For all those who've had poison ivy

[Hillbeans]

Ok, i'm battling a very bad case on my right arm and it seems to finally be getting better (I deducted I touched it a week ago Saturday, but just broke out this past friday).

Is it normal, then, to get small rash breakouts on other spots that in no way could have been touched by the Poison Ivy?? I seem to have minor flareups on my knees which seem more like hives or something.

Is there such a thing as a secondary allergy? Like since i'm fighting this off on my arm, i've gotten some more allergic breakouts?

I'm taking benadryl and have a steroid cream for the ivy, but I keep having to put dots of it elsewhere like my thigh, back, shoulder, etc.

 

[Ronda93]

When I get a poison ivy rash it's normally within 24-36 hours - sometimes less. If I read your post correctly it took six days to break out?

If that's the case, I'll bet the oil is somewhere else... on some clothing, in the car, some equipment.

If you didn't realize that you'd come into contact with the oil it would be easy to transfer it to other parts of your body. If these other spots are just beginning it brings me back to the theory that the oil is lurking in your environment somewhere.

 

[meandtheguys]

FWIW, my SIL's doc said that it travels through the blood stream. He gave her a shot, and zyrtec. I am blessed with NOT getting, though, so I am really thankful! Good luck!

 

[momof2inPA]

My friend is having a poison ivy problem. She touched it with her hands and arms, and it spread all over her body. She is apparently extremely allergic to it, and has had to take two rounds of oral steroids to combat it.

If I were you, I would see a doctor to get it under control before it gets any worse.

My friend's doctor also said he thinks her pets are bringing in the poison ivy residue from outside and re-exposing her.

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks to everyone for your fast replies.

Hmm...I may need to go back and wash everything I wore again, although I could have sworn I did, but I may have it on a pair of shoes somewhere.

Luckilly, even though I have a few dots elsewhere besides my arm where it's bad, it's not taking up a large area of my body, however I agree and don't want it to get any worse.

Sometimes if I get a bad reaction to something (a cat scratch) I tend to break out in places i've had a breakout before, even if the current condition isn't anywhere near it.

 

[Ronda93]

I agree with the pet idea. I've heard about the bloodstream thing, but have also heard it's a legend...

http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/pivy.html

 

[meandtheguys]

Interesting website! I am e-mailing all of it to SIL! Thanks Rhonda!

 

[Pam]

I just got back a couple of hours ago from the doctor - my son was at Scout camp over the weekend and during school on Monday- he broke out in a horrible case of poison ivy. It's all over his legs, arms, neck, chest and face - even in his eyes! His left eye is really drooping.

The doctor gave him a shot and put him on Prednisone for 10 days.

 

[melk]

I just got over a horrible case of it (dr. put me on prednisone). It started on my forearms but it did end up on my legs and back. My friend said she believes it spreads when you're in the shower (if it's oozing--sorry), she said that when it is weeping like that, if it gets on your skin elsewhere you will get it. But it's been a few weeks for me and I still have a couple of red itchy spots, but nothing near what it was.

Hope it clears up, I sympathize with you!

I'm just editing this, I just read that link to poison ivy myths so I guess I was wrong about it spreading from the fluid!

 

[NYMEDIC]

I currently have it. It manifested 5 days after the initial contact. The main area of my infection is on my right forearm but it has spread to other areas...like the middle of my back. I also have one or two isolated "little dots" on my arms, chest, and legs. Being in the medical field I have been using OTC products and am vigilant in washing everything that I come in contact with. BUT THIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS!! All I want to do is scratch.

 

[Kath820]

I too have it!!
I am using Prednisolone, it's little white pills..
Call your Doc maybe he can help...
I have a wedding Saturday and so hope it's gone by then!!