Are Steroids Okay?

[DingoGirl]

Hey all,

I have got a raging case of poison oak - - it's on about 40 percent of my body and getting worse...and I was in contact w/ the vile weed just two days ago. I will be visiting this same spot at least 3 - 4 times a year, and need to figure out a treatment, since I JUST got rid of the last bout a couple of weeks ago, and now it's back.

So, I really can't take it any more and am going to the doctor this afternoon - - I've had REALLY bad cases of systemic/edemic poison oak accompanied by fever in the past, and I can't let things get that far. So - I'm wondering about steroids - I took them a few years ago, but this was before celiac dx, and I'm wondering about them now, as I feel he may suggest this.

Thoughts? experience? Advice?

thanks!

[ravenwoodglass]

Your doctor will be the one to make the final decision but that would be the course I would be given. I am, or used to be, in the woods all the time. They used to give me a 14 day packet with a decreasing dose. Just check to be sure they are gluten free of course. They always worked like a charm for me but you can't take them too often. As long as you haven't had a course recently you should be okay.

On the issue of getting it repeatedly, there is a lotion that you can apply before you go out that will prevent the sap from burning your skin. If you google 'poison ivy preventative' you may be able to find it. As you most likely know it gets on everything so if you can undress and shower in cool water as soon as you can after exposure that will help. Make sure the clothes get washed immediately by themselves and leave the shoes you wore outside the door. I hope your itch free soon.