Quote (Boxa @ Jul 10 2011 04:30pm)
So to continue my string of good luck I got poison ivy.
It's mainly on my face/neck, 2 spots on my chest, and pretty much runs the entirety of my inner forearm through my elbow (on the injured elbow I have).
Now should I limit the intensity of my workouts as sweating makes poison ivy worse?
Also if wearing my elbow sleeve (neoprene material) will it get contaminated by the poison ivy?
Also what would you suggest beyond anti-histamines and an anti-itch cream?
damn man...that's terrible...alright heres what you need to know...
1. wash everything you come in contact with to avoid cross contamination...yes it can be spread by clothes, elbow sleeves, etc. or even things like steering wheels, doorknobs, etc. Clean EVERYTHING!!!
2. Avoid HOT water on the affected areas...this will make it worse
3. Avoid perspiring on those areas....this also will make it worse
4. Baking soda baths work....basically add about a full box of baking soda (4 cups) to a tepid bath (cool water) and soak in that for around 20-30 minutes...this really helps.
5. DO NOT BANDAGE THE AREAS AFFECTED!!
6. Get any lotion(s) that have calamine and apply them gently throughout the day. You can also try oatmeal paste and even white vinegar to help allievate the sting.
7. DO NOT POP ANY BLISTERS!! They can easily infect and then you have a real problem...if a blister pops from applying ointment or through any unnatural process, apply neosporin at once and keep it applied throughout the day.
8. If you notice a fever coming on or start feeling unwell moreso than what you'd expect from poison ivy, see a doctor ASAP