I'd best include a 'graphic warning'. Here's how my poison ivy rashes are, today

[Siwsan]

Taken shortly after I got up, this morning. There are less vivid blisters/bumps spanning around my mid forearm and the wrist of my right arm. It's a toss up which of the big rashes are the most painful, BUT the itching is starting to ease. A bit. I'm going to cut more Aloe Vera and give the big rashes a good layering. It seems to work longer than the calamine.

[FarPoint]

1. Maybe you could check

with your family physician for an oral dose pack of Prednisone .

[3catwoman3]

5. Agreed. While long term steroids have risks, a short 5-7 day...

…course of treatment is usually fine.

[Casady1]

2. Take benedryl

it is an allergic reaction.

[Siwsan]

4. I should keep some in my medicine cabinet

[flying_wahini]

3. Just a tip, use a dry microfiber rag to wipe up after exposure then throw it away.

They pick up a lot of the plant toxins. Even tools and gloves

[CommonHumanity]

6. I'm telling you-hot water.

Your rash is like a single mosquito bite compared with my usual rashes. Ignore my advice at your won peril. I tried...

[Siwsan]

7. I did try that and felt some relief but maybe I need to make it hotter.

I'm going to try that, right now.

[CommonHumanity]

8. The secret with hot water

The key thing is to have water hot enough/keep it on long enough to feel that brief intense acceleration of the itch. That is the tipping point for making the itch disappear for the next 10 hours. I swear it is magic.

Try it again even if the itch is less severe. It'll eliminate any remaining shadow of the itch and you'll be familiar with the process for next time.

As I mentioned, I'm highly allergic and have had at least 100 bouts of poison ivy in the last decade. Knowing I can use the hot water method to stop the itch is an infinite relief. Now I know I have to wait out the rash, but no longer have to be tortured by the itching.

[Siwsan]

9. I did run the water longer and it DID offer much more relief. Thanks!!

I'm now at the point where the itching is minimal and the the big red, swollen patch is dissipating. There is still a scattering of very livid looking blisters on both arms but they are small.

I go see my APN, tomorrow. Maybe she will prescribe something to finish this off.

[CommonHumanity]

10. YAY!!!!!

You can keep experimenting with temp and time till you find the sweet spot, but you should be able to achieve up to 10 hours relief once you find it. Remember, you've got to get that accelerated intense itch to get the relief.

So so glad to share this info with one more sufferer of the infernal itch. I'm like an effing evangelical missionary in spreading the word about the hot water method because I know how awful the itch is and how close at hand relief can be. Good Luck!

[blue neen]

11. Domeboro. Over the counter at pharmacies.

It's a powder that you mix with water. Soak a cloth in it and apply as compresses.

It helps sooth the itching while drying up the rash. Best stuff I ever found.

I feel for you. That looks miserable.

[Siwsan]

12. I'm going to look for that, in case I get careless again.

The rash is mostly resolved, now, but the big patch at the bend of my elbow is still a bit itchy. I had a blood draw, yesterday, and she had to use my right arm.

[redwitch]

13. Ugh! I'm so sorry!

I am allergic to it and sumac and oak. I used to look like a cyclops every summer when I was young because I was forever brushing back my hair with my hands. Always ended up with it in one eye. Itchy, ugly and miserable. I have not had any problems in years for which I am grateful. I hope yours heal quickly!