Maybe be an odd question but here goes. I had to cut up a fallen tree last week which was entangled with poison oak or ivy vines. I developed a terrible rash on arms/legs within 24 hours which has been more severe than ever before. I have used the usual topical remedies and tried adding Benadryl tablets but one week later still have rash in some areas and new flareup spots daily.
Beginning to wonder if the intensity of my reaction and the fact that it hasn't subsided quicker might be due to PMR or the fact that I am already on steroids and my immune system is messed up. I am on a low dose of 4 mg/day after 4 plus years of steroids but thought the steroids would help better.
Thanks for any feedback in advance.
I USED TO BE a horrible poison ivy sufferer -- highly allergic -- just thinking about p.i. almost made me break out. UNTIL I found jewelweed salve. It heals up the p.i. within a day or two -- totally stops the itch, oozing, etc. It also works on insect bites and other rashes. I tried EVERY thing available - had some success but nothing compared whatsoever to the salve. Have no idea if pred affects its efficiency.
I find my skin is very sensitive now so I can imagine something like poison ivy would really take it's toll. Hope e's salve works for you.
Normally you'd think prednisone would, if anything, help with the reaction. Hydrocortisone ointment soothes allergic skin reactions and pred is stronger.
The steroids SHOULD have helped - but maybe your low oral dose isn't high enough to make much difference.
I have to agree with Eileen. You might try calling your doctor first and asking about upping the dose considerably for about a week. You might also make sure that you've washed your clothing thoroughly and anything else that could have come in contact with your body or your clothes when you came in the house after making the contact with the pi.