Somehow I've managed to get poison ivy even though I spend almost no time outdoors these days (and certainly don't stray from the yard). Last summer I had a really bad case, but I can understand that because I did go into the woods around the house once or twice, but this year not at all. Perhaps I got it from D's clothing after he went trekking in the woods to find Mercury (who is still missing), but D was really good about washing his clothes and taking a shower as soon as he came inside.
I guess it doesn't really matter where I got it at this point, I just wish it would go away. It started as a little patch on my neck, but now I have it on both legs, my back, my hip, and a new patch sprung up on my arm this morning. I've been using the usual over the counter suspects to treat it, but to no avail. I've used domboro solution, caladryl lotion, benedryl cream, benedryl tablets, techu ivy wash, and most recently a new product called Zanfel. I was really hoping the Zanfel would work because I read great things about it online, and my doctor recommended it. Supposedly it washes away the ivy oils and calms the itching. Supposedly. Oh, and it costs $39.99 for a tiny tube.
I used the Zanfel on my neck yesterday afternoon, and then on all of the other spots last night. The itching didn't stop. I used it again this morning on all of the ivy spots and I still itch. I was really hoping I'd be blogging today with a glowing endorsement of this product, but alas, no.
Last night, I also started using a 2.5% hydrocortisone cream my doctor prescribed. That hasn't helped all that much either. Just hoping it goes away on it's own still using just these topical remedies (and the benedryl tablets at night so I can stop scratching long enough to fall asleep). Last year I had to go on oral steroids, but my doctor wants to try to avoid that due to pregnancy.
Oh, and I'm going to look so nice at my baby shower on Sunday with my red and bumpy chin, neck, arms, and legs!
6 comments:
Are you sure it's poison ivy? Pregnancy can cause issue with the liver that can cause itching in various spots on the body (including the palms). It's weird that nothing is helping. I've never had poison ivy, so i'm no help. I hope you find a cure soon!
Hi Laura,
I'm sorry to hear you are suffering with an itchy rash. I would like to share with you some information which might help relieve the symptoms of this allergic skin reaction. Please contact me by calling the phone number on the back of your tube of Zanfel (1-800-401-4002, menu option one).
Dan Boelman RN, BSN
Zanfel Laboratories, Inc.
I identified some poison ivy near the perennial garden, so that may be where I got it this time (since I've stayed out of the other areas where I know it is). The ivy is actually entwined in a yew that we're going to take out, so I'll just have to inspect post yew-pulling and see if the ivy all gets pulled out too. The tricky thing is that it's right near the English Ivy that's crawling up our chimney.
Are you still itching from your case of poison ivy? I would sure appreciate the opportunity to speak with you over the phone. Please give me a call if you have a couple of free minutes today!
Just call the number on the back of your tube of Zanfel, and push menu option one.
Dan
Since you're having such a bad reaction to the poison ivy, you may want to be careful of fresh mangoes in the future. Yes, I learned about this connection the hard way -- you don't want that rash on your lips. They both have urushiol (it's in the skin of the mango), as do cashews (though usually the roasting breaks it down on them).
I hope you're already feeling better.
Hey, look at you getting personal attention from the product folks. Poison ivy is AWFUL, I'm so sorry you got it while preggo, too!
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