July 6, 2009

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Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac (cont.)

Medications

  • Topical corticosteroid creams (prescription strength) - These reduce the immune response and relieve inflammatory symptoms.


  • Oral corticosteroid medication (such as prednisone) - These have effects similar to those of the creams but are needed for a more severe or widespread reaction. A course of steroids can run from three days to as long as four weeks.


  • Oral antihistamines - For itching. The main advantage of the prescription antihistamines is that they do not make you sleepy, allowing you to carry on your normal activities.


  • Antibiotics - These are needed only if the skin becomes infected after the initial rash.



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