poison ivy on my lymph-node challenged arm - advise please

[Kimberly Lewis]

Hate to ask this trivial question but - I have some lymphedema on my side - not arm so am concerned about this appearance of poison ivy on my arm.. (bad side) I have never had it before and am wondering what to do other than not scratch! If anyone has any experience or advice please write! thanks, kim

[Zoid]

Hi,

I suggest you call your oncologist. I don't know if poison ivy could be a big problem, but better to be safe.

-Susie

[Mary Anne in TX]

Kim!

Are you sure it's not shingles?
ma

[tousled1]

Kim,

If it's poison, you can do the oatmeal baths and I would highly recommend Ruhli-Gel for the itch. It's a gel that you buy over the counter and works better than anything I've ever tried.

[Linda]

I agree -- have it checked to make sure it's not shingles, then keep it clean (poison oak blisters can get infected) I'm a poison oak pro -- live in the midst of it and very allergic. I hate steroid creams, but for some people they help. I think the best thing is just to keep it clean and dry, and let it run its course, unless it's so bad you need steroids. Prevention is the key. If it is oak rash, you may be getting it from your pet! Find Dr. Brauner's soap -- that old hippie liquid soap you can get at any co op type natural food store. Any scent will do -- apparently it's soap, not detergent. Wash your dog with it, then put a big jug in your shower and wash hands, arms, etc, whenever you have been around plants and animals. It's a pretty mild soap and the only thing I know that easily removes the allergenic oak oil.
From Oregon, where poison oak is THE indiginous plant.
Linda

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

Last year I held a garage sale to benefit the 3-day breast cancer walk.
In preparing for this event, I had to go through tons of donated items some of which had been stored for some time.

A couple of days later my arm on my surgery side became very hot and red. I ended up having to stay in the hospital for 5 days with what they say was a Staph. infection. I did develope a rash on an area on that side that could have resembled what you describe. They said I had cellulistis.

Not to worry you but I would have your doctor look at it just in case. I was fine but if it is some type of infection you should be careful since we are more succeptable on our surgery side. They told me this was something that could have gotten in through my finger nails ever.

Let me know your outcome and wish you the best.

[Kimberly Lewis]

I don't know what I would do without you guys! You make me able to look at things with lots of different views. I have a call in to the Dr. and waiting to hear. It is spreading and I really don't know what it is for sure I guess. I will have him look at it. Thanks so much. love, Kim