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answers (3)
clear calamine lotion + benedryl are the only things I found to work well when I had a very bad case several years ago. The best thing is to shower & launder clothes immediately after returning from anywhere you might have been exposed to that pesky poison ivy oil.
Note that I'm not a doctor and have no medical training...this is all just from personal experience. The best stuff I have found (over the counter) is Calamine Lotion. It's only $3-$4 at walgreens...downside is the pink color....
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/calamine-lotion.html
"Soothing and protecting the skin following minor skin irritations (itching, pain, and discomfort) including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
Calamine Lotion is a skin protectant. It works by soothing and protecting the skin."
http://www.americarx.com/admin/ARXPRODUCTIMAGES/Cimages/Calamine/565820.jpg
This has the effect of keeping the affected area from itching and letting you scratch/spread the infection. If the infection is severe, your doctor might prescribe some steroids.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/poison-ivy/DS00774/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
"Poison ivy rash typically goes away on its own within one to three weeks. In the meantime, you can use self-care methods and over-the-counter medications to relieve signs and symptoms. If the rash is widespread or results in a large number of blisters, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone. "
One hard lesson learned, leave the affected area open (don't cover with a bandage). The rash is actually caused by the oils...covering the wound just lets the oils sit, build and grow worse as the blisters burst. Also, if the rash is on your hand...be VERY careful when using the restroom....=(
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/calamine-lotion.html
"Soothing and protecting the skin following minor skin irritations (itching, pain, and discomfort) including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
Calamine Lotion is a skin protectant. It works by soothing and protecting the skin."
This has the effect of keeping the affected area from itching and letting you scratch/spread the infection. If the infection is severe, your doctor might prescribe some steroids.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/poison-ivy/DS00774/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
"Poison ivy rash typically goes away on its own within one to three weeks. In the meantime, you can use self-care methods and over-the-counter medications to relieve signs and symptoms. If the rash is widespread or results in a large number of blisters, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone. "
One hard lesson learned, leave the affected area open (don't cover with a bandage). The rash is actually caused by the oils...covering the wound just lets the oils sit, build and grow worse as the blisters burst. Also, if the rash is on your hand...be VERY careful when using the restroom....=(
Voted as best: vbelladonnav
My doctor (internal medicine) always prescribes prednisone taken in a series of 5 the first day, 4 the second, 3 the third and so forth. I have never had any ill effects from the oral steroid. I've also used Ivarest if the poison ivy is not to severe. It is not easy to find anymore.
Voted as best: xds
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