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Poison Ivy is known to be a plant that secretes urushiol, which is toxic oil that causes rash when it comes in contact with the skin. This condition is also known as contact dermatitis. However, the symptoms of this condition can be treated effectively by making use of certain medications. If you do not experience any relief from this condition even after using these medications, it is advisable that you consult your doctor. Given below are the best drugs and medications for treating poison ivy.
Medication For Treating Poison Ivy
1. Decadron
Decadron is a medication that is used in the treatment of poison ivy. This medication is classified as a corticosteroid, which helps in reducing as well as deterring the body tissues from getting inflamed. It is advisable that you do not use this medication if you suffer from an allergic reaction to any component of Decadron.
People who are suffering from a systemic fungal infection or those who are using mifepristone must also avoid the use of this drug. This medication should only be taken in doses prescribed by your physician. This medication should be taken orally with meals.
It is important to note that if you miss a dose, you should not take two doses at once. Mild side effects of Decadron include nausea, gas, increased appetite, excessive sweating and difficulty sleeping. However, if you suffer from serious side effects such tightening of chest, facial swelling, muscle weakness, rapid weight gain, severe vomiting, headache, convulsions or fever, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately.
2. Aclovate Cream
Aclovate is a topical cream that is used in the treatment of poison ivy. The website Drugs.com notes that this medication helps in treating symptoms of redness, itching and inflammation associated with several skin disorders. They further explain that this medication is a topical corticosteroid that helps in decreasing inflammatory responses within the body.
You should abstain from applying this cream to your skin if you suffer from an allergic reaction to any of its components. Before using this medication for treating poison ivy, it is important to inform your doctor if you currently take any other medications, or if you suffer from an allergic reaction to certain foods and medicines.
You must also inform your doctor if you suffer from conditions such as measles, skin infections, tuberculosis, thinning of skin or measles. To use this medication for treating poison ivy, you need to apply some cream to the affected areas of your skin, without bandaging it, unless directed by your physician. It is important to note that this medication is strictly for external use and must not come in contact with your eyes. Inform your doctor immediately if you suffer from side effects such as redness, inflammation, itchiness, thinning of skin or discoloration.
3. Medrol Dosepak (methylpredenisolone)
Medrol Dosepak is a medicinal drug that is used in the treatment of poison ivy. Methylprednisolone is a drug that deters the production of chemicals that are responsible for inflammation. This website also states that it is imperative to inform your doctor if you suffer from any health condition or if you are taking any other medication. It is advisable that you avoid consuming alcohol if you are taking this medication.
Mild side effects associated with this medication include insomnia, mood swings, excessive sweating, dry skin, acne, skin discoloration, slow wound healing and nausea. Serious side effects of Medrol Dosepak include bloody stools, vision problems, hallucinations, seizures, shortness of breath, tightening of chest, low potassium levels, and pancreatitis. If you experience any of these serious side effects, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately.
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4. Diprolene Cream
Diprolene is a topical steroid that is used in the treatment of poison ivy. This medication is used in the treatment of itching, redness and inflammation associated with several skin conditions. This website also explains that this cream is a topical corticosteroid that prevents the release of chemicals that are responsible for triggering itching, inflammation and redness.
It is advisable that you avoid using this medication if you suffer from an allergic reaction to any component of this cream. While applying this topical cream to your skin, it is important that you do not cover it with any bandage, unless specified by your physician. It is advisable that you avoid using this medication in young children below 13 years of age, as its safety has not been confirmed yet.
Mild side effects associated with Diprolene Cream include dry skin and stinging on topical application to the skin. Serious side effects associated with this cream include rash, hives, burning, cracking, facial swelling, rapid weight gain and skin discoloration. Consult your physician immediately if you suffer from any of these serious side effects.
5. Topicort Cream
Topicort cream is a topical steroid that is used in the treatment of poison ivy as it helps in reducing inflammation as well as itchiness associated with it. This cream is classified as topical adrenocortical steroid, which helps in reducing inflammation, pain and irritation, by deterring the release of chemical compounds that are responsible for these effects.
It is advisable that you do not use this medication if you suffer from an allergic reaction to any component of Topicort cream. It is important that you use this topical steroid only as prescribed by your physician. After the symptoms associated with poison ivy fade away, it is advisable that you stop using this medication.
Inform your doctor if you presently take any medications, as they could interact with this steroid. Mild side effects associated with Topicort cream include stinging on application, which is temporary. Serious side effects include facial swelling, itching, burning, inflammation and redness. If you experience any of these serious side effects, consult your physician immediately.
6. Kenalog Topical
Kenalog is a corticosteroid medication that is used in the treatment of poison ivy. This medication is helpful in decreasing the levels of chemicals that trigger inflammation, pain and irritation. Before using this medication for treating poison ivy, consult your physician if you suffer from diabetes, peptic ulcers, chicken pox or any skin infection.
You should use this medication only as prescribed by your physician. Mild side effects of Kenalog Topical include stretch marks, peeling of skin, burning, irritation, itching and thinning of skin. Serious side effects include tiredness, rapid weight gain, insomnia and mood swings. If you develop these serious side effects, consult your physician immediately.
