Poison Ivy? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

jennypash · 04-03-2006, 09:57 AM

I got the worst outbreak of posion ivy this weekend while working in my yard. I have had it before , but never like this. Someone mentioned that it has something to do with your immune system - I wasn't thinking an MS link, but I am wondering if anyone knows about this. I am going to my primary care dr. this afternoon for some treatment, but they don't know much about MS there.

Thanks
Jenny

lestoby · 04-03-2006, 03:18 PM

Oh man that sucks! My heart goes out to you......

But in answer to your reply, I have always had some form of allergy (skin rash) to weeds, chemicals, sun, soap, and plants.

However, I have never ever had a skin rash due to a jacuzzi, but the last 2 times (2 months apart) I used the jacuzzi at my condo in Palm Springs, I broke out in a rash. Once on my lower back and once on my R upper thigh.

The first time my doctor issued some kind of antibiotic and I think it was called hot tub or pseudomonas folliculitis, which is a bacterial infection. The second time, it just cleared up in about 2 weeks.

Nobody else got this rash and I have never had it at our condo jacuzzi before. Therefore, yes, I believe that MS causes you to be more susceptible to anything and everything contagious. This is also why they strongly recommend you and all family members get a flu shot.

If you have had poison ivy before, you may find that it will take a little longer to clear up this time.

Now remember, no scratching or you will just spread the rash more!

Take care, Les

Heddi · 04-03-2006, 04:00 PM

I don't know about an MS link either. However, I have MS and I have always been severely allergic to poison ivy and from time to time suffer from other plant, fruit, and sun skin irritations.

Natatude · 04-04-2006, 05:44 AM

my neuro and drs tell me i can get anything due to having the low immune system due to having MS,, but i have built up my immune system by take alot of diff viatmins to build it back up,, and so far so good (knock on wood) as for poison ivy,,, i have only got it once in my life that i remember,, and i was raised on a farm and my hubby still helps my dad on his farms and our few acres,, he just had poison ivy a couple weeks ago and i didn;t get it,,, my brother always got it really bad and he is so allergic to it,, it swells up his whole body his eyes and all and they put him on prednisone when he gets it like that. i hope u can get over it soon.

lilc · 04-04-2006, 03:28 PM

lestoby, I used to have a house in Cathedral City. It was supposed to be my retirement home, but break-ups, you know...I LOVE Palm Springs!!!
I've not had poison ivy, but am much more susceptible to skin reactions than I was years ago. I hope you recover quickly, Jenny.