The right mix of overcounter drugs to clear up Poison Oak/Ivy

Isn't that an awful picture? I have gained seven pounds due to steroids. Portland Sister says it is ALL muscle cause I'm on the 'juice.' If only. I have had two rounds of steroids at this point. I am not taking a morning Claritin, a nightly Zyrtec and I'm taking a daily pill for the staph infection that is wrecking havoc on my body. I finally went to my Doctor and stopped messing around with Urgent Care. I had been twice and I wasn't feeling ANY better.

So, long story short: Poison Ivy/Oak is an allergic reaction. You need to immediately start an allergy medicine. Benadryl is short lived and will only take care of it for 4-6 hours and you can only take so many in a day. It is best to take a 24 hour pill. Claritin is a non-drowsy med; whereas Zyrtec is a put-you-to-sleep and stop itching med. It has worked wonders!

My Doc says the amount of poison I have in my body is causing my T-Cells to be low and my immune system is compromised. Really? I can't stop itching the stuff. I did discover I was giving it to myself over and over again and this is why I couldn't get rid of it. I reassured her I had read EVERYTHING on Poison OAK/IVY on Pinterest and I had washed my dog, washed my clothes, have been washing my bedding every other day (which has been a nightmare!) and have played by the rules. She just kept patiently nodding her head at me. When I stopped talking she says--calmly and patiently---what about your shoes?

 Um, yeah. DUH. I hadn't even thought about my shoes. I felt like a DUH and a AH-HA moment all occurred within 10 seconds. After I washed every pair of shoes I thought I may have worn since the outbreak I seem to be getting better. WOW. $100 later.....and I'm scarred for life around my ankle, but hey! I'm getting better.

WHEN YOU GET POISON IVY/OAK WASH EVERYTHING. I have learned Poison Ivy/Oak is a perennial and will forever come back unless you dig out the roots. I have bought some Round up and I have sprayed every third day for the last week. It is dying out and wilting. I keep yelling DIE YA BASTARD at it. I'm not sure if it is helping, but it sure does make me feel better.