red bumps water inside very ichy

HELLO DOCTOR I WENT ON A CAMPING TRIP AND AFTER COUPLE OF DAYS I GOT THIS REALLY BAD RED BUMPS WITH FLUIDS INSIDE AND IS VERY ITCHY IS BEEN MORE THEN A WEEK KNOW AND I GOT CALAMINE AND BENADRIL  THAT THE PHARMACY RECOMMENDED BUT ITS TILL HURTS AND ITCHES REALLY BAD WHAT COULD IT BE,? THE PHARMACY SAID IT COULD BE POISON IVY BUT IT HAS LAST IT TO LONG NOW AND ITS NOT GOING WAY..?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to contact dermatitis or poison ivy rash. Once it begins, the rash will usually clear on its own by 14-21 days. Treatment is directed at controlling the itching. You may take oral antihistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec. Also apply calamine lotion as it has a soothing effect on the skin. You can apply OTC steroid cream but it is only helpful if applied right away, before blisters appear, or much later, when the blisters have dried up. Compresses with cool water or Burrow’s solution (available without prescription) can help dry the ooze faster.

Severe cases like extensive blistering and when rashes are present on the face may need oral steroids. But they are available only on prescription.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.