Recurrent poison ivy

I contracted poison ivy last summer (a year ago) on my chest and forearm. It took a long time to clear up, at least 2 months. I had a recurrence of the rash in the same exact place on my chest a few months later, which I had assumed was a re-exposure to the urushiol.  Again, it took many weeks to clear up. I did not use any cream or medication apart from Calamine.  Now, the rash has recurred a few MORE times since then and I am positive there has not been any direct exposure to poison ivy or its oil.  I even threw out all my old bra's in case they were contaminated with the urushiol and causing rexposure.  Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced it? Did my initial exposure permanently damage the nerves in that area or something?  I used over the counter hydrocortisone cream for a week to no effect.  Then I used prescription hydrocortisone cream for 2 wks which helped, but 2 weeks later the rash is back: pruritic, patchy eruption. It has never been a classic poison ivy rash like I've seen in photos. Any input is appreciated.

[arp09]

Hi there! I have experienced something very similar to that myself. In fact I never thought it was poison ivy. I thought it was heat rash or a fungal infection since it occurred in areas that would get warm and moist as the day went along and I perspired; an example would have been under my bra line on my back and front under both breasts and the middle of my sternum where my bra had crossed. I just put anti fungal Gold Bond foot powder on since I had not had insurance then. Hope it helps for when you ask your doctor again what it could be. Good luck!


arp09

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It does not sound like recurrent poison ivy rash without any contact with the poison ivy.It can be fungal infection,heat rash,sweat dermatitis or intertrigo.

An intertrigo is an inflammation (rash) of the body folds.It most commonly occurs due to bacterial,viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

Pls keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics.Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps.For the itching pls take some over the counter antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have additional queries. Kind regards.

[Oct23]

I too have had a recurring poison-ivy like rash starting in August 2004. I have had it every year now in July or August. It starts on the left side of my face and neck. It is red, itchy, swollen, and oozing. Last year my doctor told me it was hives after he did a biopsy on my stomach where it had spread. I also had an allergy test but it was inconclusive. This is what I do know. I have had it recur for 7 years. It always starts on the left side of my face. If left untreated, it spreads to the rest of my body and can last over a month. It mainly occurs in the summer. I live in the Midwest. One summer it occurred late as I was in working China all summer. The week I returned to the Midwest, I broke out. I feel like it is something in my body that is triggered by a seasonal pollen. This last year I have also had 4 bladder infections. Never had those before. I don't know if this is related to the rash.

[Ant216]

I was first exposed to poison ivy in July 2004.  Suffered through an entire summer of unGodly blisters and scratching to the point of removing layers of skin.  I would use the hottest water I could tolerate to ease some of the pain and then finally it did subside once the cold weather began.  Each subsequent year I have gotten it again and again in the same spots without being exposed to the plant or oils.  I was treating it with Medrol Dose Pak and it would eliminate the rashes.  However, in 2011, it stopped working and now I'm left with it reoccurring every time I sweat.  Has no relation to sunlight, just sweating.  I now have a positive blood test for anti ds dna.  I'm wondering if this is due to the reoccurring rash and now possibly spread to my blood.  ?????