Prednisone For Poison Ivy

It is believed that more than 60% of human population is clinically allergic to poison ivy. The number of poison ivy allergy cases especially increase during summer season as it is the time when people prefer to go for hiking, trekking and various other outdoor activities. Poison ivy can recover on its own. Most of the time, it does not require medical treatment. However, the recovery process takes 7-8 days and can be uncomfortable and uneasy.

Getting treatment for poison ivy will make the patient comfortable as well as reduce the chances of skin infection. If you consult a dermatologist, there are high chances that he will prescribe you prednisone for poison ivy. Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is used in treating various inflammatory diseases. You can call prednisone is a steroid therapy, which is widely used in the treatment of allergies. It can be taken either orally or through intramusculine injections. The medication is basically in the form of corticosteroid and is converted to prednisone by the liver. Prednisone for poison ivy works by suppressing the entire immune system of the body. This makes it able to provide relief even in the severe cases of poison ivy.

Prednisone Dosage for Poison Ivy

Prednisone dosage for poison ivy is generally taken orally for a period of 15 days. In the first 5 days, you are supposed to take 60mg of prednisone daily. It is followed by 40 mg of prednisone per day for the next 5 days. It is again followed by a dosage of 20 mg of prednisone per day in the last 5 days. Usually, the poison ivy skin rashes disappear after 6-7 days of taking prednisone. Still, it is advisable to complete the recommended period of prednisone dosage for poison ivy to get the best of recovery results.

Prednisone dosage for poison ivy is not generalized and may differ in your case. It is best to follow the directions suggested by your health care provider. Prednisone for poison ivy treatment comes with a label with exact dosing instructions inscribed in it. It is taken orally with food. Make sure you take prednisone for the recommended number of times and in recommended amounts. Make sure you do not miss any dose. If In case you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and follow the regular dosing schedule. Taking two doses at once is not advisable. Some people are allergic to certain ingredients of prednisone, and thus may develop moderate to severe side-effects.

Certain Side-Effects of Prednisone for Poison Ivy Treatment

• Weakness
• Muscle aches
• Confusion
• Joint pain
• Low blood pressure
• Sleep disorders
• Dizziness
• Exaggerated sense of well-being
• Mood swings
• Nervousness
• Indigestion
• Lack of appetite
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Increased pressure in the eye
• Unusual weight gain or weight loss
• Prolonged sore throat
• Changes in personality

Things to be Discussed with Doctor

The best way to prevent yourself from the prednisone side-effects is to make sure that you are not allergic to it or any of its ingredients. You must discuss certain things with your doctor if he is looking forward to prescribe prednisone for treating poison ivy. Inform your doctor in case of the following

• You suffered from systemic fungal infection at any point in your life
• You are allergic to any of the ingredients present in prednisone
• You are taking mifepristone
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are planning to go on family way
• You are taking any sort of prescribed or over-the-counter medicines
• You are taking any sort of herbal preparation or dietary supplement
• You are schedule to take an inactivated virus vaccine
• You are suffering from any kind of mental disorder such as depression
• You are suffering from diseases like gastritis, esophagitis, stomach obstruction, cardiac malfunctioning etc.
• You are suffering from any type of microbial infection
• You are taking medicines

Precautionary Steps Taken With Prednisone For Poison Ivy Treatment

Prednisone makes you more prone to illnesses as it works by suppressing your immune system. You must take the following precautionary measure to keep yourself safe and away from unnecessary health problems.

• Avoid contact with people having cold or other infections.
• Immediately consult your doctor if you get an exposure to chickenpox, tuberculosis or measles while under prednisone prescription or within a year of taking prednisone.
• Inform the medical or dental practitioner about your prednisone medication in case you have to receive any kind of health service from them.
• Prednisone may elevate blood pressure, loss of potassium ions, salt and water retention. Therefore, you are required to restrict the use of salt.
• Prednisone may cause calcium loss and may promote osteoporosis. You should take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Because of the immunity suppression by prednisone, its long term use can be serious. Therefore, healthcare providers prescribe a different therapy for alternate days to break the continuous effect of prednisone on your body. Strictly follow the directions and instructions given by your doctor to get a safe and secured treatment with prednisone.