Hello ladies! My father had a really bad bout with poison ivy about 10 years ago and ever since then he has never been able to completely get rid of it. It alway pops back up and as soon as one spot is cleared up it shows up somewhere else. He is always covered up and is very careful when he works out in the yard but he still gets it (even in the winter!)We know for sure it's poison ivy and not some type of skin condition, he always uses benedryl and calamine but nothing else. Have any of you ever heard of this? Do any of you have any suggestions as to how to get rid of it? I thought I might ask on here because my father is not one to go to the doctor and is really not big on taking prescriptions (yeah he's one of those superman guys ha ha!). Hopefully some of you might have some suggestions that might work because the poor guy is miserable.
My husband had a similar problem and we found out it was shingles. It looks just like poison ivy. He got treatment and he hasn't had them on over a year.
Your dad needs to get some prescription strength cortisone cream to completely get rid of it. Maybe the doctor would prescribe some oral cortisone for a few days also.
I am 36 years old, grew up out in The country, I spend a lot of time camping and being outside. Until 2 years ago, I had never shown a reaction to poison ivy. But since then I have had it! This has been the WORST 2 years of my life. At one time I had it EVERYWHERE but my scalp. My outbreaks last months. I have spent $100s. I mean I've tried it ALL. Just when it clears up, within 1 or 2 days it will pop up somewhere else! I change my sheets constantly, my laundry is separate, I have not been outside(come on it's winter!), I do not scratch, I've used every product/home remedy that I could find. NOTHING helps me! I am desperate to end this miserable feeling! This is the first post that I have seen where someone relates to how I am feeling! I am extremely cautious every waking hour! I don't know what else to do 😪
look up alphacura online, I used their stuff for ringworm once and it is completely gone - nothing else was working. They cost around $30 but are totally worth it, and I'm pretty sure they have one just for that sort of thing. good luck!
When I was younger I use to get poison ivy if someone mentioned it. My mom found the poison ivy pill which is a small sugar pill with a drop of poison ivy extract in it. I loved taking them since it was sugar. I haven't gotten it since and that was many years ago. It comes in a very small bottle near the poison ivy medications. I looked online to see if I could find the name of it and one site said it is called RhusTox4x medicated poison ivy pills. I think it also helps to build up your immunity to it. Hope this helps.
In case of a moderate to severe rash, he will need to see his health professional. He or she may prescribe corticosteroid pills. These medicines may help improve or clear up the rash more quickly. Prescription corticosteroid creams, ointments, shots, or gels may also be used, but pills or shots are usually more effective.
Make sure the clothes are washed very well. If not washed off, the oil can be redeposited on other clothes and could be reabsorbed and start the rash all over again.
Try Tea Tree oil or melaleuca oil...same thing, two different names. It works so well for almost everything rash related. My mom had a bout with chiggers that we couldn't clear up and that was what finally did it. Good luck
When I experienced an allergic reaction recently, I learned mango is in the same family as poison ivy/oak/sumac. The allergic reaction is cumulative over time. So, exposure once is probably no big deal, but every subsequent exposure means a greater & greater reaction. (I can no longer eat mango.)
I expect an allergist might be able to aid in managing the reaction, I would also try to nail down what is eaten/drunk or used when the reaction happens.
Hi L.,
When I get poison ivy, it won't go away with just benedryl or calamine lotion. I always have to get a shot from the doc for it to go away. Last time, even with the shot, the spot where I got poison ivy remaied itchy for a year! So, he has my sympathy. What state do you guys live in that poison ivy is so prevalent? If it's totally everywhere, it might not be the same exposure incident. Like if the oil gets on the dog, or on garden tools, and he keeps coming in contact with those things. Good luck; poison ivy is miserable!
J.
I dont know if he is in the davis county area but I know a someone that uses the biomeridian body scan to help with all kinds of health problems. It is alternative medicine and homeopathic but it totally works and I am sure she could get him something to clear it up. It isn't expensive. Just $50 or so for a scan which is the entire body and over an hour of help. GL
Hi there. I used to work as a medical assistant before a SAHM. Sometimes shingles can be mistaken for poison ivy as they look almost the same. It's better for him to go to the doctor even if he doesn't like it. Shingles can be very irritating and should not be left untreated. Posion Ivy doesn't reoccur unless he has been exposed to it again. If is not shingles or Poison Ivy it may be a form of eczema , but since I can't see the picture then I can't tell. Better to see a doc and get relief once and forever hopefully. Good luck!
My father had a really bad case of poison ivy a few years ago and had to use a steroid cream to help clear it up. He was also told to wash the area with ivory soap--it is the only soap that will wash the oils off.
I do agree with the other posts that it may be something else like shingles. If your Father won't go to the doctor, how do you know for sure??? It would be really tough to get poison ivy in the winter.
Good Luck! Skin rashes of any kind are miserable!
Yeah, I think he needs steroids also. Yeah, and it means the doctor and perscriptions. Prednisone would probably clear it right up. I can't believe he has put up with it for all these years. Ichy Ichy Ya Ya!
A few years ago I got poison ivy while working at our cabin in Kansas trimming trees. The fun part about poison ivy is the oil. I didn't realize this fun fact until a year later when I put on the same Carhartt overalls I had been wearing in Kansas. Low and behold I got poison ivy. My point is the oil can remain on any clothes you had on upon first contact. The oil may not wash out of your clothes, I recommend Oak and Ivy laundry treatment. They also make a topical gel which works great.
Dear L., I think it is very sweet you are trying to help your dad. He sounds a lot like my dad and it is hard to help him because he is so self sufficient. I wrote to mamasource because of my grand daughters re-occuring diaper rash. One laday suggested Coloidal Silver followed by diaper rash med. Well, the coloidal silver is working great! I just put a few drops on her and let it dry. I bet it would work for your dads poison ivy too. gl K. K.
It might take steroids. I know those work, but they would mean going to the doctor. :) GL! You're so sweet to help him that way. I understand, my husband is the same way.
