qbquilts

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.

mom-6

When I had a similar situation I ended up asking the Dr. for the shot as I was going to camp with the kids the next week. It helped some but I don't recommend wearing jeans on a multi-hour bus trip with inadequate AC if you have poison ivy! The camp nurse gave me a cream that helped but I don't know for sure what it was. I think it may have been prescription strength hydocortisone cream. Benadryl (pills or cream but not both) helps too if it doesn't make you so sleepy you can't function. Aloe vera gel helped too.

onthelake

I hope you have followed the advice in step #1!! I've learned the hard way, take the side effects and get the shot and treatment following. I think it goes systemic on me and begins breaking out in other places. Get some help!!
PS - Hot water baths are a NO, NO.

dakotamaid

Be aware that the oils from the plants may still be on your clothing or the towels and washcloths you have used. In addition to treatment of the skin you need to wash the affected clothing in HOT soapy water for at least 10-15 minutes.

frarose

I have found that once you get PI it takes time to go away unless you have a super bad case and then the Dr is the best bet. They give prednisone for it. Before DH retired from the railroad they gave out something called TENU - a wash and a liquid. Worked wonderfully but I have never found it at the store. When I work outside, I always come in wash my clothes and take a bath with lye soap right away because it washes away the oils of Poison Ivy. My son is allergic to it gets it where it spreads all over his body and swells. He has to get shots.

0tis

Yes, the soap is called TECNU - it is used by fire fighters here in California - I buy the jumbo size for the spring time here - it smells funny but it cuts the oils down after you have been exposed.

grammiepamie

You can find Tenu at Walgreens. It works great.

Happy Treadler

Just took a Benadryl & had hubby pick up some Demboro for me. Already put it on, and it does seem to be drying. Kinda making me feel a bit icky (almost like you put a raw egg white on your skin or a face mask that dries), so I'm hopeful this will help. I'll keep 'yall posted, and thank you SEW much for the advice. :)

rwquilts

I believe the wash you're talking about is called Tecnu. I've had it before and it does help. You can find it on the internet and stores like Walgreens.

Painiacs

I hope I NEVER get PI! Good luck!!