Poison ivy

[Maccaroon]

My husband over several years has encountered poison ivy frequently and has always taken him MONTHS to get rid of it.  This latest encounter spread to his scrotum and groin. It had originally started over a week ago on his forearm, then spread to other arm, neck, hands and thighs.  He states (because he is too embarassed to let me see) that this is the worst by far, his scrotum was enlarged, painful, itching, and hardened plus his groin had also swollen (which we now know was his lymphnodes).  He saw 3 different doctors (he had been in the field for army training) and finally got the correct meds- oral steriods and zanfel cream.  Being he has always reacted badly to PI, should I be worried he isn't doing enough? More meds?  Frequent soaks?  Also will this affect his fertilty?

[Maccaroon]

Thank You!  I appreciate the advice, the poison ivy and edema are very much improved, and if there is more swelling I will keep all of that in mind.  What we found to work the best, as in stop the PI from healing in 1 area and only spreading to other areas (just moving from one area to another) was to bathe in dish soap then blow dry the area after the shower.  He improved within 2 days.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since your usband is completely cured of poison ivy now, if he gets scrotal swelling in future then he should get it checked from a urologist. It can be caused by several conditions; the most common are a Varicocele, which is a varicose vein along the spermatic cord; Hydrocele, wherein a fluid collection is present in the scrotum; Spermatocele, a cyst-like mass within the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells; Hernia; Infection like Epididymitis; or Tumors.  
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.