I can't believe it. The day I've been waiting for, only about a week away, and I get into either poison ivy or poison oak. It's not severe, but might be bad enough not to have surgery. Don't know yet, I've got an appt with Doc tomorrow. I've got it on my arm, legs, and a patch on my stomach and under by breast. I haven't had any poison ivy for at least 30 years, and week before surgery, my luck. I've put cortizone cream on it to help with the itching. I don't believe it's spreading anymore. Can anyone give me encouragment, and think I can get this cleared up for surgery.

I am like you, I haven't had it for a long time. A couple of years ago, my grandson got it all over his arms, neck, and face. Went to the doctor and they gave him an injection. I can't recall exactly how long it was before it went totally away, but it was a lot better within a day or so. Hope you have good luck at the doctor's tomorrow. Let us know how it goes.

I am so worried about the same thing happening to me. My cats are inside/outside cats and every year they have given it to me.

Epsom salt diluted with a little Water and then scrub the area and leave it to dry, is the fastest thing that I have found to clear it up.

Hope this helps good luck!

Just remembered something, good for future reference in case this happens again. I read a couple of days ago, that if you are exposed to poison ivy,immediately rub the area with liquid dishwash detergent and then rinse well. The detergent breaks down the oils of the ivy that were left on the skin and thus reduces the spread of the poison.

Thanks all. I have epsom salt and just made a paste and plastered all over me. It certainly feels better, not itching as bad. Appreciate you all and your quick response. We've got a wonderful journey ahead of us and I'm so ready.

One of the ladies I work with gets it every year. She swears by a mixture of water and clorax bleach. She says it helps dry it out. If you need formula, let me know and I'll ask her tomorrow.