Itchin to Stop Scratchin…


So, you may recall that a couple of weeks ago, we were busy with cleaning up the trees that we had cut down in our side yard. Well, I’m happy to report that is was finally completed on the May 25th weekend.

Last Thursday, May 30th and out of nowhere, a small red rash appeared on the inside of my right elbow. I thought I had been bitten by a spider because it wasn’t like any mosquito or black fly bites I’ve received before. Within a couple of hours, I had another spot on my knee and then on my inside of my ankles, then on my thigh. Overnight, the amount of spots had doubled. By this point, I’m thinking a rogue mosquito had a feast on my ample body during the night. The itching had also started by this point in time.

Over the past week, the spots have shown up on my arms, legs, hips, shins, but have stayed away from my torso, back, stomach and chest. Did I mention the itch? 

Finally today I was able to get into see the Doctor. I had already scheduled an appointment for something else and felt stupid booking an appointment earlier for what I believed were mosquito bites. Well, I’ve been diagnosed with poison ivy, oak or sumac dermatitis. Once again, did I mention the itch?

Apparently, I came in contact with it sometime with the last 12 days – likely around the time of the tree clean up and it was simply incubating until last week when the first signs appeared. I know what the stuff looks like and I know well enough to keep away from it, but apparently – it found me.  Still itchin...

The good news? Well, there isn’t any – it can last up to 21 days and new bumps can appear anywhere during that time – even where it didn’t come in contact with the skin. I'm on day 8 since the itchin began and I'm goin out of my mind.  The initial spots are less itchy than they were, but new bumps are appearing daily. Today’s bout have appeared on my hips and upper buttocks.

It has taken every ounce of my will-power not to scratch my butt against all the door frames in the office – seriously, it's that bad and the more I think about it, the itchier they become. I seriously feel like a redneck – itchin and a scratchin places I shouldn’t in public. Well, golly I just can’t help it…



Comments

Brian Miller said…
oh dang...21 days...that is brutal...had a terrible case of poison oak a few years ago...
Rachel said…
Oh, no! I feel your pain. Or itchiness, rather.

P.S. my dad works in the woods and he's been around it so much he's immune! But that doesn't help your situation.
Simply Suthern said…
I keep my Roundup ready for Poison Oak. It will and Has eaten me up a few times.

In early spring all the shoots dont have leaves so you can get into a vine without knowing it. Thats how I got it. I had to go to the doc and get a shot.

The wife said I looked like an alien.

I used Rhuli Gel. It cooled the itch.

Good Luck. I feel for ya, But I just cant reach ya.
Beatriz said…
Ah that sucks, I hope you feel better sooner than later. Haven't had that type of experience but does chicken pox count? That sucked and at 6 yrs old I didn't listen to the don't scratch from my Mom.
CrazyCris said…
Owwww!!! And here I was complaining about my cough... 21 days?! That's insane! GOOD LUCK!!! I hope you feel better soon! And stop scratching!!! ;o)

HUGS!
CrazyCris said…
Just thought of you guys! The latest addition to the Oceanic Blog-A-Thon is one you're going to LOVE!!! Ever been diving in New Zealand? ;o)
Come check it out!!! :D

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