It is a long long recovery.
The areas all over my legs and chest are still bumpy, but my arms are just red, but no longer bumpy and itchy.
Hang in there!
Posted 9/14/2011 6:47 AM (GMT 0)
I'd like to know very much what's causing these outbreaks for all you folks. Can you track it to something you've done like walking in the woods or petting some animal you have at home which might have been in poison ivy? Or have you had extraordinary flooding in your residential area recently that may have brought the stuff into your yards?

I haven't seen so many people affected with this in recent years.

Cass, I hope you're better today. Let us know how things are, please.

It's Genetic
Posted 9/14/2011 12:05 PM (GMT 0)
8:06 A.M., Wednesday, here, Cass.

It just occurred to me that you might possibly be in the hospital. Gee,
I hope not, for goodness sake you've had your share.

Please let us know how you are when you have the time.

I.G.
Posted 9/18/2011 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi IG.  I'm so sorry it took me a few days to get back to you.  I am happy to say I am finally improving.  It took the antibiotics a couple of days to kick in.  My ankles and legs are no longer swollen, and my skin is returning to normal skin tone and my cuts, scrapes and scratches are starting to heal.  Of course, I'm still itchy as heck but I realize its the good, healing itchy so I'm dealing.  Am just taking a lot of Aveeno baths and am desperately trying not to scratch and do further damage.

The antibiotics and Prednisone have certainly been doing a number on me while healing.  I have literally been wiped out.  I am so glad this is almost over and I can honestly say I will never forget Hurricane Irene shocked .

And to Moms and Poison Ivy2, I hope you are on the mend as well.  Thank you so much for sharing.

Cass

 

Posted 9/18/2011 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
Glad it's over, Cass.

I.G.
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