wheps on skin

I was pulling weeds today and i came in with my arms itching.  I thought mabe i come in contact with poison ivy.  However the marks onmy skinhave a black marl like a marker mark and the skin under that mark is whepped up and itching. does anyone know what it coould be or anyone ever seen this before??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be dermatitis due to poison ivy or contact dermatitis to some other plant.

Symptoms include redness and itching of the skin, development of rash and sometimes development of blisters from 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. So if the symptoms become severe then pls consult a dermatologist.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.