| I have had poison ivy at least 6 times over the past 8 years. I get what is called an ID reaction to it. This means that my rash not only breaks out where the poison ivy contacted my skin, but also breaks out anywhere else it wants (systemic). I've tried all of the lotions, the Benadryl, the Bert's Bees soap, hot water, etc. The only thing that I can count on working are the prescription steroids. They come in a kit that tells you how many to take each day. Usually you begin with 5 or six and each day it declines until you hit zero. You get relief within a day or so but you MUST finish the prescription or the rash can return with a vengence! I usually get a prescription at the very first sign of the rash and it generally gets rid of it before it becomes uncomfortable. |
