THANKS to my dear husband, I need help!

NewMomma09 · 04-03-2009, 12:54 PM

OKAY, so I love my husband dearly, but he's on THE list! Last summer we found out that I'm VERY allergic to poison ivy. My throat swelled up and it took 3 back to back rounds of different steroids, (that was fun...), and about 3 months to clear up the blisters, and I STILL have a few scars from it. Well, my doctor told my husband to go out into our yard and get rid of it because if I got a dose like that again, it could be worse, (he's not allergic to it). Well he never did (even after lots of pushing on my end). Last weekend I decide to go out and garden. Not seeing any of it (although I am still learning what it looks like), I thought I would be okay and that it had died away or something, but I wore long sleeves and gloves just to be safe. Well, I didn't see it, but it apparently saw me, because here I am AGAIN with blisters up and down my arms and neck! It's not nearly as bad though, (last time it was from head to toe!), so I think the long sleeves and gloves at least helped. I'm trying to avoid having to take the steroids again, and everything I've read said that a mild reaction (which is what I'm assuming this is because it's bearable unlike the last one), will eventually clear up on its own after about 2-3 weeks, (unless it gets into your bloodstream in which case I'd have to take the steroids again). I've noticed that my arms and legs are a little swollen and sore, but when I work out, I feel okay, (a little extra tired). But AFTER I work out, I get flu like symptoms for about an hour or two. For example, a really bad headache and just and overall sense of ickiness. I feel fine after that even though I'm still a little swollen. I'm waiting to hear from my doctor right now, but I'm just wondering if anybody has any experience with this. Do you think it's just the toxins? Also, does anybody know any good home remedies? The only thing I've noticed that helps is (believe it or not) Vicks vapor rub! It takes the itching away enough for me to sleep (I think it's the cooling effect). I'm just wondering if I can clear this up faster with anything. I've never had to deal with this stuff before moving here, but apparently it grows EVERYWHERE in the South. Thanks for any advice!

LilRed03 · 04-03-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewMomma09

OKAY, so I love my husband dearly, but he's on THE list! Last summer we found out that I'm VERY allergic to poison ivy. My throat swelled up and it took 3 back to back rounds of different steroids, (that was fun...), and about 3 months to clear up the blisters, and I STILL have a few scars from it. Well, my doctor told my husband to go out into our yard and get rid of it because if I got a dose like that again, it could be worse, (he's not allergic to it). Well he never did (even after lots of pushing on my end). Last weekend I decide to go out and garden. Not seeing any of it (although I am still learning what it looks like), I thought I would be okay and that it had died away or something, but I wore long sleeves and gloves just to be safe. Well, I didn't see it, but it apparently saw me, because here I am AGAIN with blisters up and down my arms and neck! It's not nearly as bad though, (last time it was from head to toe!), so I think the long sleeves and gloves at least helped. I'm trying to avoid having to take the steroids again, and everything I've read said that a mild reaction (which is what I'm assuming this is because it's bearable unlike the last one), will eventually clear up on its own after about 2-3 weeks, (unless it gets into your bloodstream in which case I'd have to take the steroids again). I've noticed that my arms and legs are a little swollen and sore, but when I work out, I feel okay, (a little extra tired). But AFTER I work out, I get flu like symptoms for about an hour or two. For example, a really bad headache and just and overall sense of ickiness. I feel fine after that even though I'm still a little swollen. I'm waiting to hear from my doctor right now, but I'm just wondering if anybody has any experience with this. Do you think it's just the toxins? Also, does anybody know any good home remedies? The only thing I've noticed that helps is (believe it or not) Vicks vapor rub! It takes the itching away enough for me to sleep (I think it's the cooling effect). I'm just wondering if I can clear this up faster with anything. I've never had to deal with this stuff before moving here, but apparently it grows EVERYWHERE in the South. Thanks for any advice!

Calamine lotion is something I used when I was little and got poison ivy. It helps to dry it out quicker. I haven't gotten it in a while though, so I don't know if there is anything better.

RebeccaG · 04-03-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilRed03

Calamine lotion is something I used when I was little and got poison ivy. It helps to dry it out quicker. I haven't gotten it in a while though, so I don't know if there is anything better.

That was my first thought, but I just assumed NewMomma would have tried that already. lol I would recommend that as well. When I was a kid, I had mild food allergies that would give me hives and my mom used calamine.

Have you tried a tepid bath with baking soda? I find that helps my minor skin irritations - not that this is minor, but it might still help.

I use about 3/4 of a box per bath. It will settle at the bottle, just splash around a bit.

NewMomma09 · 04-03-2009, 01:13 PM

Thank you both! Yeah, I tried calamine...didn't do a thing, lol! I've tried about 4 different "anti itch" but nothing. I'm going to try the bath though, that's a good idea! I've had the mantra "I won't scratch, I won't scratch" going and then in the shower this morning I got out my loofah and damn it felt so good I couldn't stop, lol! I'll try the bath...and hopefully the doc will call soon. The main thing I'm worried about is all the swelling. It's a little irritating! Thanks again!

Barbie Barbell · 04-03-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewMomma09

Thank you both! Yeah, I tried calamine...didn't do a thing, lol! I've tried about 4 different "anti itch" but nothing. I'm going to try the bath though, that's a good idea! I've had the mantra "I won't scratch, I won't scratch" going and then in the shower this morning I got out my loofah and damn it felt so good I couldn't stop, lol! I'll try the bath...and hopefully the doc will call soon. The main thing I'm worried about is all the swelling. It's a little irritating! Thanks again!

Oatmeal baths work great for PI.

Finner · 04-03-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewMomma09

Thank you both! Yeah, I tried calamine...didn't do a thing, lol! I've tried about 4 different "anti itch" but nothing. I'm going to try the bath though, that's a good idea! I've had the mantra "I won't scratch, I won't scratch" going and then in the shower this morning I got out my loofah and damn it felt so good I couldn't stop, lol! I'll try the bath...and hopefully the doc will call soon. The main thing I'm worried about is all the swelling. It's a little irritating! Thanks again!

Have you tried Benadryll?

cfaith · 04-03-2009, 02:53 PM

Sorry! I am very allergic, as well.....and I know this is reallllllly bad for your skin but the only way I can get it to go away is bleach....it works especially well if the wound is open....I know that's a horrible thing to suggest.....but I have tried everything and this is the only thing that makes it go away.

BUT!! I have never had flu like symptoms so if I were you I'd go to the doctor.

NewMomma09 · 04-03-2009, 03:12 PM

Thank you all SOO much for reading and helping! I'm going to go take another Benadryl (I had taken one, but I'm due for another, and it helps swelling), then I'm going to take a bath with every ingredient listed above, lol, THEN, I'm going to try some bleach (hey, I'm desperate, so THANK you for your suggestion CFaith!) and THEN I'm going to slather on Vicks Vapor Rub, (it really does help the itching), and then I'll look pathetic for my hubby for a little while lol and go to bed! Hey the least he could do is take care of the kids tonight, right? I mean, I'm still cooking dinner for he and his buddy tonight, so I deserve a little love too! Thank you all you fine ladies, I will take it to heart and clear it up without the roids...let's hope! Reps to you all! You're fantastic!

freebirdmac · 04-03-2009, 05:52 PM

Please make sure you do not use any topical benedryl type treatment while taking it orally. It does get absorbed through the skin and you can overdose!!

Also, try cloths soaked in cold milk. This works on irritation from pepper oil, it might work for this too.

Sorry girl

NewMomma09 · 04-04-2009, 07:14 AM

OOH! Thanks! I'll try the milk too!

P.S. Thanks for the warning about the benadryl...I noticed yesterday that they now put it in the calamine lotions, so it's definitely something to watch!

Edit: I tried to rep you Freebird, but it won't let me until tomorrow, lol! I guess there's a limit in 24 hours and the lovely ladies above got all my rep power!

I'll get ya later!

do1more · 04-04-2009, 09:19 AM

I get a similar reaction-I feel your pain and understand not wanting to do the steroids again.
Iitching is similar to pain. Tylenol or asprin will help give you some relief. Also, poison ivy is spread through contact with the plants oils, so if you have not properly washed ALL items that came into contact with said ivy- you will continue re-infecting yourself.
Launder all clothing, bed linens included- i use STRONG detergent and hot water, shoe laces can be repeat infectors as well. Fels naptha soap or ivory are both good soaps to use- they strip skin oils- this is what you want.
A shower with alternating hot then cold water will also relieve itching.
sadly- you just need to stay out of that area- even when the plants are gone- the roots still will be able to cause a reaction- even though they will be dead. Roundup for ivy will kill the plant.
Hope you feel better soon........

grace_ou · 04-04-2009, 09:33 AM

You know there is a product called ivy block in that would prob be a good idea for you to use in the future when gardening even if you think the poisin ivy is gone..

Also I would have to look this up but I think I remeber reading something about the fact that p. ivy can live on your clothes for a very long time and that some people can actually be infected agin when they wear the clothes agin... the ones that orginally came in contact with the p.ivy. ????

yeap found this..."Any contact of the body with the oils can cause a problem, whether from patting a dog that has just walked through poison ivy or touching clothes that have come in contact with the plant. You can even get a case of poison ivy internally by inhaling oil droplets that become airborne in smoke when the plants are burned. Also, you can get poison ivy in the winter simply by touching the stem, even though the leaves are gone."

For most peeps simply washing the clothes is enough but if you have a sever allergic reaction you can still get the rash even after washing the clothes,, sometimes washing want get rid of all the oils.. so careful!!

Deborah_Lyn · 04-04-2009, 10:05 AM

It's the oil. Untreated rash can last up to 4 weeks per wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicodendron_radicans

I was worried about it a few years ago, because I have butterfly bushes and get weeds growing underneath it. I wear long sleeves, pants, hat etc. and clear it each year.

Maybe you need to hire a handyman or lawn service guys to clear it? The alwn guys should have a strong commercial grade chemical to kill it when they spray.

Good luck OP!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finner

Have you tried Benadryll?

2x

best stuff ever!

NewMomma09 · 04-05-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by do1more

A shower with alternating hot then cold water will also relieve itching.
sadly- you just need to stay out of that area- even when the plants are gone- the roots still will be able to cause a reaction- even though they will be dead. Roundup for ivy will kill the plant.
Hope you feel better soon........

Thanks! I found a spray that I think I'm going to try...unfortunately, it will kill anything it touches, which will include my poor plants, but I talked to someone that used the same stuff 6 years ago and is still p.i. free!

Quote:

Originally Posted by grace_ou

You know there is a product called ivy block in that would prob be a good idea for you to use in the future when gardening even if you think the poisin ivy is gone..
!!

I've heard about that! I think I'm going to look around for it. I picked up gardening after we bought our house 2 years ago, and I would really like to enjoy it instead of worrying every time I go out that I'm going to have a reaction. I think the Mayo clinic had an article about the oil staying on clothes. You're right..it lasts a LONG time. But I also found out that it's not spread through scratching like I thought, but I still try not to scratch because it does cause scarring.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deborah_Lyn

Maybe you need to hire a handyman or lawn service guys to clear it? The alwn guys should have a strong commercial grade chemical to kill it when they spray.

Haha! Isn't that what I have a hubby for??!! LOL! Yeah, I actually spoke with a yard service to see about that. I think I'm going to try the spray first, and then have them come in and check for me to make sure it's gone. What a pain!

To All: I figured out how to "multi quote"!! Yay me! LOL! I'm feeling a little more optimistic, especially after all of your help! I'm trying the home remedies you suggested, and it's not yet getting better, but it's not getting worse, which is the main thing! If I can keep it "contained" so that it goes away on it's own without the steroids, I will be a very happy camper. Thanks again!

lyndie · 04-06-2009, 03:00 PM

I get what you are going through! 2 Years ago I was out hiking while on a camping trip (wore long pants and long sleeves) and was fine. I took off the clothes and put them in my bag. Two days later I put on the pants that had been in the bag (under the pants I wore hiking) and soon after noticed the pi patches on my skin...which spread...and spread...and spread. Till I was covered (except my face)! That was when I learned about pi oil. Not fun.

For 4 weeks I tried every ointment on the market. Bathed in just about everything I could try. Didn't help much. What did help was cortizone creme. It is a mild streriod creme we can get over the counter here for exema. My Mom brought me some. Although it didn't help with the itch, it did cause it to heal much faster!

Now when I hike, the clothes go into a plastic bag and I practically boil them before I even think about wearing them or mixing them with my other clothes!