My ds got into poison ivy last night. They were playing in the trees behind our house last night. It is all over his body this morning. We have Zanfel wash, and I used it right away, and then sprayed him with Ivy Dry. How long does it last if you catch it right away? Some of you may remember dh got it this summer, but didn't do anything until it was blistery and weepy. His lasted for weeks, and he had to get 2 cortizone shots from the doctor. Since I know more about it from his experience, we treated it right away, and I washed all his bedding, clothes, and wiped down all the things he came in contact with last night.

He isn't itching since we used the Zanfel wash, and it actually looks better. So, will he be okay for school and his Christmas pary? He only has school Monday and Tuesday this week.

By Melanie on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 10:44 am:

In my experience, it really depends on the individual. Our middle son gets it just by looking at it and it is awful! Twice he's had it so bad that the oral steroids didn't touch it and we had to go back to get the shot. This in addition to the Technu, ocean water, calamine lotion, and every other over the counter remedy you can think of. With our older son, one quick wash and home treatment and it doesn't develop into anything. If your treatments work for him, he should be just fine for school and his party. Fingers crossed!!

By Debbie on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 09:47 am:

Melanie, Zanfel is awesome. Ds had it over his entire body...legs, arms, back, stomach, butt, everywhere! I was convinced I would have to take him to the doctor this morning. I used the Zanfel, it is a kind of paste that you rub on, and then rinse off. I used it once on all of the infected areas, and then twice in one spot that continued to itch. It stops the itch, and is suppose to pull the oil out. Well, he woke up this morning, and all the rash, but one spot was gone. The one spot is the area I had to do twice. And, it didn't itch, and was faded to a light pink. I just can't believe it. I am going to make sure I always have a tube of that stuff. If you haven't, you should try it on your middle son, since he gets it so bad.

So, he went off to school, and all the fun activities they are doing today and tomorrow.

By Conni on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 12:33 pm:

I am making a note of Zanfel... My middle ds is extremely allergic to poison anything.

I swear I learn something from every post here. lol

Glad he is feeling better.

By Debbie on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 02:18 pm:

Conni, it is expensive...$40.00 for a tube. And, I used the entire tube, since it was all over him. But, soooo worth it. I watched dh scratch for weeks, when he got it really bad. It is suppose to be the only thing that actually draws the oil out of the skin.

By Melanie on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 03:29 pm:

Thanks for the tip, Debbie! I have never heard of Zanfel before but will definitely get some to have on hand. My poor Griffin is affected so easily and, of course, he is the one who loves to be out in the woods. I will get some ASAP.

I am so glad he is feeling better and was able to go and enjoy the fun stuff at school! Thanks for the update!