a good 'ole case of PI

I picked up a good case of poison something this past weekend down in 'bama. I'm not sure if it's ivy, oak or sumac (as the online descriptions of each rash is somewhat similar). It popped out on my left wrist within 24 hours, rather quick for my typical case of skin dermititis due to PI. It itched a bit yesterday, but nothing too bad. This morning however, I woke up scratching it. Perfect time to try out a new product I just got samples of in the mail... Tec Labs, the makers of Tecnu PI Wash, have a few other related products. Today I tried "Corticool" hydrocortisone anti-itch gel, with menthol to aid in instant relief. It works a bit, but not enough for this intense case. I will try out another product later on... meanwhile I will hope that the splotches of blisters I see coming out on my legs remain itchless.

update: 8:45am, Tuesday morning
I tried Zanfel last night and again this morning. It is a gritty mixture that feels soooo incredible good as you rub it over the affected skin. It was like heaven... scratching the intense itch that has developed. Sure it likely broke the blisters there, but it has been driving me so nuts that I could care less, because it was so satisfying. Luckily I slept ok last night, but woke up scratching again. Right now it seems ok - the sensation of itch is there, but very light. Manageable. (for now). I hope it stays that way so I can get some work done today. The patches of PI on my legs keep popping up... the front one has grown, and now there are spots on the backs of both legs, and a few intermittent spots on my calves. Still though, those remain relatively itch-free.

update: midnight, Wednesday
I think the Zanfel is key. I used it twice on Tuesday and only once today. Also tried out some Burt's Bees Poison Ivy Soap on the legs, in hopes that tones down any pending reaction. (I'm also using Burts' ResQ Ointment to aid in healing). So far, so good. The one patch on my wrist though is NASTY. People look at me funny and quietly step away.