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Suggest Treatment For Poison Ivy Induced Dermatitis
Question: I was working in the yard today and belatedly noticed some poison ivy that I have never noticed there before. In the past I have had severe and persistent problems with it and my dermatologist told me to give up gardening forever. It is even worse than that as I had a fire in the outdoor fireplace and threw some brush in it before I realized what the green "weeds" were. I keep prednisone on hand for this emergency but hate to take it as I know it has severe side effects. All urgent care centers in my area are closed. In your opinion, does this constitute an emergency and would you take the prednisone? If so, how much and for how long?
I can get to an urgent care tomorrow morning. Is there any chance I might receive advice this evening?
I can get to an urgent care tomorrow morning. Is there any chance I might receive advice this evening?
Brief Answer:
USE CALAMINE LOTION AND BENADRYL
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to HCM.
This is Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta answering your query.
I understand your concern.
Poison ivy induced dermatitis or itching is very common and in many, it becomes serious. But if now, your symptoms are mild, you can do the following-
Avoid further contact.
Wash with soap and cold water which you have probably done already.
Apply calamine lotion to the affected part.
You can also use diphenhydramine or benadryl.
Only if the itching or lesions are severe, use corticosteroids.
You can visit ER at your scheduled time.
Consult your physician about prescription of the above.
Hope this was helpful.
Contact me for further queries.
Regards.
USE CALAMINE LOTION AND BENADRYL
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to HCM.
This is Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta answering your query.
I understand your concern.
Poison ivy induced dermatitis or itching is very common and in many, it becomes serious. But if now, your symptoms are mild, you can do the following-
Avoid further contact.
Wash with soap and cold water which you have probably done already.
Apply calamine lotion to the affected part.
You can also use diphenhydramine or benadryl.
Only if the itching or lesions are severe, use corticosteroids.
You can visit ER at your scheduled time.
Consult your physician about prescription of the above.
Hope this was helpful.
Contact me for further queries.
Regards.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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