Oh Dear God I have poision SUmac! For those who don't know what that is?

Question

it is by far worse than poision ivy and or oak! It hurts and it itches. Outside of Calamine lotion and benadryl is there anything I can do to help it to heal? Please help! I'm dying! It's all down my throat, chest and spreading on to my arm. I want to cry.

Answer 1

There are several things you can try and I will list them for you. However, if your poison sumac is severe, you need to see your doctor as a course of steroid medication may be necessary. What you can try:
Ivy Rid (buy at any drug store)
oatmeal baths (buy Aveeno at your drug store and follow directions)
hydrocortisone cream - will reduce itching
aluminum acetate soaks (buy Domeboro solution at your drug store) - will dry the rash
antihistamines (buy at your drug store such as benadryl) - will reduce itching

The Ivy Rid is great! It is a spray so it goes on cool (which helps right away) and it contains a numbing agent so, once dry, it helps numb the itchiness. Also, since it is a spray, you don't have to rub it on...rubbing increases itching and you get into the vicious cycle of itching and scratching.

If you cannot get the itching under control, you see signs of infection (fever, pus, pain, foul odor) or the rash is affecting your face, lips, eyes, or genitals, see a doctor immediately.