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[ToxicAdam]

This is my first encounter with this bitch. I must have picked it up when I was weeding on the 4rth of July. I spent all night outside shooting off fireworks. So, the next day I have a bit of an itch and figure it is just bug bites. I scratch like them like mad.


Fast forward to a week and a half later and its all over my arms, legs, hands, crotch(!!). I tried some over the counter medication and it has failed also. It's called IvyStat! .. don't bother with it.


I've resigned myself to going to a doctor, since I don't seem to be getting any better. Anyone else have any experience with it? I have read that it can take 2-6 weeks to get rid of. I have also read that a common steroid can speed up the healing process.

 

[SteveMeister]

Domeboro. It's an astringent, dries out the stuff and works very well. Go to the doctor, they'll probably prescribe you either a topical or (more likely) an oral steroid and domeboro.

Don't use Calamine lotion or benadryl.

Another thing that'll help is swimming in a pool -- the chlorine will also help to dry out the affected areas.

Don't run hot water over the areas, that'll release histamines and make it feel worse.

Next time you're out weeding, immediately after throw your clothes into a cold water wash, and take a cold shower. Cold water works better to rinse off the oils than hot.

 

[human5892]

If you want to try another over-the-counter medication before you go to the doctor, try this:

I've not used it personally but I've heard tons of people swear by it. It not only relieves itch, but dries out the poison. Some people even said it got rid of bad cases of poison within 48 hours.

 

[ToxicAdam]

Damn, I have been using hot water this whole time. Thanks for the tips.

 

[SteveMeister]

Damn, I have been using hot water this whole time. Thanks for the tips.

Yeah, it feels really good when you run it over the areas, but unfortunately it makes things worse. Dry is your friend.