******* CAUTION ******
***** Poison Ivy Rash Photos Ahead *****
*** It’s highly recommend you put down whatever you are eating and maybe put on a puffy coat in case you feel the need to itch yourself. ****
*** Consider yourself warned. ***
Yesterday morning The Girl drove me to a doc in a box in hopes of getting some relief from my awful poison ivy rash. The HH, didn’t want to go. Because apparently walking around with an intense rash {his is 10x worse than mine!} and giant ooze filled blisters all over your arms kind of goes hand in hand with the whole manly man I now wear thick henleys, haul wood and sport a beard look. I have no idea what his reasoning was. But I did tell him I wasn’t about to share my meds with him so TOO BAD FOR YOU if you don’t want to go. Whateva.
So we get to the doc in the box. And I remembered from last time I was there {the tick bite} that there was a hopping donut place next door and told The Girl to grab 5 donuts and we could bring them back for breakfast. After all a long line is a good thing, right?
Well she came back with the most beautiful {and filled!} apple fritters I’ve ever laid eyes on. Or tasted for that matter. I LOVE it when we find a new local place that serves good food. It’s the best feeling knowing you are supporting a truly wonderful place.
Anyway….
After checking in at the front desk of the Doc in the Box, and then being sent over to the financial desk, then brought back to a room to get my vitals checked, then moving to another room to wait for the Doctor…. or the Nurse Practitioner in my case…..
Apparently my case wasn’t severe enough to warrant a “shot” of medication {and YES, I asked for it repeatedly}. According to nurse practitioner guy, I just had a run of the mill case of poison ivy. He said they only give shots to the peeps with a “severe reaction.”
So of course I asked what qualified as a “severe reaction.”
Basically, he said that if I had it all over my face, or if I was swelled up a little more I would have been given a shot. Interesting. Note to self: Next time I get a poison ivy rash, RUB A FEW LEAVES ON MY FOREHEAD before heading to the urgent care center so I can get the good {fast acting} instant relief drugs.
Apparently here in New England, they’re a little stingy on the meds {remember the 2 doxy pills they gave me for the tick bite?}. Well. I walked out with an 11 day prescription for prednisone.
Nurse practitioner guy said that basically the side effects for the average weight person who doesn’t smoke, drink, take any other meds and is otherwise healthy, would most likely be insomnia and hyperactivity.
I nearly fell off the little table covered in paper I was sitting on because I was laughing so hard. Tears actually formed in my eyes, I kid you not.
“C’mon, give me the GOOD STUFF… you get paid the same either way. Do you like seeing housewives in pain? I’m a totally normal person, I’m not some sort of junkie. What are you, some kind of sicko? GIVE ME THE SHOT.”
Obviously, I should have brought my mother along. She can wear ANYONE down.
Yada Yada Yada…. We went to the pharmacy to pick up the pills and the pharmacist explained how to take the 20 milligram pills:
- 3 pills a day {taken all at once} for the first 3 days
- 2 pills a day {taken all at once} for the next 3 days
- 1 pill a day for the remaining 5 days
The pharmacist was male, and the only reason I mention that is because of what he said when I asked about the potential side effects of the prednisone {just to make sure what he said matched up with nurse practitioner guy, because who knows, maybe he knows something the other guy didn’t. Also, I was raised to always ask a lot of questions in medical situations}.
This is what pharmacist guy said:
You may have difficulty sleeping, the medication may make you hyper or on edge, so if your husband is pissed off at you because you are not behaving normally, it is because of the medication. You’ll need to tell him that.”
Well then. What an interesting thing to say.
Okay, sounds good, I’ll warn my husband. Thanks.
Then I walked away with {what I’m almost positive was} a puzzled look on my face. Why did he say the whole bit about the husband? Was that a thing? The misbehaving woman? Or was that a New England just tell it like it is kind of sort of thing? Is actually appropriate for a pharmacist to use the words pissed off? Was he just trying to be funny? Because if there is one thing I’ve noticed since we’ve moved here, is that people often have a dry sense of humor {more so than any other place that I’ve been} which, I kind of like.
But seriously, did his wife take prednisone and flip out at him or something and he thinks it was the meds {and not something else?}.
I walked out with more questions than I walked in with.
And then I went home and looked up the side effects of the medication. And, well, according to the internet {and you know EVERYTHING on the internet is true} craziness is in fact a side effect of prednisone.
So, if you see a bunch of nonsense or should I say “controversial and edgy posts” that some people have been offended by over the years here on the blog by like this, or this one, maybe this or heck, even this one, clearly it was written at 2 am because that’s when all the really good whack a do stuff is written around here. You know, when I can’t sleep or I’m on edge. 😉
I can usually pull an all nighter about once a month and be totally fine with it as long as I get a nap the next day. But 11 days of sleep deprivation? Sweet gravy. Even I have my limits. The hyper activity? Now that, I know I can totally handle.
These days I feel like I’m on a train and I’m constantly wondering what’s up ahead and waiting for me at the next stop. Who knows…. Maybe I’ll find a bear in the yard next week, or there will be a tornado something. Because really, at this point, anything is possible around here.
Keep on truckin’ 😉
Peace Out Girl Scouts, make it a good one.
~Mavis
P.S. If you have had poison ivy before and were given a shot…. How does my rash compare to the rash you had? Am I just being a big baby about this? Do I just need to toughen up? Or do you think my rash was shot worthy? I need to know.
P.P.S. I bought a bottle of Tecnu Spray while I was waiting for my prescription to be filled and it did in fact provide a little relief while I was waiting for the steroids to kick in yesterday. A word of warning though, don’t spray it in an enclosed space {like your car!} because not only you, but the whole area you are sitting in will suddenly smell like your grandmother’s musty basement. 😉
Mrs. C. says
Ok, don’t worry. Potential side effects are just that – potential. My HH had none, and many of the side effects listed are for people who are on prednisone long term. For example, it is often given to people with rheumatoid arthritis, like my auntie.
It is CRITICALLY important that people follow the dosing and tapering insteuctions for prednisone. Your adrenal glands produce it, and taking it exactly as directed keeps the adrenal glands in working order so one does not develop Addison’s disease, which you know all about because of Lucy Puggle.
My HH has had it significantly worse than your rash — all over his face, going into his nose, with huge, raw, oozing blisters popping open and…..you get the picture. They STILL did not give him a shot! Sent him home with the pills!
Mavis Butterfield says
Total bananas! What does it take to get the shot!?
Mrs. C. says
Usually danger of going into anaphylaxis, internal lesions in the esophagus, nasal passages, lungs, and rectum. Mavis, it gets so bad that some people literally look like they have been in a fire, covered with horrific blisters from head to toe. The pills will work, and all the lesions will stop itching and start to shrivel up and dry. Please be careful in the winter, you can still get it.
Mavis Butterfield says
I am now researching ski gators to wear between my gloves and arms and boots and pants.
Donna says
Make sure you don’t burn any wood that the poison has been on. You don’t want to inhale it
Barbara Howe says
Not sure how to post my own comment. Anyway. Don’t burn poison ivy. The smoke will get you. Also. Just because you see the 3 pretty shiny leaves. Dadada. Stay away from the hairy roots. And they are long. And once you eliminate it in one place. Up it pops somewhere else. And you can also get it in winter. I’ve had shots to prevent it and the prednisone. Basically I stay away from it. Best solution is to poison it. Haha. Get it. Poison the ivy. Wicked wicked plant. ☠️
Mrs. C. says
On another note, the slow healing of wounds is one symptom that a friend of mine learned about the hard way with her dog. She took her to the regular vet and they said the dog had glaucoma and gave her steroid drops. The next day the dog was in literal agony, cowering and hiding, so my friend took her to that clinic in New Hampshire I posted about when Lucy got sick. She did not have glaucome, she had a raging infection of the lens of the eye. The steroid drops ACCELERATED the 8nfection and prevented healing, leading to blindness in that eye. They were able to save the actual eyeball, but the poor dog lost her sight in that eye after a lot of pain. When my dogs have eye issues, I go straight to the veterinary ophthalmologist.
LynnDinKY says
I had it all over my face with my eyes swollen nearly shut. No shot. Just steroids.
Eileen says
Yes both my eyes were swollen shut. Mavis ‘s rash does not look bad. I got prednisone too. It worked quickly. No side effects
KathyH. says
I have had to take prednisone several times in the past for an asthma attac k. I don’t remember any particular side effects EXCEPT you may be really, really hungry ALL THE TIME.
Mary3M says
I don’t know what shot you are talking about because prednisone is what we have always been given when poison ivy or severe allergies strike. My son gets it so bad that there are lesions in his mouth and nose and yet prednisone is what they have always been given. The advice from the pharmacist is spot on. You need to warn the HH and others in your house that you will have increased energy and shortness of patience. Your already tendencies will be magnified and things that you might have let go will now become important. Can’t wait to hear about the prednisone adventures – because (speaking from experience) there will be some. And possibly tears = I seem to get tears with the increased energy and loss of patience (‘I want it done and I want it done now’ may come out of your mouth!!!! – speaking from experience and I am way more less energetic than you are). Keep an eye on your HH and his poison ivy and insist (yes I know – but on prednisone you might just make him go to keep you quiet. What are you going to do with the day lilies? Plant them in the front of your stone wall? Also now that you know you are susceptible to PI you need to go at the first sign to get it taken care of. Really enjoy your adventures! Did you decide on MV or Nantucket for your day trip?
Mavis Butterfield says
The day lilies have been moved down by the pond for the frogs and snakes to enjoy. 🙂 Have not decided on MV or Nantucket for your day trip yet. Lobster place on waterfront is first priority {according to my Dad}.
Jennifer says
Yours looks pretty run of the mill, but it riches like crazy. I know you are done with the home remedies, and this isn’t a cure, but it feels good. Soak brown paper bag pieces in apple cider vinegar and lay those across the rash. Feels lovely. Technu and Protech make creams and sprays that you can use on skin and clothing to prevent a rash. Also, the urishiol will stay on shoes for months, so be careful touching shoes and laces that have been in poison ivy. Goats love to eat the stuff, Maybe you can borrow one for a while. I just gently pull it all out. Remember, roots are more allergenic, and break easily. I don’t generally get much of a rash, but I got it in a cut once, my arm swelled to look like Popeye, it spread all over, and I was oozing everywhere. I didn’t get anything for it from doc, they are stingy with those cortisone shots.
Jaclyn says
I got poison ivy for the 1st time this yr. Not because im so graceful and have been able to avoid it all my life. I used fresh picked lavender, plantain and witch hazel. Just rub lavender on, pour witch hazel and masticate plantain leaves and rub on blisters. All helped mine and was gone in about a week. Best of luck and stop scratching.
Marti says
Mavis-Since you asked how my poison ivy compares with yours–I’d agree that yours is minimal–itchy and painful, I agree, but when I get it, I have 1/2 inch high or more and 2 inch in diameter oozing blisters all over and my skin becomes beet red. I also seems to get it in the blood stream and breaks out all over. I’ve only had a shot once, but was hospitalized with it. Otherwise, I get the prednisone pills and an anti itch pill. They do work wonders. I usually go 36 hours without any sleep. My husband would just make me promise not to vacuum at 3am, and then I would crash for a day after the no sleep marathon. I can not use any OTC cremes or sprays because I will get a secondary reaction to them. Have extremely sensitive skin. I live in the country and there are so many weeds to be careful off. Our area is overrun with wild parsnip which is extremely bad. Hope you dry up very quickly. I think you will be amazed at how well prednisone works.
Tami says
Oh, steriods. I experience mood swings and episodes of the weepies every time I take. A friend of mine becomes very short tempered, angry, and frustrated. In his own words- an asshole.
I hope these do the trick for you and you manage to bypass all the negatives.
Mrs. C. says
This is a good time to warn everyone about GIANT HOGWEED, a new invasive plant that looks like Queen Anne’s lace but is not. Touching the plant can cause third degree burns. People have touched their eyes after touching the plant and been permanenetly blinded. Do a web search for it so you know what to look for to protect yourself, your family, and your critters.
Mavis Butterfield says
Geez! The fun never ends. Now I have to go look that up!
debbie in alaska says
In Alaska we call giant hogweed by the name cow’s parsnip and it is BRUTAL. Avoid it at all costs — it reacts with the sun and it will result in serious burns on your body.
Also — I would have appreciated the pharmacist’s candor. That’s my communication style as well — although I am not easily offended. And having lived most my life in NE and then moving west and then to Alaska I definitely have found that mid-westerners and west coasters don’t always appreciate my New England candor.
Karen says
Yes, I have heard of this, too. You aren’t in the Suburbs anymore, welcome to the wilderness!
Carrie says
YES! It’s starting to pop up in NC and VA. It is giant. You won’t mistake it for Queen Anne’s lace because of the size.
Em says
Mine (when bad) was a swollen, blistered mess. I could not wear clothing over the area because it would stick.
Now when I get any itchy bump, I evaluate. Mosquito, chigger, (not often tick), poison ivy? If poison ivy is likely, immediately use one of the products designed to remove ALL of the oil from my skin. Clothes go immediately in the washer.
“Inappropriate happiness” made me laugh (inappropriately).
Another side effect I remember from when the dog took prednisone: more water intake and output.
Take care, and I’m glad you went to the doctor.
Mavis Butterfield says
I forgot about the water intake!!! That happened to Lucy {who takes a small does of prednisone every other day for her Addison’s disease.
Stephanie says
I’ve heard some horror stories about prednisone. Total personality changes, erratic behavior, eating everything in the house… I had zero clue that this was a thing, because I have no side effects whatsoever (and I’ve taken it quite a few times for my back), except for maybe being a little hungrier than normal the last day. Just let your husband know that that can happen and to maybe monitor you a little more closely than normal, because you might not be able to tell you’re acting irrationally (a friend’s husband is no longer allowed to take prednisone, due to the, uh, kind of crazy reaction he had while on it). Odds are you’ll be just fine. 🙂
Mim says
Gotta say, that looks like a pretty mild case. More like you got it secondhand from contaminated clothes, HH, or Lucy. Nonetheless, as you’re experiencing, it’s more than enough to drive you crazy. Take the pills and truly, it will pass.
The next thing to come? Probably a skunk encounter by Lucy. Which is better than a porcupine encounter, but pretty horrific all the same. See my post from a couple months ago and stock up on some swimmer’s shampoo. Trust me, when the time comes, you’ll be glad you have it.
Around here, (my house) we just shrug and say, “oh well, it’s that nature thing.” We’ve learned we can’t fight it, but we can be prepared.
Casey says
Rural Washingtonians here. Hubby is sensitive to poison oak and his rash worked its way across his entire body, oozing on his arms and chest. They gave him a shot once it reached his “favorite” male body part. To be fair, he hung in there as long as he could and said that he could tough it out, but once it crept inside his undies, he decided it was time to go to the Dr.
Mavis Butterfield says
Maybe that’s what it is going to take with the HH.
Tracy says
My doctor also told me to take Benedryl along with my steriod dose pack. I am very allergic and have used Tecno but I think Dawn works better.
Use a wash cloth and water to rub Dawn into your lesions a few times a day. It will break up the sticky sap that is causing the rash. I also keep Dawn or Gold Bond on the spots.
It is truly miserable having a Poison Ivy rash! You look pretty awful and I can’t imagine how bad your husband is… I hope you all heal quickly!
Sue R says
Your case, although painful and itchy, looks mild to me. I am in NH. When I get it I get huge (I am talking at least an inch high) liquid filled blisters all over my body. I have never gotten a shot. The pills take care of it. You will feel better soon!
Rosaleen says
Ok, I’ve had it worse and not as bad, BUT, when you are suffering from PI, who cares if it could be worse? It just STINKS! I can get a secondary rash as a reaction to all the histamines produced. Hubby doesn’t want to see the doc, so buy/order some Rhus Tox homeopathic pills for him. Sometimes Walmart has it, plus Amazon and most health food stores carry it. Rhus Tox helps more if you start it before the rash appears, but at this point for hubby, it is worth even taking a day or two away from his suffering. I have had a corner of leaf touch my leg, rushed into the house and washed the spot well with Technu, repeating the treatment, and still broken out. Other times, like while hiking, I passed through rough sections that had poison ivy among the leaves along the trail. The foliage was so dense that i could not avoid all of the leaves. Once through the area, I wiped down with hand sanitizer on a tissue and popped some Rhus Tox pills. I was the only hiker I encountered in the section who didn’t have PI. Could have been luck and not the Rhus Tox, but I keep it around. A Clorox soak/bath also helps. Please dilute the bleach so you don’t burn yourself.
Our pediatrician said some years back that the rock walls in New England are held together with poison ivy. Of course, they are not, but PI is so prevalent that it does seem that way.
BTW-One day/two pills of Doxycyclene is the dosage for tick bites before Lyme can take hold. If you get to know your primary care doc well, s/he may give you one script to take on a longer trip, say backpacking for a week or more.
Laura says
Yeah, gotta agree with the “mild” diagnoses you are seeing. I have had poison ivy in my eye and my mouth (separate occasions). No pred, just calamine lotion for the “outer” bits. Miserable miserable! So, as much as we all feel your pain, it just isn’t that bad.
Pred on the other hand, is awful. I had horrible insomnia on it for several days. Also bloating for my brother’s wedding so that the bridesmaid’s dress barely fit. Good times! I didn’t have the irritability though, so maybe you will escape that as well. Better to be prepared than not!
Heidi P says
Awe Mavis, the life of a country girl you’re leading for sure. I’ve taken prednisone several times and The thought of taking it again makes me truly freak out. I do fine but the effects magnify as the days go by. By the end of treatment I can hardly stand myself but on the flip side it does the job and you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do when you are in pain!
Still chuckling at “inappropriate happiness”. Warn the fam that dirty jokes are on the horizon:)
Good luck
Lucy says
I never got a shot for it, didn’t even know there was one. Back when was 16/17 I did get it really bad on my fingers. Had huge blisters up and down the sides of all or most of my fingers. Must have touched poison ivy and not realized it.
Daddio7 says
Men seem to have different reactions. I am a 65 year old man, I got some for severe back pain. I couldn’t sleep for two days and felt “weird”. I am low energy and din’t feel much more energetic and with a bad back I certainty wasn’t going to do any work. However, for the next two weeks I felt like Superman! If they were easier to get I would be very tempted.
Pam H. says
My concern for your HH is that he may develop a sensitivity to poison ivy by dealing with such a bad case for so long. For a few years after my shot-worthy case, I would break out if I was even in a field with poison ivy. Dr. said that my body had developed such a sensitivity that even the dust (pollen???) would make me break out at that point.
Julie says
I’m so sorry Mavis. I hope the medicine helps. I saw this quote, laughed and thought of you!
“Honestly I don’t even play an active role in my life anymore, stuff just happens and I’m like oh so we’re doing this now okay!”
I hope Autumn comes soon for you!
Mavis Butterfield says
LOVE it!!!
Sarah G says
Am I the only one curious to see a picture of the HH’s rash? 🙂
Teresa says
I used to live in grass seed farming country. Back in the day when farmers could burn their fields to sterilized them. A neighbor’s son (wearing only swim trunks) was VERY allergic to poison oak leaves. He walked through the smoke from a burn and broke out with an extreme case that covered his body except the soles of his feet and where the swim trunks were. The poor little guy had to be hospitalized. My ex-husband had it so bad once the doctor told him he had a ‘communicable’ disease! That doctor was in Alaska, My husband had traveled there from Oregon where he contracted the poison oak. I don’t think they see too much of it in Alaska. So I think from what I’ve seen yours is a mild case. Nonetheless, the itch will drive you crazy! Good luck. A soak in an AVENO oatmeal bath might help, I used that on my kids for chicken pox and it helped their itchys.
Brianna says
Two years ago I was on a similar round of prednisone like you are on. My house never looked so clean and I felt so accomplished. I was super mom for several wonderful days and only got a few winks of sleep. My husband hid the medication from me after day 6, but it stayed in my system for awhile. He said I was worse than the guys he knew who drank 5 or 6 energy drinks a day. It made me restless, go go go, and full of energy. I thought it was a wonderful drug, he didn’t though.
Robyn says
Mavis- I was at a nursery a couple of days ago and they had some gardening gloves that came up to the elbow called Game of Thorns- ( I kid you not!) they look great and obviously if you can handle thorns with them I’m thinking they might work for poison ivy- check them out at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_asc_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AGame+of+thorns+gardening+gloves&keywords=Game+of+thorns+gardening+gloves&ie=UTF8&qid=1536858620
Also I’m thinking gaiters for your legs might help.
Yikes! That looks like no fun! Good luck and hope yourHH does something about his rash-
LaToya says
I scrolled slowly for the pics and see the donuts first and think that is some part of a body/illness or something.
Prednisone. I go on it O F T E N.
Side effects are different for everyone. I get a red/hot face and I get the agitated irritability want to move all the time thing. And I speak like a million miles an hour. Which I do anyway, so on Prednisone I’m even more fast chatty … sometimes don’t even know what the heck I’m saying. But Prednisone is good stuff. You should see results pretty quickly.
Good luck … that stuff looks awful.
mary says
Just saying Prednisone makes me gain weight! Also, break outs, red (or redder face particularly nose), also does keep you awake, but it also works great. Make sure you take with food or it will upset your stomach.
leslie says
not sure if I have mentioned this or anyone else has, but Mom’s stuff salve (order at their website) is THE BEST SKIN CURE ALL for most problems. I’ve used it even for sore muscles and it works wonders. Even the Dalai Lama orders from them!!!
Laine says
This is totally normal to mild case of poison ivy. My husband is severely allergic to poison ivy and he’s the only person I know who’s ever been able to get the shot. It causes his eyes and throat and breathing passages to swell up. I hope the prednisone helps, the best thing you can do is to avoid the stuff like a plague. Never ever burn it as the smoke can be poisonous too. Good luck and I hope you feel better!
Amber says
Mavis. Sorry u don’t feel great. Poison ivy takes awhile to go away. I am a doctor…I would not have given you a shot (steroid shot like depomedrol or solumedrol), oral steroids is appropriate. But….you should know that current recommendation is at least 2 wks of steroids for poison ivy. If you get put on just 5 or 7 days, it often gets WORSE after you finish the meds. At 11 days, it’s close to 14 so hopefully you will be good. Fyi, the shot isn’t that much better than oral in this case unless they are injecting it in your vein, which I don’t think you want. It usually means you are hospitalized.
Joy says
What a welcome to Massachusetts you’ve had. As a local girl, I still feel your pain. Sadly, that is a pretty mild poison ivy case, the oozy blisters are super special. I’ve had pretty good luck with the Caladryl Clear. It goes on and dries into a layer on top of the ivy which can help keep it from spreading more.
On the poison ivy is evil front, please please make sure you don’t burn it. Poison ivy reactions in your lungs is just as bad as you can imagine.
Depending on who you have for neighbors, a great way of clearing poison ivy land is goats. They eat it no problem, roots and all so it doesn’t tend to come back. There are even rent-a-goat programs out there. They show up, fence your area, feed the goats, and let them do their work.
Tanya says
Mavis, as an ER nurse speaking here the side effects you pictured…..the lower half on that list are for long-term users of prednisone like COPD patients. I used to work inpatient nights with pediatrics and when I would have to give steroid shots or the kids would get frequent nebulizer treatments (inhaled steroids) they would inevitably be up all night climbing the walls.
Now I give steroid shots in the ER and patients are sent home with prescriptions for oral prednisone and I always explain that sleeplessness, increased hunger and irritability as side effects for this short term medication.
I hate rashes personally. I have had poison oak, chicken pox as an adult, and constant itchy skin breakouts all my life due to sensitive skin. I have taken the prednisone once and it indeed cleared up the problem but I felt ravenous, jittery and couldn’t sleep or stay asleep. In the end though, I would take it again if warranted. Good luck!
Carrie Counci says
You have totally busted the myth that the more you are exposed the worse the rash since this is your first go with it. I have gotten PI multiple times and never as bad as you. Usually just a small spot on the arm or back of hand. I cleared PI from a garden at work once and only had a small 4 inch area of the rash. I wore long sleeves, pants and garden gloves and washed afterwards.
I’ve also heard it is an allergy and depends on the person. I’m thinking this is the case. It’s odd because I have sensitive skin and have bouts of eczema and am quick to get a foot rash if I wear sweaty socks for too long.
Can’t wait to read your posts over the next 2 weeks!
Lissa says
A prednisone taper isn’t too bad for most people. Take it with food. Take it in the morning to minimize the chance that you’ll have trouble sleeping. And rejoice that healing is on the way. Any chance you and HH are continuing to re-infect from Lucy? Our kids would get poison ivy on their arms/necks from holding our little dog who would wander around the bushes where the ivy was hidden.
Joe says
Have you tried Ivarest? Available at Walmart and CVS. I used it on my son and it was nothing short of miraculous.
Kim says
Maybe my doctor is just a softy, but he would have given you a shot. However, I do think the prednisone pills will also help…………….and I don’t think the side effects will be that significant.
You have certainly been tired by fire in your first summer in New England. What an education! Maybe spray the daylights out of any future poison ivy you com across????
Bless your sufferin’ skin!
kerri adams says
I have never heard of anyone getting a shot for poison ivy reaction. I will say my dh gets it every year if he is not careful. With men they def need to see a doctor if it gets in or near their private parts of yes the face for sure. Again they usually get prednisone.
Kathy says
I warned my husband I might be irritable while on prendisone…now when I get snappish he asks if I’m taking my godzilla pills today lol
Vy says
I have had to take Predisone for asthma a few times and I hate it hate it hate it. I have to be almost dying before I let them give it to me. That said, of course, it serves a purpose when it’s needed, it’s a beast against inflammation 🙂
1) It will be a lot harder to handle the life crud that is normally quite easy. My phone was stolen and my car broke down and I ended up in a heap on my floor, weeping and unable to cope. THAT IS NOT ME!! (not that that’s easy, but still))
2) Don’t start taking and then suddenly stop … it can leave you succeptible to heart attacks if you’re startled. Yep, I’m serious! If you start, take the whole tapered off prescription as prescribed.
3) You will eat a lot. You will bloat. Your face will be puffy for weeks.
4) Man, I hate prednisone.
SandyF says
I think I would order a giant supply of those paper painters suits from Home Depot. Just throw them away every time you get near anything that even resembles PI.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cordova-Defender-II-Microporous-Men-s-Large-White-Hooded-Coveralls-HDMP300L/202600723?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CHC%7CD25H%7C25-5_SECURITY%2FSAFETY%7CNA%7CNA%7CRLSA%7C71700000037501915%7C58700004165990215%7C92700034376204972&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_4iikvK43QIVAdvACh3KCgomEAQYAiABEgL2i_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CPW-lpjyuN0CFUV2wQodWAsHSA
Jane Hebert says
My husband and son did not have any side effects. Prednisone was the only thing that helped and the spray you have.
Hope you feel better, Janie
Nancy Nussbaum says
Hi Mavis, Hope you are feeling better. You have what I would call a mild case of poison ivy, even though it probably doesn’t feel so mild. I did not read everyone’s posts, so forgive me if someone also said this. You can catch PI from Lucy! If she walked through it, or rolled in it and the oils were on her fur, she can pass it to you. This happened to me. Really, be very careful! Love your posts!!
Linda says
You are only taking prednisone for 3 days,don’t listen to all the side effects of people who needed to take it longer term for other issues.
Nancy from mass says
She’s taking it for 3 days, 3 days and then 5 days.
Melissa says
I have only used the Tecnu *scrub*— which scrubs away the oils. What does the spray do?
Lisa says
Mavis,
I get rashes all the time cuz I have weird contact allergies. Sarna lotion works best for me. Actually steroids work the best. It does make me irritable but I get a crazy amount of housework done when I’m on it. Mopping floors at 11pm when I’m normally in bed at 9p is not unusual! Silver lining.
Tamara Reid says
I am so sorry! That looks miserable!!!! Hope you heal up quickly!!!!
Kristy Keller says
Calamine lotion helped me when I had poison ivy rashes. You’ll literally be colored pink for a while, but the relief from the itching is worth it.
Pj says
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this, but OMG, you have provided me with the most wonderful belly laughing today. My husband had to ask what was so funny and I read him excerpts. After looking at the pictures, I can’t imagine what you’d have to look like to get the shot! Hope you get better soon!
Roni says
Mavis I had to take prednisone because I lost my hearing in one ear last year when I went to the ear nose and throat doctor he prescribed five days of oral prednisone to see if that would help and bring back my hearing which it didn’t I then took another three days worth that he prescribed and that was it..the side effects afterwards for me were brutal…. I lost the taste for any foods I also had a terrible taste in my mouth when I would drink water I also broke out on my face with acne , I didn’t have acne when I was a kid so I knew that it was from the prednisone…. The side effects listed about eight months and occasionally I still get a dose of not being able to taste my food but it doesn’t last as long maybe a couple of weeks I will never take prednisone again although I think what you’re taking is called the Z pack which I haven’t had any problems taking that but I did have Problems with just taking the pink pills I guess and they weren’t like that dozing they were to take one in the morning one in the evening I think if I can remember or maybe I took them three times a day so just be on the lookout for side effects that you wonder well where is that coming from ?
Gail C. says
A Z-pack is Zithromax or azithromycin which is an antibiotic.
Beverly says
I had a prednisone dose pak for seven days I think for the shingles, not poison ivy. I reacted to it with the giddiness, mood swings and night terrors. I would wake up screaming from the nightmares. I dreamed I cut my friends’ head off! I am getting older and last summer had my very first poison ivy. I used Dawn and peroxide and it dried up though I was scarred from it. Hubby got it one time when digging up some roots. Never knew it was poison ivy root. He got a shot since it was all over him. Time will heal it. Just be careful in the fall when the leaves drop. It climbs trees and looks hairy. It is really wicked then.
Christym says
I was on prednisone last year for a week. No symptoms at all.
I had poison ivy when I was 12. My entire left leg from the knee down was a big crusty gross mess. Doc gave me the injection, but that was 39 years ago! It was so bad, I lost pigmentation in a lot of areas of my skin for a few years.
Nancy from mass says
I hope you heal soon. I was on prednisone last year. My brain was going non stop. It drive me f#ckin g crazy.
New Englanders tend to be snarky and sarcastic, but that s what makes us a wicked pissa bunch a people. (In my classic NH accent…it comes out when I’m really tired)
kcb says
I have taken the prednisone dose packs more than a few times. But never for poison ivy. You’ve gotten some really good advice. Definitely take it as early in the day as you possibly can to minimize the sleeplessness. And no matter what don’t stop it until you’re done without consulting your doctor. Hope you feel better soon
Pam Kaufman says
When I have had poison ivy it has always been patches of oozing, disgusting sores and I have never been given a shot. Just the pills. One time I had it all over my face and arms. No shot. Just pills. The good thing is the pills do start working pretty quickly. I do get pretty short tempered and grumpy when I take them. Never noticed any hyperactivity. Your husband will wish he took them once your rash starts clearing up!
janis heinrich says
well sorry to hear about the poison ivy. A severe case is when your hubby weed whacks the grape vines on the fence only to discovery there poison ivy beneath it. When your hubby goes into the office w/o an appt. and people step aside and the Dr. Gasps and said its the worse case he ever saw you get a shot. When he “hopes” your eyes will be ok and it “lucky” you wear glasses. Leave to my hubby. I slept in another room and yelled condolences.
Angela D. says
Sorry for your poison ivy troubles, Mavis!
I feel that the pharmacist’s comments were unprofessional, and do not classify as a “dry humor.” Perhaps if he knew you and/or your husband, even a little bit, he might have been joking…
Not knowing you at all, and suggesting that your husband might become “pissed off” with you while you take prednisone? Crossing a line. I’m quite certain that my own husband would not appreciate a pharmacist suggesting such behavior.
There was certainly a more professional way of informing you of possible behavior/mood changes than the way the pharmacist presented it to you.
Feel better soon!
Arbie Goodfellow says
Wow! I was given the shot in the buttocks for poison ivy… my doctor who is a sports med guy and all into the try not to take a drug and go the holistic way said… looks bad and your miserable… your getting a injection. I had the oozing blisters sticking to the sheets at night. Personally mine was just a little worse looking then yours on my arms and just a little on my legs… none on my face. I feel for you and I would try to go somewhere else for medical help next time. You have had it way too long ….I saw my dr. On day 3 of my rash… baby that I am. You want to “love” and trust who you see… so keep looking before you need to see someone again. Good luck!!
Susan Webster says
Mavis, this may sound crazy but I use Dawn dish soap on all bug bites and it literally removes the itch. Thanks noticed someone else mentioned it as well.
That’s what I would try. It works on mosquitoes but idk about poison oak or ivy.
Tari Townsend says
Mavis, I have to take prednisone quite often for my breathing. I am a little in the short end like the man really can step on my last nerve, but not too bad when you are aware of it.
If you take them in the morning you should not have any sleeping problem. You may notice an increase in having to pee tho!
Vicki in Birmingham says
Wow. A lot of responses about this post! I think no matter how “minor” the irritation of poison ivy may be described by a doctor or readers or anyone else, it NEVER FEELS like it is minor!
So what was the shot? A steroid?
I do know that you need to take the medicine exactly as directed and “wean” yourself down as instructed from the original starting dose, otherwise, whatever you may be taking it for (in your case the poison ivy), will come back with a vengeance!
I am thinking too, that maybe you should consider checking out another doctor…it’s not like one injection is going to alter the rest of your life or get you addicted or something. It seems it would work faster and certainly be worth a try.
I do know that if you use something (my aunt used to swear by Tide washing powder) to scrub it with that will dry up the oil, it will feel better, heal faster and not spread.
With all the offered suggestions, after you pick and choose and try some out, you can let us all know which one worked best (and maybe even share it with your HH! 🙂 and let us all know in case we happen to find ourselves in the same predicament!. Good luck with it! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
And, I am thinking that maybe the Benedryl will provide some relief, even if it is in the form of sleep!
Lace Faerie says
I’ve taken prednisone bursts for asthma several times. I get weepy and can’t sleep but never had increase in energy. My sister turns into a nasty witch, her HH is a saint.
I had to take it for 3 months once during a really bad Fibro flair, it made my face puffy but the other effects lessened with time and it was totally worth it as it reduced systemic inflammation which reduced my pain.
Julia says
I had an allergic reaction to the glue on the steri strips used to close a wound after surgery. It looked like a severe case of poison ivy, blisters, red, raw itch so intense I couldn’t sleep. It kept getting worse and the Dr finally prescribed prednisone, which took several days to provide relief. If I had know a shot existed I would have been jumping up and down for that. Apparently they don’t offer it in PA either. Lol
bobbi says
I can’t take prednisone, makes me very, very angry, lol. Everyone is different though so good luck!
Jill K. says
Mavis,
Fortunately I’ve never had a reaction to poison ivy although I’m sure I’ve encountered it before. My husband used to say you have to get the oils off your skin. He would use paint thinner. I’ve also seen you tube videos where they recommend washing with a wash cloth and dawn dish soap and scrubbing everywhere to get rid of the oil from the poison ivy that causes the rash. Apparently many people will get it on the backs of their arms and behind their ears in areas that they haven’t washed. I think there are washes you can buy specifically for this also. Apparently from what I read (which is very little) you can prevent it from happening if you just get rid of the oil. I would scrub thoroughly anytime I’ve worked outside because it can get on your gardening implements, tractor tires and your dog as others suggested and transfer to your skin.
Kristen Finnemore says
Sorry you are so uncomfortable Mavis. Your HH too.
Poison ivy sucks and some people are very very allergic to it. They don’t even have to have physical contact with it. Someone mowing over it could send enough oil into the nearby vicinity to cause someone hyper sensitive to go in to full blown reaction. Those are the people who get shots.. the extreme, allergic reaction. I can’t spell the other.
My gram always told us to wash down with Fels Naphtha soap like a surgeon. Yes getting all the oils off if the key – not getting them on you at all is the best thing. You know: wear gloves, long sleeves, pants and socks… then peel off like a surgeon does gloves. Don’t touch the outer side of your clothing. And for Pete’s sake, don’t touch any other body parts with your gloved hand! Don’t wipe your brow, don’t scratch *that* itch…. nothin!!!!
Don’t mess around with the vines. put them in a pile and let them dry out somewhere isolated.
Be just as careful with poison oak and poison sumac.
Good luck and i hope you feel better soon.
Janet M says
I grew up in CT, and used to get a severe poison ivy outbreak at least once a year which kept me out of school for about a week at a time. My rashes were much more swollen than yours and runny, crusty, pus-filled and overall just gross. Plus I always got it on my face, which is horrific. They used to give me a shot each time, and I can tell you that it’s not the panacea you’re hoping for. It makes the itching and swelling a little better, but you still have to go through about 2 weeks of misery. And there are possible long term consequences, which is why they’re hesitant to give it for less than severe cases.
My best advice is first, cover up as much as possible when you’re working outside. Long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, close toed shoes and gardening gloves. Take a shower as soon as you get inside with Fels Naptha soap. Wash those clothes after every wearing. Don’t put them back on again. For the rash that you have, extra strength Cortisone cream is best. You can get a three pack at Costco. And also Aveeno oatmeal baths with cool water are wonderful for itch relief, but it only works while you’re in the tub. The itch comes right back as soon as you dry off, so stay in as long as you can.
C says
That’s not bad at all, you’re lucky. I’ve had it much much worse, and hubby’s had it all over his face (and nether regions even).
Stay away from the vines completely. The oils can stay on shoes or equipment or anything that comes in contact with it for years. Spray with weed killer instead.
Jess says
Your rash doesn’t look bad, but I’m sure it’s very uncomfortable! My redhaired fair skinned son had it with swollen face and eyes and just got pills.
BETTY D says
All my life growing up in country never had it…then moved to Al…
and there was vines growing up trees and I cut them down…big
mistake…had it all over me….got through t though….and always
keeps a bottle of Calmine lotion on hand….great for any type
itching……and now use for the grand kids…ant bits etc….great
to keep on hand for sure.
Peggy says
I’m very far behind on reading your posts but I’m working my way thru. I’ve had poison ivy many times. I’ve had the shots and pills. I have gotten very severe cases that seem to have taken forever to heal. Recently my doc said his daughter was attending university and they did big field trips. They were told about the Tecnu products. I bought them and they seem to work as well as anything. I also use Caladryl and continuously apply it for extra comfort. What I’ve learned is that you can catch it many ways including your clothing as you
put it in the washer. Another is from pets if they get near it. Don’t ever add it to a fire and be around the smoke if you burn outdoors. Tecnu has a product to apply before going out. I also use the scrub and as soon as I get in the house I take a shower to get any oils off my body. One crazy thing is that my HH is not allergic and he can handle it all day. He is always sent in now to clear out any patches and I have him put his clothes in the washer. Ok well that’s my book on poison ivy. I hope it helps in the future! One last thing, you can catch it all year round because the vine doesn’t die in winter and it contains the oils.
Dianna says
I didn’t know that they won’t give a shot for poison ivy….since childhood, I’ve always had horrific reactions to it, and got a shot every time. But my cases always involved my eyes closing shut, my mouth closing shut, getting it in my throat, etc. The reaction runs in my family; my great-grandmother was hospitalized and almost died from poison ivy. Usually I have to go in for multiple shots — and thought everyone did that!
The last time I had it really, really bad was during college. We cleaned out a couple of deep freezers at a summer camp, and somehow I got poison ivy all over my hands. My blisters had blisters….couldn’t close my fingers together at all. My husband always does any weeding or yard work around the house so that I don’t have to worry as much. I do wear gloves whenever I’m planting in the raised beds.