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Suggest Treatment For Wheezing With Spring Allergies

Posted on Mon, 16 Jun 2014

Question: 4 weeks ago, I , for the first time developed a wheeze with spring allergies. I was put on a Medrol dose pack and that day was exposed to poison ivy. 10 days later, I developed a streaky blister rash that was diagnosed as a poison ivy rash. 11 days now since the blisters started. They continue to spread up my legs... one to 5 blisters a day. My entire body itches and there are small bumps under the skin I can feel when I run my hands over my skin. My scalp even itches as well as my neck, my face and even eyelids. There is no swelling or dyspnea. Is this all from the poison ivy or could I have two things going on? Went to the walk in clinic today and he prescribed Prednisone 60mg x 5 days with a taper over a total of 9 days. Atarax 50mg tid prn for itching. Have used Prilosec in the past, but stopped it due to itching. Restarted Prilosec 4 weeks ago. Any ideas? Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following suggestions...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Let me review your actual problems:

- you are saying that you used Prisolec in the past, but stopped due to itching. You restarted Prisolec 4 weeks ago. This was the time when you developed wheezing with spring allergies too and exposed to poison ivy.

Now, according your your saying, I assume that wheezing with spring allergies and poison ivy skin itchiness started when you started Prisolec.

So, if Prisolec caused you itchiness in the past, you should stop taking Prisolec and continue with the medication your doctor prescribed (prednisone and atarax).

You should also report that Prisolec caused itching to your doctor.
If after stopping Prisolec, the itching will be still there, then, everything you are experiencing is due to poison ivy.

Hope it answered to your queries! Do write me back if you have further questions!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (16 minutes later)

Thanks for your response.

Will the itching go away while I'm taking the prednisone?

Also, didn't know if it was possible for poison ivy to cause systemic itching while only producing a limited number of blisters/lesions? (lesions on the legs and itching over the entire body)

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can you send a photo of lesions on your legs?

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

Yes, itching will go away while you are on prednisone.

With regards to the lesions on the legs, can you send a photo of them? I need to have a look at them first before giving my final answer.

Thank you!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (15 hours later)

my skin on my arms and trunk itches terribly. my face is burning hot and I have a fine raised rash on my arms and trunk :( the attached pic is of the largest lesion on my leg.)

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Skin manifestations depending on immune response..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

I have gone through the uploaded photo and noticed a bad skin eruption due to allergy (possible poison ivy if exposed).

Poison ivy allergy symptoms depends on the patient's immune response:
- in some patients, the only symptom would be rash and blister at the place where the contact with oil was set. No systemic symptom.

- in other patients (more sensitive), they will experience systemic allergic reaction with generalized blisters and itching.

I advise to :
- apply cold water compresses. Some of my patients have used baking soda mixed with water and applied as compresses locally with good results. You can try it too.

- do not scratch the area to prevent bacterial infection
- applying zinc oxide cream/gel locally can also help

Hope it answered to your queries! Let me know if you need further clarifications.

Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar