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contact dermatitis what works best

post #1 of 6
7/28/11 at 3:58pm
Thread Starter 
I did a bit of googling last night and this is what I have.

Picking mainly zucchini but I understand any plant in the curcurbit family like cucumbers and squash can bring it on.

I grow zucchini for work and the first couple times I harvest I'm okay but if I took a picture of my left arm one would think I got attacked by a cat or dragged my arm through a briar patch.

And its my left arm up to underarm (some of that is a heat rash?) Oddly enough not my leg though I wear shorts to pick zucchini!

It has bubbled up like poison ivy which yes I did encounter a few weeks ago.
But its so itchy. At least with the poison ivy I found a product that worked.

I've used the spray cort-aid, cellophane tape (really) on the bad areas and I've taken benedyral which course makes me sleepy.

It seems there could be a tie in with ragweed allergy which I do have but not quite yet this season.

So could I take the regular antihistamines like Claritin instead?
I've started wearing a long sleeve coat when I pick ( not great when hot and humid.)So I am still itching from Tuesday's harvest.

Any other solutions would be appreciated!
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post #2 of 6
7/28/11 at 4:51pm
Well, when I itch real badly (usually from a bug bite) I find Benadryl to work the best. But yes, it can make you sleepy. So, if it's an allergic thing, I don't think it would hurt to try Claritin or Zyrtec or Chlor-Trimeton any other allergy med. I assume the ingredients of the spray cortisone are the same as a cortisone cream? If not, try a cream. And if it weren't such a large area, I'd suggest putting rubbing alcohol or even spraying perfume/body spray (because of the alcohol) on it to dry it out if it's weeping/oozing. Also ice helps, at least temporarily.

Odd that your legs aren't affected by it... but I hope you find some relief soon!!
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post #3 of 6
7/28/11 at 5:12pm
If it's irritated and itchy, ask your doctor for Prednisolone. It's an anti-inflammatory steroid, it's mild, and will work well, and quickly.

I'd also NOT put anything moist on it-let it dry out. You can further the drying process with alcohol wipes or witch hazel.
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post #4 of 6
7/28/11 at 5:38pm
R-7 anti itch spray or biocaine is what -I- personally would try both are otc pet supplies tho lol....worked for somethign I got last year weeding(or finding the house on the overgrown lot....

Prednisone/prednisolone is cheap and effective just follow the instructions and you may get hungrier then usual but it GOES AWAY when you stop
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post #5 of 6
7/28/11 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by resqchick View Post
If it's irritated and itchy, ask your doctor for Prednisolone. It's an anti-inflammatory steroid, it's mild, and will work well, and quickly.

I'd also NOT put anything moist on it-let it dry out. You can further the drying process with alcohol wipes or witch hazel.
Yes, the Pred will take care of it best. You'll be so glad for the relief it offers.
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post #6 of 6
7/28/11 at 8:13pm
Benadryl for the itch, and Calamine lotion topically.
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