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Larskydoodle

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  1. As a medical pro, I feel compelled to add my 2¢ worth, for what it's worth (which is about 2¢, I suppose). Just about everything have said thus far in this thread is correct. Aren't we a learned bunch! But I would add a few things. You can indeed be immune (the actual medical term is "anergic," which is the opposite of "allergic") to poison ivy/oak/sumac, and then develop a reaction later in life. One nice thing about the common reaction to PI/O/S is that, unlike bee stings, there is no risk of a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction; the immune response to PI/O/S is different (mediated by your T-cells, rather than IgE, in case you were wondering). Avoidance is the best thing you can do. There's a product on the market I recommend frequently called "IvyBlock." You put it on (it's a lotion) when you're going out for a hike. It contains a substance called bentoquatam that binds to urushiol (the evil poison resin) and prevents it from being absorbed. The manufacturer sells other products as well, but I am less familiar with their efficacy. Their website is http://www.ivyblock.com/. After a hike, be careful in removing any possibly contaminated clothing. And when you wash, don't forget to clean under your fingernails. If do you start developing a rash, you can use the aforementioned Tecnu™ up to 8 hours after exposure to decontaminate your skin and prevent the rash from worsening. If PI/O/S is burned, the resin may become airborne. You can develop a rash from the smoke alone. If you inhale the smoke, you could get really sick in a not-at-all-funny, can't-breathe kind of way. Topical steroids, like hydrocortisone, can work a little. If the rash is wet and weepy, a drying agent is the best thing ("It's gonna take an ocean of Calamine Lotion™...."). Antihistamines, like Benadryl™, aren't generally effective, because by the time you have a rash, the histamines have already been released. They can make you sleepy, however, which can get you through an uncomfortable night. Some folks like Aveeno™ oatmeal baths to sooth their rashes. The "hot shower" treatment is a tried and true method of relieving the itching. If the rash is on the face, genitals (ouchy!), or over a sizeable area, your clinician should recommend a course of prednisone. This can effectively stop the rash in its tracks. Short courses of prednisone pose no longterm health risks and can be taken during pregnancy (but talk to your doctor about it!). One common side effect is a "flipping off the wall like Lucille Ball" jittery reaction, but most people would rather experience that than the rash. Hope this helps!
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