wendy@houem.UUCP (08/23/83)
anybody know an effective cure for poison ivy? i picked up a nasty case of it a week ago, and it's *spreading*. i'm covered from head to toe with calamine -- keeps me from scratching, but doesn't seem to be making it go away or preventing the spreading. a warning to others who are sensitive: stay out of the dunes at sandy hook! trying not to scratch -- wendy (houem!wendy)
ealee@ihuxj.UUCP (08/24/83)
Have gotten my fair share of poison ivy in my 26 years and have found only 1 fer sure cure (no pun intended). A cortisone shot is the answer. Granted youdon't feel like much for the rest of the day, but the poison ivy will disappear within 2 days and there won't be much itch. A doctor must give you this shot as it is only by prescription. Hope this helps all the poison ivey suffers. Liz Scheller-Lee
warren@ihnss.UUCP (08/26/83)
Having just returned from a hiking and camping trip, I can speak on this one. I got it once a long time ago, and had it for 2-3 weeks. This time, I noticed a strange rash on my hand shortly after a possible exposure, and was determined to do something about it. Another member of our party recommended rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, which we happened to have, so I gave it a try, wiping the infested area twice over with the stuff. Much to my relieve, the rash stopped itching and disappeared within ~4 hours. Two caveats before everyone goes out and trys it: 1) I am of course not positive that what I had was poison Ivy. It sure looked like the right stuff, but it could have been a reaction to almost anything. 2) The treatment was applied within 4 hours of exposure. I doubt that it would be as effective if caught much later. Other than this, I can only second others in the suggestions of not scratching it and leaving it alone. Whatever you do, DON'T BURN THE PLANTS IN YOUR YARD!!! -- Warren Montgomery ihnss!warren IH x2494
jack@rlgvax.UUCP (Jack Waugh) (08/29/83)
I suggest you just avoid touching the plants. If you have to walk through poison ivy, wear long pants. If you have to pull it out of shrubbery, wear work gloves.