Hi Jason -
Looks like once you get the rash, it'll have to run its course. What I've found in medical references jives with what we've heard from others who have posted to this website. From what I've been able to gather, if you get topical steroids within a few hours of contact you may be able to head off the rash, otherwise, you are going the course.
I've read a number of references about steroids some of which are contradictory but all do have a common theme that the steroids must be prescribed early on. The American Academy of Dermatologists state on their informational page that anyone who has had bad reactions in the past and know that they were exposed should seek treatment. Which is what you did. Here's the link to that page American Academy of Dermatologists. Their statement is very vague as to what the timing is and to what level of relief someone could expect.
On the Medical Consumer Guide website, they discuss contact dermatitis and its treatments. Their mention of systemic corticosteroids relates to reducing swelling. That's what I understood is the major benefit of steroids - keeping the swelling under control by suppressing the immune system. Here's the link to that page: Contact Dermatitis
Now the best information which I just read as I was writing your reply:
Once the rash develops it pretty much has to run its course. Over-the-counter products like CalaGel or Calamine Lotion can help in mild cases to dry the rash and provide some relief from the itching. Oily occlusive creams should not be used because they will hold in the moisture and not allow the rash to dry. Topical antihistamines don�t really contribute to symptom relief, although they are marketed in products like CalaGel and some forms of Calamine Lotion. It is probably better to use the form of Calamine Lotion without the antihistamine additive. The major benefit of these lotions is their drying properties on the rash. Nonprescription antihistamines may help with itching somewhat but all are sedating, so balancing symptom relief with fireground safety is important. Prescription less-sedating antihistamines are a safer option for itching. Topical steroid creams are also of limited effectiveness except for the most minor rash. In more severe or extensive cases steroids like prednisone, to suppress the immune response, will be necessary. High oral doses of steroids seem to be as effective as steroid injections according to some authors. The important thing here is that if you are ever prescribed steroids for a mean case of poison oak be sure to finish the full prescribed course of up to 15 days. The rash will usually begin to improve as soon as 18 hours and be noticeably better 2-3 days after starting steroids, but if they are discontinued early it can return as bad or worse than before.
This information came from this site: Orange County Fire Authority. Good information here. It corroborates what you have discovered.
Hope this helps. |
