1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Poison oak/ivy reaction and PMR/Steroids?

Posted , 8 users are following.

vawils
vawils

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.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • e50553
    e50553 vawils

    Posted

    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.  
  • kate50809
    kate50809 vawils

    Posted

    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.

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga vawils

    Posted

    Normally you'd think prednisone would, if anything, help with the reaction.  Hydrocortisone ointment soothes allergic skin reactions and pred is stronger.

  • EileenH
    EileenH vawils

    Posted

    The steroids SHOULD have helped - but maybe your low oral dose isn't high enough to make much difference.

  • amkoffee
    amkoffee vawils

    Posted

    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.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.