The use of oral steroids is common for treatment of poison ivy type allergic reactions but prolonged use puts you at risk of liver damage. Generally the body will develop increased sensitivity to poison ivy toxins over time causing future outbreaks to become more severe and requiring less exposure to the toxins to trigger an allergic reaction. If your body has become hypersensitive you may want to contact an allergist for treatment and prevention options including repressive therapy. And most importantly read up on ways to limit future exposure. |