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Suggest Treatment For Itchy Bumps On Wrist

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Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015
Question: I believe I got into poison ivy or something like it. I started with a very small patch of bumps on my wrist and after 4-5 days I have itchy bumps everywhere. How can I treat this? I've tried rubbing alcohol, Calamine lotion and an Antihistamine. What should I do?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If antihistamine did not relieve it, you may need corticosteroid.

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you are having this itchy rash.

It sounds like you have tried what is available over the counter. Benadryl and Zyrtec are the best of the antihistamines for itchy rashes. Zyrtec can be taken in doses of 2-4 x what is recommended on the bottle (i.e. twice a day instead of once a day). But before you do that, I would highly advise that you go in to be seen by a doctor to try to figure out what this rash is being caused by.

If antihistamines are not adequate, and if it seems like the cause is a plant hypersensitivity reaction, you may need a short course of corticosteroids such as Prednisone. This will turn down your body's immune response. As corticosteroids do have risks, a short course (5-10 days) is best. But it will get you through this reaction.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (14 minutes later)
Thank you. Since I already have Benedryl 25 mg in the house, how many do you suggest I take at 1 time and how often to get through this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
50 mg every 4 hours

Detailed Answer:
You can take Benadryl 50 mg (2 pills of 25mg) every 4 hours. But if this is not working, please do go in to be seen.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Itchy Bumps On Wrist

Brief Answer: If antihistamine did not relieve it, you may need corticosteroid. Detailed Answer: I am sorry you are having this itchy rash. It sounds like you have tried what is available over the counter. Benadryl and Zyrtec are the best of the antihistamines for itchy rashes. Zyrtec can be taken in doses of 2-4 x what is recommended on the bottle (i.e. twice a day instead of once a day). But before you do that, I would highly advise that you go in to be seen by a doctor to try to figure out what this rash is being caused by. If antihistamines are not adequate, and if it seems like the cause is a plant hypersensitivity reaction, you may need a short course of corticosteroids such as Prednisone. This will turn down your body's immune response. As corticosteroids do have risks, a short course (5-10 days) is best. But it will get you through this reaction. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.