Help! Poison Ivy

[CBRorBust]

I think FI has poison ivy. Can someone help! I need to know if it really is contagious, what to do/what not to do, etc.

Any Disers out there with advice on treatments?

 

[orvilleair]

Had it on my face (don't ask long story). Ended up going to the doctor whom gave me a shot. It dried it up. She gave me a pamphet that some Aveeno products were the best remedy for the itching. That was 4 or 5 years ago, so maybe there are better products out there. Some people don't get poison ivy, but I get it really bad.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Go to the doctor and get a shot. It's the quickest and easiest way to keep it from spreading. I am allergic to PI and I've had it spread to my bloodstream-- NOT pleasant.

 

[Catzeyes]

There is a new product that you can get at Walgreens. It is called IvyStat! It is a 2 step process and it works fast and really does the job. I am highly allergic to it also and picked it up camping in WI this summer. I got the IvyStat and it worked great.

 

[ripleysmom]

First of all, you need to have them wash thoroughly with a strong soap. The more they wash the faster it will clear up.

People get Poison Ivy from the oil of the plant. That is why it is important to wash with a strong soap. Once it is absorbed into the skin the only thing way to get rid of it is to wait for your skin to shed those layers, that is why washing often will help.

Aveeno helps relieve the itch. Benadryl cream also helps.

 

[wmarsich]

Originally posted by CBRorBust
I think FI has poison ivy. Can someone help! I need to know if it really is contagious, what to do/what not to do, etc.

Any Disers out there with advice on treatments?

I'm feeling for you! I developed the allergy to PI about 5 years ago and have had it three times since. I'm sure I was exposed to it thousands of times before this time (I'm a garderner and outdoor person), but they say increased exposures break down your tolerance. No, it's not contagious, that is, as long as the actual plant serum has been washed from your skin, which it probably has. Make sure, however, to wash any clothing that could have come into contact with the plant extracts or you could just re-expose yourself. Be aware also that pets can carry it on their fur and be exposing you if they're getting into it in the yard. Many people are not sensitive to the plant so they could be exposed in the same way that FI (I have no idea what this abbreviation means) was and not react to it (this time)! I've been placed on cortisone twice (decreasing dose) for PI, but have never had a shot. The last time I was exposed, I went to several web sites and found a couple suggestions that were helpful in speeding the healing (perhaps) and cut down on temporary itching. I give these suggestions with big warnings next to them only to be used carefully and to your best judgement, but they did help me! In order to relieve itching temporarily (basically to sleep and function), put hot water on the effected area. No, don't burn yourself, but it does effectively take away the itch for quite a while. Also (with even more caution) - deluted bleach on the effected area. Not for the faint of heart and certainly not if FI means infant son or something It can really be very painful (maybe your body is just too confused by the initial pain to itch for a while ), but theoretically it dries the area effected. Seemed to work for me! Good luck and I itch just thinking about it!

 

[eeyore kelly]

If it is not on the face, bathing in a 1/4 to half a cup of bleach in your bath water can help dry it out. It won't bleach out hair either in that small of amount. Follow up with anti-itch creme and benedryl.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I suggest getting a soap called Technu at the pharmacy. It's a liquid. The instructions say to wash with it, but our pharmacist suggested just applying it to the rash and leaving it there. It's the only thing that gives DS relief. He is highly allergic and poison ivy has been know to go into his bloodstream and spread all over his body when he gets it.