| Check out the article on dermatographic urticaria on Wikipedia. It has definitely been diagnosed in cases of prior poison ivy reactions. I have a rash on my ring finger that definitely started out as poison ivy some months ago, cleared up, and has recurred. I read all these posts, and I think the dermatographic utricaria diagnosis fits most of them. As to the immune system issues, if your immune system is "weak" you will be more susceptible to infections (bacteria, fungus, etc.) If your immune system is "over-reactive" as is seen in many auto-immune diseases, it will over react to seemingly inconspicuous insults such as a bruise, hot shower, mild scratching. Anti-histamine treatment is recommended and also acupuncture. If you are struggling with this on a repetitive basis, I would consider acupuncture. It can be very successful in treating over-reactive immune system problems. |
