HELP! Bad case of poison oak (aka contact dermatitis)

[RangerPooh]

My DH got a really bad case of poison oak about 10 years ago. It just kept reoccuring, everytime we thought it was going away it would return. After a few weeks of this the doctor did prescribe a steroid which helped immensely. Our doctor also said to help with the itching to direct a hair drier on the highest heat setting towards the rash. A bit painful but did help with the itching. Pesonally I'd avoid the drier technique as burning my skin isn't my idea of fun, but I've used it too and it does work.

 

[SettinSail]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I wanted to give a quick update. We opted to ride it out with OTC treatments and finally feel that we are turning the corner and seeing significant healing. Last week and this week (of course!), DS has some important events and I did not want him to have any side effects from steroid shots or pills. Since he was not uncomfortable or even very itchy anymore, I felt that steroids was a last resort for us.

We washed the areas twice daily with the Zanfel. Even though we didn't start this until 12 days after exposure, it made a remarkable difference
We washed his sheets and comforter in hot water on the sanitary setting. I finally realized he was wearing his shin guards a lot since we are having 2 soccer practices daily right now so I covered the areas with no stick pads and gauze before each practice. One leg is almost completely healed and the other is getting better each day.

Thanks again Budget Board for all your help

Shawn