I have a fairly severe case of poison oak that I contracted about 3-4 days ago. It's fairly localized to just my forearms and my hip. The rash on my hips is about 8 inches in diameter and intensely swollen and hot ... it is actually more painful than itchy. I saw my doctor yesterday and he prescribed prednisone, which seems to alredy be taking the swelling down.
For caring of the "itch" he suggested Clartrin by day and Benedryl by night, and suggested to stay away from hot water. He claimed that the hot water can actually promote the itchiness. It's interesting to read here on this site all the claims of relief that is achieved through hot water. I do know it does feel good to run hot water over the affected areas, but am now wary given my doctor's advice. Has anyone else been warned away from hot water? |
