Suggest Treatment For Poison Oak Rashes All Over The Body For Over A Month

Posted on Wed, 27 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 Answered on

Wed, 2 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I am dealing with a bout of poison oak it has covered most of my body I have had it 50 days . I have had 3 steroid shots and I am also takin 10mg of pred. every other day for a month I am on my third tablet. most of the swelling and burning is now in my calves and feet. My question is how much longer will this last. Also how long will the redness in my skin last?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Delayed healing

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Please note that poison oak rash typically takes two to three weeks to heal.

Since you have had it for 50 days then there is a possibility that your rash was infected as infection can delay healing or prevent it.

So I would recommend that you add an antibiotic ointment (eg. Mupirocin 2% Ointment) to the rash three times daily (every eight hours) for one week to fasten the recovery.

I hope you find this helpful. Feel free to ask further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee