🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <5jzlf9c.rlerdorf@netcom.com> rlerdorf@netcom.com (Rasmus Lerdorf) writes:
>I was walking around in a bushy area of the Carmel Valley last 2 weekends
>ago.  I got some minor cuts and bites on my legs then.  Now the skin around
>the cuts and scrapes has turned red and is swollen.  My left ankle is 
>swollen to the point where I can hardly move it.  The areas are also 
>extremely itchy.  Does this sound like something that could be caused
>by poison oak?

If your ankle is unable to move from swelling, you have an extreme
reaction to poison oak.  This is not impossible, but I would recommend
seeing a doctor about it.  I had my face swolen shut once -- not a
pleasant experience.


>And more importantly, what can I get for it?  I tried a
>creme called DermaRest Dricort and it hasn't helped very much.  The areas
>also seem to be spreading slowly.  It's quite fascinating actually.  Any
>clues or hints would be appreciated.

[the following assumes it is poison oak/ivy]

Such creams at best reduce the itching.  Your body is responding to an
oil based toxin by trying to kill the assumed pathogen that is
releasing it.  The best thing you can do for it is to wash it
thoroughly with soap and warm watter at regular intervals and avoid any
contact with it other than that.  It takes time to clear up.

Advanced warning:  the warm water will make it itch like crazy, but it
is needed to wash out all traces of the oil.

-- 
Drew Lawson                      If you're not part of the solution,
lawson@acuson.com                you're part of the precipitate