Hi Karen,
I think the Dial soap was a good idea, and hydrogen peroxide is
a mild topical anti-infective. Caldyphen (looks just like Calomine
lotion) is a topical antihistamine/skin protection, and Cortizone -10
is a 1% hydrocortisone anti-itch ointment. Neosporin is a first aid
antibiotic ointment.
For me, the Caldyphen lotion and the Cortizone -10 had no effect
what-so-ever. I was using a mild body wash in the shower and it
may have been perfumed or something too.
So I changed the soap and used the hydrogen peroxide and neosporin.
Presto. End of problem.
If that hadn't worked, I would have gone to a doctor for a perscription.
I think the peroxide might be a bit more gentle on the skin than
the mild bleach. Bleach is very tough stuff -- takes the color right
out of my jeans if I spash any on them when cleaning around the house.
I don't usually have any real reaction to the ivy, so I was careless.
I flailed away with my manual weedwhacker and sent particles flying
about. I worked until I was perspiring. I washed my hands and arms,
but left on the shirt and jeans and must have rubbed against them
because I ened up with a good-sized blotch on the inside of my very
tender arm. This part of my arm is not suntanned. :)
And once it began to itch, I wanted to scratch it until it bled.
**scratch!** **scratch!** **scratch!**
This probably got onto my fingernails and the more I scratched,
the more I irriatated the rash. This was not good. :)
But everyone is different and has different reactions to things.
I have often used neosporin and peroxide so I know I have no allergies
concerning them and for me they work.
I hate to say that as I get older my skin seems to be getting thiner.
Burns are worse too. Now that my rash is all but gone, I will consider
Vasoline Intensive Care lotion with lanolin.
But I did do a great job on getting rid of the ivy. Now I'll keep it
sprayed. If I gave up on it, soon I would have no place without it.
As it was, it had developed long roots. When it's completely dormant,
I'll attack it again. :)
Best,
June
