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Suggest Remedy For Itchy Hands And Eyelids Post Contact With Poison Ivy
Hello, I was working in my flowerbeds on Saturday without gloves and contacted poison ivy on my hands and arms. Then I rubbed my eye with the corner of my T-shirt and the poison ivy spread to my eyelid. I am trying not to scratch it; however, it extremely itchy. After church on Sunday, my pastor told me to use Clorox beach on my hands and arms only. Is this correct? I applied a cold compress on my eyes last night and they feel significantly better. Thank you, Joan Tischer
Thu, 24 Dec 2020
Hello,
If the poison ivy is affecting your face, you will need oral steroids to decrease inflammation.
If the inflammation spreads to the eye, it can cause complications. Generally, poison ivy does not improve easily without a decent amount of oral steroids for at least a week.
Some prescribers will order a "medrol dose pack" and this is not enough to improve poison ivy rashes. Getting a prescription for steroids at your Primary Care Physician, Urgent Care or Telemedicine would be recommended.
Clorox bleach should not be used on the body. Using bleach for poison ivy is an urban myth that is not supported by anything other than anecdotal case reports by people.
Hope I have answered your queries. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Timothy Wong
If the poison ivy is affecting your face, you will need oral steroids to decrease inflammation.
If the inflammation spreads to the eye, it can cause complications. Generally, poison ivy does not improve easily without a decent amount of oral steroids for at least a week.
Some prescribers will order a "medrol dose pack" and this is not enough to improve poison ivy rashes. Getting a prescription for steroids at your Primary Care Physician, Urgent Care or Telemedicine would be recommended.
Clorox bleach should not be used on the body. Using bleach for poison ivy is an urban myth that is not supported by anything other than anecdotal case reports by people.
Hope I have answered your queries. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Timothy Wong
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