Originally Posted by KathyAire
I'm not good knowing the names of medicines. I used to get poison ivy every spring - I know it's miserable. My doctor gave me a prescription for pills that came in a pack. The first day, you take seven pills, the next day six, the next day five, etc. By the second day, I felt much relief. Sorry I don't know what they are called.
It was probably a prednisone pack. The urgent care dr refused to give me one when I had it last spring b/c of another medicine I take. I use the other medicine for an alternate use and not the main use. The prednisone can affect the condition of the "main use" of the other medicine and no amount of explanation would convince the doctor that it was okay for me to take prednisone (and that I in fact do every year or two for asthma). I had to settle for OTC anti-histamines (alavert is my med of choice) and a prescription strength steroid cream. At my next check-up with the specialist, I confirmed with him that taking the prednisone was okay and he said yes.
Taking oatmeal baths also helps. I would take an old knee high, put about a cup or so of oatmeal (regular kind) in it and knot the end. Hold it under the faucet as you fill the tub. Then gently wipe it over the affected areas. Lukewarm water's best.