Poison Ivy on Arm with Lympeadema

cjain

Tackled yard work this week and wound up with poison ivy on my affected arm. Worried about infection. Any advice? Thank you

cjain

I have poison ivy on my affected arm. I know not to scratch but am worried about infection. Any advice? Thank you.

Icietla

Wash it well with warm soapy water. Gently pat it dry. Put on salt water compresses if they seem to help.

I do not know if you should use any oily ointment where you are likely to develop blisters. Witch hazel is a mild disinfectant that might help soothe the skin.

If your arm gets to feeling heavy at all, or if you have any chills or feel unwell, go the Emergency Room.

Icietla

That could be very confounding, trying to distinguish the inflammation from possible infection from the inflammation you can fairly expect from reaction to poison ivy. You also have to be concerned that an infection at your affected arm, if it develops, may not present with the appearance clues that usually accompany infection.

cjain

Thank you, Icietla. I'm going to try the salt water compress tonight

hugz4u

Someone posted a thread on this maybe a year ago. Try searching. Don't scratch watchever you do. Scratching is not worth the complications you could get. Resist

ChiSandy

Ask your doctor or nurse if you can take Benadryl—it will greatly reduce the itching.

hugz4u

I copied a post but deleted it because I think you should read all posted on the treads for ivy. There is much to read.

Icietla

You are welcome. Here is one with some guidance__

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/64/topics/759378?page=265

Kicks

My suggestion would be to check with your Dr or his/her PA or RN for their suggestions.

I'm one of those 'weirdo' that do not react to poison ivy - have been in it too many times to remember all of and never any reactions. I am very allergic to Mangos though. Can't get any of juice from the fruit, touch the tree or stand under one while it drips from rain/heavy dew without majority breaking out. Mangoes are related to Poison Ivy so doesn't make sense that I am so allergic to Mangoes but not at all to Poison Ivy.

cjain

Thank you for the link and bumping the PI thread Icietla & Hugz4u. Haven't been on the site for a long time but knew I'd find good advice here. The itching isn't so bad right now so I'll try the compresses and hope for the best. Kicks, my H isn't allergic to PI either (or mangoes). Unfortunately, my Dr is on medical leave and the NPR that got me through BC just left 🙁. Time to meet the new doctor might be soner than I thought.

Binney4

cjain, you might also want to contact your LE therapist--s/he might have personalized suggestions. Do contact your new doctor today, as we're heading into the weekend and you could need help over the next few days. You might ask specifically if a round of antibiotics would be appropriate, since infection with LE is always a heightened worry.

Yikes, I'm so sorry you're going through this! Do keep us posted, please. Gentle hugs,
Binney

cjain

Thanks, Binney. When I called and explained the situation, they scheduled an appointment for me this afternoon. Will let you know if I receive any new information on handling PI

Binney4

Whew! Sure hope the new doctor is a great fit for you, and that the two of you can work out a plan for getting through this smoothly!

Hugs,
Binney

Binney4

cjain, how's it going? Thinking of you and hoping this is clearing up well.

Hugs,
Binney