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Poison Ivy,rashes On Arms,itchy,puffy Face,swollen Eyelids,benadryl,swollen Face
Question: Hello,
I am 45 years old, male, 6 ft, 255 lbs. I am from New York, USA but currently on vacation in Germany. A few days before my departure my brother and I did some heavy yard work which included clearing some vines which now I believe was Posion Ivy. About 8 days after contact both of us have developed rashes on our arms and hands that are very itchy. This morning I woke up with a puffy face and swollen eyelids. I have been taking Benadryl orally and using a Benadryl ointment. I didn't expect to see the swelling of the face. Should I go see a doctor? What should I do?
I am 45 years old, male, 6 ft, 255 lbs. I am from New York, USA but currently on vacation in Germany. A few days before my departure my brother and I did some heavy yard work which included clearing some vines which now I believe was Posion Ivy. About 8 days after contact both of us have developed rashes on our arms and hands that are very itchy. This morning I woke up with a puffy face and swollen eyelids. I have been taking Benadryl orally and using a Benadryl ointment. I didn't expect to see the swelling of the face. Should I go see a doctor? What should I do?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Usually contact dermatitis with posion ivy presents as an immediate allergic response. However sometimes the effect can come as delayed hypersensitivity reaction of the body to the antigen caused by your immune cells and hence the sites start itching and swelling.
Puffy face and swollen eyelids is an indication of angioedema which is frequently caused by allergies. An allergic reaction can occur suddenly, even in a person with no previous history of allergy. This swelling is called angioedema. The other possibility which I can think of apart from poison ivy is of any tick bite or scabies mite infestation.
My sincere advice is to consult a doctor immediately as you need intravenous antihistaminics and steroids. Till then, wash the area with some antiseptic lotion or soap. Use cold water but avoid the use of warm or hot water as this may tend to stimulate itch.
Secondly, apply a cold pack to reduce swelling. Also do not scratch the inflamed area as this may lead to open wounds and secondary infections. You may apply a mild steroid cream and application of calamine lotion also helps.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you a good health.
Thanks for posting your query.
Usually contact dermatitis with posion ivy presents as an immediate allergic response. However sometimes the effect can come as delayed hypersensitivity reaction of the body to the antigen caused by your immune cells and hence the sites start itching and swelling.
Puffy face and swollen eyelids is an indication of angioedema which is frequently caused by allergies. An allergic reaction can occur suddenly, even in a person with no previous history of allergy. This swelling is called angioedema. The other possibility which I can think of apart from poison ivy is of any tick bite or scabies mite infestation.
My sincere advice is to consult a doctor immediately as you need intravenous antihistaminics and steroids. Till then, wash the area with some antiseptic lotion or soap. Use cold water but avoid the use of warm or hot water as this may tend to stimulate itch.
Secondly, apply a cold pack to reduce swelling. Also do not scratch the inflamed area as this may lead to open wounds and secondary infections. You may apply a mild steroid cream and application of calamine lotion also helps.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you a good health.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Radhika
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