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Suggest Treatment For Poison Ivy Rash
Question: I have had poison ivy/sumac/oak for almost 7 weeks. It started on my left hand, went to the right hand, and is now up my arms. I have used Zanfel to get rid of the oil about a month ago. What do I do now?
Brief Answer:
Images necessary - more details also required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on clinical symptoms and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Poison ivy for 7 weeks is very rare and I will require more details
a. Are you in contact with it still - any clothes, pets etc which has not been washed properly. It is not known to spread. Starting in left hand and moving to right hand and now to arm, does not sound poison ivy, unless you are still in contact with it.
b. Can you send good images of the lesions. I need to have a look and a confirmation.
2. Zanfel should have got rid of it within a week. Now, before looking at the lesion, I would not want to advise steroids. In the mean time, for itching, you can use anti-histamines like cetrizine or diphenhydramine.
3. Do you suffer from diabetes mellitus or any chronic disorders. Also do add your medication details.
Do get back with more details.
Dr. Prakash HM
Images necessary - more details also required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on clinical symptoms and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Poison ivy for 7 weeks is very rare and I will require more details
a. Are you in contact with it still - any clothes, pets etc which has not been washed properly. It is not known to spread. Starting in left hand and moving to right hand and now to arm, does not sound poison ivy, unless you are still in contact with it.
b. Can you send good images of the lesions. I need to have a look and a confirmation.
2. Zanfel should have got rid of it within a week. Now, before looking at the lesion, I would not want to advise steroids. In the mean time, for itching, you can use anti-histamines like cetrizine or diphenhydramine.
3. Do you suffer from diabetes mellitus or any chronic disorders. Also do add your medication details.
Do get back with more details.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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