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Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
I went to another dermatologist today, and he took a look at the bites
on my body and said it is poison ivy/contact dermatitis. Yes, I did do about an hour work in the garden back on May 20th. But I did not get any red itchy bumps until May 25th, and that was only 1 on my left arm, and armpit and some on my torso. A week later (friday June 2nd) went to the dermatologist, she looked at the ones on my arm and said Exzecma, then saw the bites on my body and said looks like 'insect bites, probably bed bugs' - since I travel for work. Plus I wake up every morning with a few more bumps. Today (monday June 5th) went to another doctor for a second opinion, he looked and said it did not look like bed bug bites. I told him that I scratched the bites so it might not look like it originally did. But he pointed out that I have 3 bites (2 on left arm, 1 on rt) that has a clear head/water bubble. He said bites dont cause that, and he just doesnt think it looks like bed bug bites. I told him that I wore a shirt and pants when I worked in the garden, and I told him that I get new itchy bumps every morning even though its been 2 weeks, and he said that happens sometimes with poison ivy, it comes on gradually and can keep coming even 2 weeks later. But he did say my scratching has caused the bites/bumps to get bad, so I have a serious reaction now, he gave me a cortisone shot and gave me a prescription for some cream and pills for the itching (atarax) Could you take a look at the pictures of my torso and let me know what you think it COULD be. (I did not take pictures of the bumps on the arms and knees) I know you all are not medical professionals, I am just relaying on your practical experiance, so dont worry, I wont sue =) Thanks!!! http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/1.jpg http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/2.jpg http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/3.jpg |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
I don't know what it is, but have you considered that you may have
contaminated your bedding. Urishinol can get on fabrics and persist for some time. my mom had problems that way. But it doesnt look like poison ivy (according to pictures I found on google) Also, I stay in a hotel during the week, and this weekend I took out new blankets. Same result, more bumps the next morning. Thanks |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Charles wrote:
I don't know what it is, but have you considered that you may have contaminated your bedding. Urishinol can get on fabrics and persist for some time. my mom had problems that way. That may be what is happening, or scratching with contaminated finger nails. If I even think I have poison ivy/oak, I coat it with Caladryl Clear Lotion. It dries clear on the skin, stops itching and seals in the poison so it's not being spread to other parts of the body. I use to use Calamine Lotion before I heard about Caladryl. http://www.dermadoctor.com/product.a...C633088143D%7D Also at your local drug store Just personal experience - I'm no doctor or bug expert |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Looks like a staff infection to me.
wrote in message ups.com... I went to another dermatologist today, and he took a look at the bites on my body and said it is poison ivy/contact dermatitis. Yes, I did do about an hour work in the garden back on May 20th. But I did not get any red itchy bumps until May 25th, and that was only 1 on my left arm, and armpit and some on my torso. A week later (friday June 2nd) went to the dermatologist, she looked at the ones on my arm and said Exzecma, then saw the bites on my body and said looks like 'insect bites, probably bed bugs' - since I travel for work. Plus I wake up every morning with a few more bumps. Today (monday June 5th) went to another doctor for a second opinion, he looked and said it did not look like bed bug bites. I told him that I scratched the bites so it might not look like it originally did. But he pointed out that I have 3 bites (2 on left arm, 1 on rt) that has a clear head/water bubble. He said bites dont cause that, and he just doesnt think it looks like bed bug bites. I told him that I wore a shirt and pants when I worked in the garden, and I told him that I get new itchy bumps every morning even though its been 2 weeks, and he said that happens sometimes with poison ivy, it comes on gradually and can keep coming even 2 weeks later. But he did say my scratching has caused the bites/bumps to get bad, so I have a serious reaction now, he gave me a cortisone shot and gave me a prescription for some cream and pills for the itching (atarax) Could you take a look at the pictures of my torso and let me know what you think it COULD be. (I did not take pictures of the bumps on the arms and knees) I know you all are not medical professionals, I am just relaying on your practical experiance, so dont worry, I wont sue =) Thanks!!! http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/1.jpg http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/2.jpg http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/3.jpg |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
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Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
In article . com,
wrote: http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/2.jpg Looks like chigger's too me. In such case nothing to do as the *******s are gone. Which means the bites should get better and there is nothing to kill. As I understand it our bodies are just responding to an attack we did not notice. Hate them!!!!! http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/chiggers.html Just a guest as I'm no doc but I've had similar mostly below bely button level. Try not to scratch . Your Doc may prescribe cortisone cream. Could be an annual occurrence here but August is a time for viewing our garden not working in it except for fast forays. The timing of you bites is much different than here in N.J. USA. Perhaps you are more South? Bill -- S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit. |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Looks like chigger's too me. In such case nothing to do as the *******s
are gone. Which means the bites should get better and there is nothing to kill. As I understand it our bodies are just responding to an attack we did not notice. Hate them!!!!! My understanding (been doing a lot of research lately!) is that chiggers mostly attack where the waistband meets the body. They like the tight surface. But Ive gotten these bites all over the body and some on the knees and arms too. It looks like bed bugs (which would suck) but the dermatologist today was adament that it was not them. Could be an annual occurrence here but August is a time for viewing our garden not working in it except for fast forays. The timing of you bites is much different than here in N.J. USA. Perhaps you are more South? I am in NYC. Thanks |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
I don't think it is clothing contaminated with poison ivy. I have had
this problem and in my experience it would be one or more large broad patches, not a lot of little ones. |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
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Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
I told you I thought it wasn't BB's. I kind of figured it was something else
after our last conversation and you all of a sudden noticing more bumps. I had figured it was something that you had missed in your daily routine of I was thinking that I have so much "bug saliva" in my system (Im very allergic to mosquito bites), that when I scratched my shoulder, I actually SCRATCHED it, so it got red and swollen. things you had done. You never thought about the gardening because it had been so long ago had you? What is happening is you are scratching these and The reasons I am doubtful about the poison ivy diagnosis a 1. I was outside for 60 minutes with a shirt and long pants and sneakers on a Sat. got a thing behind my ear, 1 under my armpit and 1 on my bicep on a Thursday. (plus I showered right when I was done outside, and I rarely go into the garden) 2. I have about 80 "bites" but only around 3 with a waterbubble head. Yes, it could be true that I had more, but when I scratched it got broken. But a lot of them also do not have the waterbubble head (when they were new) 3. I get at least 4 more every morning. I take a count at night before I go to sleep and count it in the morning, and I get more when I wake up. When I take the count at night, the number is the same. 4. Plus my dermatologist from Friday said it looked like bites. Granted, I forgot to tell her I was in the garden, since it was a week before and the symptoms did not start until almost a week later. opening them up and spreading the poison around to new places on your body. Is that true? My mother told me that if you break a poison ivy bite, the liquid/pus does not spread the poison ivy. If you can fight off the urge to scratch you will help yourself to end this soon. The med's your doctor gave you will also help to end it pretty soon Hopefully....Im sure all Pest Control specialists hear this: "Im scared to go to sleep!" also. The pictures do most definitely look like poison ivy to me. The bumps look to have heads on them or look like small boils, the only insect bite that will look anything like that is usually a spider or a stinging insect of some kind, not a bedbug. Dont you think this picture of insect bites and hives: http://z.about.com/d/p/440/e/f/2433.jpg http://www.tumama.net/images/hives/hives_03.jpg looks like: (left side of picture, my lower right side of my torso) Plus a lot of the bumps have been scratched and "burst" by me. http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/2.jpg Prior poster above speaking about clothing with poison ivy: "and in my experience it would be one or more large broad patches, not a lot of little ones. " So you don't need to call out an exterminator for your home, that's a relief. But if you do ever need one for anything else let me know and I will recommend a good one for you. Thanks for all your help! A lot of professionals wouldnt take the time to help out so much. Thanks to everyone also. HOPEFULLY it is poison ivy *but I still have doubts =( * and not insects. To be honest, I dont care about the itchiness as much, what has been bothering me the last 5 days is worry about bringing bugs into the house (since I get more bumps at home). |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Another post reminded of an insect that CAN create a "blister" type
sore when they bite...the western conenose bug, aka Kissing Bug. -- Lar I've always been a bit afraid of insects, especially now with my bed bug scare, IF, I ever saw a bug like that near me....I would FREAK OUT!!! I dont even like looking at those mini-spider-looking red bugs that move around really quickly on brick/concrete steps. Luckily I live in NYC, where we do not have those semi-fire type ants that they have in Florida and Atlanta. When I was there and saw how quickly they came out of the anthill with any disturbance, its freaky. Or those giant flying roaches. Or brown recluse spiders. |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
wrote: I went to another dermatologist today, and he took a look at the bites on my body and said it is poison ivy/contact dermatitis. Could you take a look at the pictures of my torso and let me know what you think it COULD be. (I did not take pictures of the bumps on the arms and knees) I know you all are not medical professionals, I am just relaying on your practical experiance, so dont worry, I wont sue =) Thanks!!! http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/1.jpg http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/2.jpg http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/3.jpg Dude! That doesn't look like Poison Ivy at All!!!!! They do look A LOT like Chiggers, and let me tell you that as a kid not a summer went by without me getting some. (And I always seem to get them on the one area a man surely doesn't want them.) Many people don't even know what "Chiggers" are, let alone believe them to be real. Also, many black folk often mistake this term for a term refering to a person who is mixed black and Chinese!!!!! (I actualy had one black woman tell me she oughta slap my face for saying that word in front of her. I tried explaining what a Chigger is but from the look on her face I don't think she believed me.) Chiggers are basicly "Biting Mites". Just as in female mosquitoes, only femal mites will attack humans. They bore into a pore in the skin, suck blood, and then lay their eggs INSIDE the poor. You will most likely never be able to see a Chigger in action as they are even smaller than head lice. However, the itching and inflamation associated with Chigger "bites" are fare more worse than any mosquitoe. You can always tell the difference between a mosquito and a chigger bite by the severity of the itch as well as the "bump". Chigger bites will remain a bright red until they are almost completely healed while mosquito bites will only be such color for a short period of time before the color fades to normal, even thought the itch may remain. Chigger bites produce such an incredible urge to itch that it often produces pleasure when they are scratched! Chigger bites also "weep" or ooze a clear liquid which will can dry to form a piece of sand-like substance, similiar to the type one may find in the corner of their eyes upon waking. Chigger bites take far more time to heal than mosquitoe bites and often will leave scars when they do eventualy heal. How does one get Chiggers? Chiggers act just like Ticks, and not suprising since Ticks are merely the largest specias of Mites found in the world. Chiggers will climb a tall blade of grass and simply wait for a warm-blooded creature happens to pass by. When one does, they lash out and grab any hair or clothing and then work their way to the skin. Usualy, chiggers will not travel far from the skin they originaly made contact with so it is far more likely to get chiggers around your feet, ankles, and calves, however Men often get them on their SCROTUM (Scream to denote Pain), especialy if a man is wearing shorts. Chiggers on the upper body are a bit odd, but only if you can't explain how they might have gotten there If you were on your hands and kness with your shirt making contact with grass and leaves, then that would explain it. How to treat Chigger Bites: First thing First: To kill the Chiggers living in your pores use either Campho Phenique or other "Chigger" preperations. You can also use clear fingernail polish or vaseline to coat the bite as this will smother the chiggers who require oxygen to breath. Use standard over the counter treatments for the itch such as Calomine Lotion. Soaking the afflicted part of the body in a solution of water, epsom salt, and baking soda, will help dry out the bites. When working outdoors, always use an Insect Repellant containing "Deet", the number one compound proven to actualy work. Anything containing this will discourage biting flies, mosquitoes, tickes, and Chiggers. -Basicly anything that wants to eat you! ***************************************** Poison Ivy/Poison Oak Myth: "I am so sensitive that I can catch poison ivey/poison oak from merely walking by it or being near it." FALSE: That's like saying you walked by a person snorting cocain and then subsequently felt the associated high. The volitale oils found in the leaves of poison ivy/poison oak is the culprit which causes us so much discomfort. This oil is not found in the pollen so this disproves the belief that some claim to get "poison ivy hay fevers". The only way you can come down with the rash and nasty side-effects is through the oil contacting the skin. How soon a rash develops is different between each person. People who have dry hands or small cracks or cuts in their skin will have a more quicker responce while those whose skin is more oily will have a delayed reaction. Oil can also stick to tools, clothing, and pets and can be transmitted to a person. This may be why so many people believe that they can catch the rash from merely being near the plants. "I'm allergic to Poison Ivy, but not Poison Oak" FALSE: They may be different species of plants, but it's the same substance in each that causes the sever reaction in people, so if you are allergic to one, you are allergic to all. -Jason |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
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Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
On 5-Jun-2006, wrote: I went to another dermatologist today, and he took a look at the bites on my body and said it is poison ivy/contact dermatitis. I told you I thought it wasn't BB's. I kind of figured it was something else after our last conversation and you all of a sudden noticing more bumps. I had figured it was something that you had missed in your daily routine of things you had done. You never thought about the gardening because it had been so long ago had you? What is happening is you are scratching these and opening them up and spreading the poison around to new places on your body. If you can fight off the urge to scratch you will help yourself to end this soon. The med's your doctor gave you will also help to end it pretty soon also. The pictures do most definitely look like poison ivy to me. The bumps look to have heads on them or look like small boils, the only insect bite that will look anything like that is usually a spider or a stinging insect of some kind, not a bedbug. I am glad you found out what it is and if the itching gets to bad you can always take a bath in oatmeal, trust me it works. They make a bath especially for that and they are wonderful. I have had to use them before in situations where I get out in the woods and get chiggers. So you don't need to call out an exterminator for your home, that's a relief. But if you do ever need one for anything else let me know and I will recommend a good one for you. -- I wish you all the best Tim Wise www.onepest.com www.askourpros.com |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Carl 1 Lucky Texan wrote:
wrote: Another post reminded of an insect that CAN create a "blister" type sore when they bite...the western conenose bug, aka Kissing Bug. -- Lar I've always been a bit afraid of insects, especially now with my bed bug scare, IF, I ever saw a bug like that near me....I would FREAK OUT!!! I dont even like looking at those mini-spider-looking red bugs that move around really quickly on brick/concrete steps. Luckily I live in NYC, where we do not have those semi-fire type ants that they have in Florida and Atlanta. When I was there and saw how quickly they came out of the anthill with any disturbance, its freaky. Or those giant flying roaches. Or brown recluse spiders. Good post - I take issue though with the vaseline,etc. part becaiuse that was an old remedy for scabies mites which chiggers are not. If the OP were working around any area where animals have a 'trail' it is very likely to be chiggers. But, as a general rule, they're not gonna be in ones 'garden'. I suppose a neighbor could have dogs, sheep or some other kind of animal that might be a source. Or if the OP were working on a hiking trail, etc. I have actually looked on the tip of long Johnson grass blades and seen the little devils lurking there. They are very small and red. Under a microscope, the 'nose' is almost as long as the body and is folded underneath! I have also been bitten by imported fire ants and they will leave a bite that resembles a very small 'whitehead' acne lesion. Though, unlike chigger bites, there is usually immediate pain. My vote is some type of insect/mite. Indoors or out, I dunno. Carl 1 Lucky Texan One possible way to narrow down WHERE or if it is insects, count the bites before either bed or garden work - then use some insect repellent and go to bed or go to work. Then count the lesions after wards - or possibly use repellent on one - say - your upper torso - and see if all new bites are on the untreated area. Carl -- to reply, change ( .not) to ( .net) |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
If the OP were working around any area where animals have a 'trail' it
is very likely to be chiggers. But, as a general rule, they're not gonna There arent many animals in the part of NYC where I am. I am in the surburbs of NYC. Back yards are about, 100 feet by 30 feet. The only animals I have seen around are squirrels, racoons and once in a blue, a possum. be in ones 'garden'. I suppose a neighbor could have dogs, sheep or some Its not exactly a garden...we planted bamboo years ago, and they grew like crazy, including into the edge of the neighbors property. So I hoped the fence and cut down the bamboo that invaded their property. It is hilly and with a few trees, so not much for animals to do there. That took about 10 minutes, then I worked on the bamboo on our grass for the rest of the time. Johnson grass blades and seen the little devils lurking there. They are very small and red. Under a microscope, the 'nose' is almost as long as I think I have seen those. They look like spiders, but VERY small, and FAST...actually they look like crabs (they kind that lives in the ocean) They usually crawl on the brick/concrete steps |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
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Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
One possible way to narrow down WHERE or if it is insects, count the
bites before either bed or garden work - then use some insect repellent I rarely garden. This year I have gone out twice to remove bamboo only. But I do keep a count and it does seem to increase by a few when I do wake up. Which leads me to believe bed bugs, But this has happened in 2 different hotel rooms in the last 2 weeks, and this weekend, in my bedroom 1 night, then when I slept in the living room, it happened there too. |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
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Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Dude! That doesn't look like Poison Ivy at All!!!!!
Arghh....more doubt now. But the dermatologist this morning was pretty confident that it was poison ivy. They do look A LOT like Chiggers, and let me tell you that as a kid not but I have them all over my body - chest/stomach/knees/arms I believe Chiggers mainly happen around the waistband produces pleasure when they are scratched! Chigger bites also "weep" or ooze a clear liquid which will can dry to form a piece of sand-like Out of all the wounds I have, about 5-6 have this. But that could be because I have scratched them to the point, where they burst and scabbed over (and is slightly infected) Chiggers on the upper body are a bit odd, but only if you can't explain how they might have gotten there If you were on your hands and kness with your shirt making contact with grass and leaves, then that would explain it. But the weird thing is, I have gotten more and more every morning. and I have not been in the garden/backyard for 3 weeks. |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
:) They look like spiders, but VERY small, and FAST...actually they look
:) like crabs (they kind that lives in the ocean) :) They usually crawl on the brick/concrete steps :) :) You are probably seeing clover mites. -- Lar Just looked on google images, and yeah, I think you are right. Do you have an opinion on what my wounds look like? Bed bugs...poison ivy? Thanks |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
wrote:
Dude! That doesn't look like Poison Ivy at All!!!!! Arghh....more doubt now. But the dermatologist this morning was pretty confident that it was poison ivy. They do look A LOT like Chiggers, and let me tell you that as a kid not but I have them all over my body - chest/stomach/knees/arms I believe Chiggers mainly happen around the waistband produces pleasure when they are scratched! Chigger bites also "weep" or ooze a clear liquid which will can dry to form a piece of sand-like Out of all the wounds I have, about 5-6 have this. But that could be because I have scratched them to the point, where they burst and scabbed over (and is slightly infected) Chiggers on the upper body are a bit odd, but only if you can't explain how they might have gotten there If you were on your hands and kness with your shirt making contact with grass and leaves, then that would explain it. But the weird thing is, I have gotten more and more every morning. and I have not been in the garden/backyard for 3 weeks. Ever noticed any black excresence or 'fibers' associated with the leasions? http://www.morgellons.org/index.html Carl -- to reply, change ( .not) to ( .net) |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
The irritant in Poison Ivy is an oil. You do not need to come in
contact with the vine, only come in contact with something that has come in contact with the vine. I once got a significant case of poison ivy by playing with my dog who liked to play in the poison ivy. If the oil is on clothing, gloves, or clean up equipment, it could continue to recontaminate you even after weeks. wrote: I told you I thought it wasn't BB's. I kind of figured it was something else after our last conversation and you all of a sudden noticing more bumps. I had figured it was something that you had missed in your daily routine of I was thinking that I have so much "bug saliva" in my system (Im very allergic to mosquito bites), that when I scratched my shoulder, I actually SCRATCHED it, so it got red and swollen. things you had done. You never thought about the gardening because it had been so long ago had you? What is happening is you are scratching these and The reasons I am doubtful about the poison ivy diagnosis a 1. I was outside for 60 minutes with a shirt and long pants and sneakers on a Sat. got a thing behind my ear, 1 under my armpit and 1 on my bicep on a Thursday. (plus I showered right when I was done outside, and I rarely go into the garden) 2. I have about 80 "bites" but only around 3 with a waterbubble head. Yes, it could be true that I had more, but when I scratched it got broken. But a lot of them also do not have the waterbubble head (when they were new) 3. I get at least 4 more every morning. I take a count at night before I go to sleep and count it in the morning, and I get more when I wake up. When I take the count at night, the number is the same. 4. Plus my dermatologist from Friday said it looked like bites. Granted, I forgot to tell her I was in the garden, since it was a week before and the symptoms did not start until almost a week later. opening them up and spreading the poison around to new places on your body. Is that true? My mother told me that if you break a poison ivy bite, the liquid/pus does not spread the poison ivy. If you can fight off the urge to scratch you will help yourself to end this soon. The med's your doctor gave you will also help to end it pretty soon Hopefully....Im sure all Pest Control specialists hear this: "Im scared to go to sleep!" also. The pictures do most definitely look like poison ivy to me. The bumps look to have heads on them or look like small boils, the only insect bite that will look anything like that is usually a spider or a stinging insect of some kind, not a bedbug. Dont you think this picture of insect bites and hives: http://z.about.com/d/p/440/e/f/2433.jpg http://www.tumama.net/images/hives/hives_03.jpg looks like: (left side of picture, my lower right side of my torso) Plus a lot of the bumps have been scratched and "burst" by me. http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/tforms1/2.jpg Prior poster above speaking about clothing with poison ivy: "and in my experience it would be one or more large broad patches, not a lot of little ones. " So you don't need to call out an exterminator for your home, that's a relief. But if you do ever need one for anything else let me know and I will recommend a good one for you. Thanks for all your help! A lot of professionals wouldnt take the time to help out so much. Thanks to everyone also. HOPEFULLY it is poison ivy *but I still have doubts =( * and not insects. To be honest, I dont care about the itchiness as much, what has been bothering me the last 5 days is worry about bringing bugs into the house (since I get more bumps at home). |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
My poison ivy appeared in patches, not evenly all over my body. This
may not be poison ivy. A lot of the bumps have been scratched and could become infected, so something is needed to remove the itching. If it is poison ivy you may need a hormone shot. You can tell a bedbug infestation by their feces they leave behind. Skin breakouts can be difficult to diagnose and may be a symptom of something more serious--see the best dermatologist you can find. |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Dude,
Do you sleep with your shirt off? Do you have pets? If the answer to both is "yes", then they might be flea bites. Also, have you ever had "Chicken Pox" before? Those leasions do look a lot like Chicken Pox. You may have contracted a weak form and don't even realize you are running a temperature. I had only one leasion on the top of my head! Took the Doctors forever before they were able to diagnose me. The thing about Poison Ivy is that it doesn't produce isolated pustules. It does produce pustules, but only within a defined rash or inflammed area. (Most of the pustuls are actualy a staph infections from scratching the skin) -Jason |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Do you sleep with your shirt off?
Yes Do you have pets? Dog, but we put that Advantix-9 on him once a month to kill fleas. But I am only home on the weekends, and this started while I was out of town in a hotel. Also, have you ever had "Chicken Pox" before? Yes. The thing about Poison Ivy is that it doesn't produce isolated pustules. It does produce pustules, but only within a defined Thats what i thought, but the dermatologist, said it was poison ivy. Plus, on my way out of town Monday, I stopped by mother's office, and there was a doctor there (general pract) who also said it looked like poison ivy, of course his diagnosis was based off a 1 minute look. |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Jason correctly described what poison ivy reaction looks like -
pustules would be within an inflamed area, not isolated. Moreover, aside from that, contact with contaminated clothing would produce a reaction in the same area, not a new area every day. Especially since you are getting new reactions after sleeping in a hotel - that pretty much rules out the poison ivy IMHO. Irritation is irratation - redness and swelling - is merely the body's immune system reacting to some kind of insult. Question is what? Dunno, but, I would fire the docs who said poison ivy. |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
wrote: But I am only home on the weekends, and this started while I was out of town in a hotel. Last year on a program called "Dateline" there was a segment on how bedbugs were making a comeback due to the cleaning practices, or lack there of, in Hotels. As you may have heard, only the sheets and pillow cases are ever washed in hotels. Bedspreads are not washed and under random tests most bedspreads from the most expensive to the least expensive Hotel Chain tested positive for blood, urine, and seemen stains. The problem is that bedbugs just don't hide in the bedding. They wander far away and also live in the carpet and cracks in the floor and walls. If they are bedbug bites, then you will need to contact a professional exterminator. Webpage with info and pics of BedBugs and BedBug Bites: http://medent.usyd.edu.au/bedbug/ Another Webpage with some added Tips for dealing with BedBugs: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/vec...tor-faq1.shtml The link above gives some hints on how you might check to see if you can find any bedbugs hiding on your mattress, box springs, or in the area around your bed. If you can find them, forget what the doctor says and call an exterminator immediately. -Jason |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Wow, didn't even think of poison ivy/oak.
Also - I wish I was half a buff as you. :D |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Happybattles wrote:
Wow, didn't even think of poison ivy/oak. what do you think about that diagnosis? I sent the pictures to my primary physician, and he said it doesnt look like it. But I sent it to a friend who is also a doctor and he said it looks like it. So half the people thinks its poison ivy, the other half says its not. Very frustrating. Also - I wish I was half a buff as you. :D lol, I wish I was. I have not worked out in 3 weeks since this whole episode started, I've just been sitting in the hotel room staring at the bed spread trying to see if anything is moving. (and last night, something was!) |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
On 5 Jun 2006 18:08:56 -0700, wrote:
snip The reasons I am doubtful about the poison ivy diagnosis a 1. I was outside for 60 minutes with a shirt and long pants and sneakers on a Sat. got a thing behind my ear, 1 under my armpit and 1 on my bicep on a Thursday. (plus I showered right when I was done outside, and I rarely go into the garden) If you were hot and sweaty this may not have been soon enough for clean-up. I've heard less than 20 minutes for bathing to be effective. snip opening them up and spreading the poison around to new places on your body. Is that true? My mother told me that if you break a poison ivy bite, the liquid/pus does not spread the poison ivy. You don't spread it around by scratching the sores. This is an old myth that refuses to die. Scratching can cause an infection and possible scars though. It acts much like an allergy and is in your bodies system. Antihistamines can provide some relief. The most likely points of breakout are sensitive skin which came in contact with the oil. However, you can break out in other areas too, most commonly where your skin is soft and thin. I have had individual small spots similar to yours and large areas on other occasions. My last tangle with PI was a mere year ago. I had small spots scattered all over my upper torso and arms. There were a few areas that looked more like welts. I know exactly where I got into it. I was mowing through a "nature trail" in our field and could see the plants 6-10 inches tall. There wasn't a lot of them, I washed up within an hour or so and I never got off the mower while in their vicinity. It was a hot day, I was sweaty and there must have been mowing debris thrown into the air. Some spots looked like welts, never blistered. Others did blister. The later appearing spots were less likely to blister. Urushiol is really strong stuff. I've heard/read that a teaspoon full would be plenty enough to make everyone in NYC plenty uncomfortable... I would be curious to see some photos of the area around where the Bamboo was cut. PI isn't hard to identify and would still be in the area where you most likely got into it. Especially of any three leafed plants growing 4 to 12 inches high. PI has alternate leaves with either smooth or irregular edges on an oval shape. Most other harmless three leaf plants have opposite leaves. If you take picts, be really careful and watch where you step and touch. Here are some links for PI I posted for someone else awhile back: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/796_ivy.html http://www.bio.umass.edu/micro/immunology/poisoniv.htm This page is good for identifying the plant. Note I don't agree with all of the comments on it: http://ncnatural.com/wildflwr/obnxious.html Keep us posted on how you come out with this. It usually takes a month for it to become but a bad memory... -- Leon Fisk Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b Remove no.spam for email |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Leon Fisk wrote:
On 5 Jun 2006 18:08:56 -0700, wrote: snip The reasons I am doubtful about the poison ivy diagnosis a 1. I was outside for 60 minutes with a shirt and long pants and sneakers on a Sat. got a thing behind my ear, 1 under my armpit and 1 on my bicep on a Thursday. (plus I showered right when I was done outside, and I rarely go into the garden) If you were hot and sweaty this may not have been soon enough for clean-up. I've heard less than 20 minutes for bathing to be effective. snip opening them up and spreading the poison around to new places on your body. Is that true? My mother told me that if you break a poison ivy bite, the liquid/pus does not spread the poison ivy. You don't spread it around by scratching the sores. This is an old myth that refuses to die. Scratching can cause an infection and possible scars though. It acts much like an allergy and is in your bodies system. Antihistamines can provide some relief. The most likely points of breakout are sensitive skin which came in contact with the oil. However, you can break out in other areas too, most commonly where your skin is soft and thin. I have had individual small spots similar to yours and large areas on other occasions. My last tangle with PI was a mere year ago. I had small spots scattered all over my upper torso and arms. There were a few areas that looked more like welts. When my son got the poison oak on his leg, it looked like he was wearing a bright red sock up to his knee. No spots, just one contiguous raised red area. The first time he got it it was on his arm and trunk and was a large connected mass, too. I think he might have had some little blisters too, but I'm not certain. This was 16 years ago. --Jenny http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes Diabetes Info http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/newlydiagnosed.htm Get Your Blood Sugar Under Control |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
If you were hot and sweaty this may not have been soon
enough for clean-up. I've heard less than 20 minutes for bathing to be effective. But if I was hot and sweaty (pores opened) wouldnt I get the affects sooner than 1 week? =) Plus every morning more appeared. So it started 1 week later, and everyday there was at least 5 more bumps. Thats why I have some doubts about the PI diagnosis. I have had individual small spots similar to yours and large areas on other occasions. My last tangle with PI was a mere year ago. I had small spots scattered all over my upper torso and arms. There were a few areas that looked more like welts. I know exactly where I got into it. I was mowing So your last tangle with PI looked like how mine looks? Interesting.... I hate THIS!! 2 docs said it was, and 2 said it wasnt. I would be curious to see some photos of the area around where the Bamboo was cut. PI isn't hard to identify and would still be in the area where you most likely got into the backyard has a fence, about 100 feet long. I was on the right side/corner (I hopped over the fence) Years ago (3-4?) a friend of my mother's helped cut the bamboo on the left side and he got poison ivy. Keep us posted on how you come out with this. It usually takes a month for it to become but a bad memory... To be honest, I dont care about the bumps/itchiness/etc I HOPE it is poison ivy. Cuz I am paranoid that I brought bugs home into the house. THAT is what I concerned about. =( Thanks |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Phisherman wrote:
My poison ivy appeared in patches, not evenly all over my body. This may not be poison ivy. A lot of the bumps have been scratched and could become infected, so something is needed to remove the itching. If it is poison ivy you may need a hormone shot. You can tell a Why do I need a hormone shot? The dermatologist did say the reaction was severe so I got a cortisone shot. Is that what you mean? bedbug infestation by their feces they leave behind. Skin breakouts Thats only once there a alot. =( can be difficult to diagnose and may be a symptom of something more serious--see the best dermatologist you can find. Thats what I am afraid of. But Im not sure what else it could be. and two dermatologists gave 2 answers (bed bugs and poison ivy) |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
Leon Fisk wrote:
You don't spread it around by scratching the sores. But if the chemical irritation is bad enough that you get blisters that fill with liquid, the area is so sensitive that the mere act of scratching and irritating the area spreads the inflammation and makes it worse. It is not the urushiol spreading the poison ivy, it is the scratching and irritation spreading the inflammation. It heals much faster if you don't irritate the area mechanically by scratching. The itching may drive you crazy, but it will heal faster if you don't scratch. Most poison ivy medicines just treat the itching. This in combination with allergy pills and steroids is about the only treatment. In any case, if you don't scratch it and get an infection, it usually starts to clear up in a week. The urushiol is fairly slow acting. When I was in the Forest Service we used a prophylactic gel soap. We covered ourselves from head to toe with this soap before a shift on a forest fire. Then when we got back 13 hours later, we took a shower in a steam and washed the soap off. This prevented us from getting poison ivy everywhere except in our eyes and lungs. We had to wear face masks when we were in areas where poison ivy was burning since the smoke carries the urushiol in the air and it gets in your eyes and lungs. Once the oil is on your skin and/or clothes, you can touch it and spread it around. You can get the oil on your hands when you take your clothes and shoes off and then spread it to tender parts of your body. If you sit on furniture with contaminated clothing, other people who touch it with bare skin can get urushiol on them. If you take a good shower after working in poison ivy with a brush and a strong soap it usually will remove most of the urushiol and any reaction will be rather minimal. Be sure to scrup in tender areas like between your finger and around your wrists. Some people have hours before a visible reaction, others have days. However, once you start seeing the reaction, it is too late to prevent it. However, clothing that has urushiol on it can still spread the reaction. After working in poison ivy, I take off my clothes in front of the washing machine and put them in myself and proceed directly to the shower. My wife is very allergic, so I can't risk letting her touch my contaminated clothes. -- Pardon my spam deterrent; send email to Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA http://home.earthlink.net/~rhodyman |
Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs
On 7 Jun 2006 13:48:54 -0700, wrote:
If you were hot and sweaty this may not have been soon enough for clean-up. I've heard less than 20 minutes for bathing to be effective. But if I was hot and sweaty (pores opened) wouldnt I get the affects sooner than 1 week? =) Plus every morning more appeared. So it started 1 week later, and everyday there was at least 5 more bumps. Thats why I have some doubts about the PI diagnosis. The reaction/incubation period between individual people varies greatly. A week would seem a bit long to me, but... Is it possible that you had some early spots and just didn't put together that something was wrong right away? I know what a poison ivy reaction looks like and quite often I notice it before it begins itching like the dickens. I have had individual small spots similar to yours and large areas on other occasions. My last tangle with PI was a mere year ago. I had small spots scattered all over my upper torso and arms. There were a few areas that looked more like welts. I know exactly where I got into it. I was mowing So your last tangle with PI looked like how mine looks? Interesting.... I hate THIS!! 2 docs said it was, and 2 said it wasnt. Take a look at this site/search output. Near the top are several links to decent photos of peoples' reactions/rashes. http://www.google.com/u/uiowa2?q=Poison+Ivy&sa=Search Actually there is a lot of good, informative links to articles on that page. The more informed you become the better you will feel about it. Very few doctors are experts on poison ivy. Most of the people sitting in their offices don't really need to be seeing a doctor, so they don't really have to do a thing... I would be curious to see some photos of the area around where the Bamboo was cut. PI isn't hard to identify and would still be in the area where you most likely got into the backyard has a fence, about 100 feet long. I was on the right side/corner (I hopped over the fence) Years ago (3-4?) a friend of my mother's helped cut the bamboo on the left side and he got poison ivy. I still think this is key to putting your mind at ease or not. If there is obviously poison ivy growing where you were working it is a safe bet that you probably got into it. If you can't find any evidence in the area then you should pursue the insect idea more. Crushing, cutting, mutilating PI plants is just begging to get it. Merely brushing against it and not breaking it open to its sap is less likely. To be honest, I dont care about the bumps/itchiness/etc I HOPE it is poison ivy. Cuz I am paranoid that I brought bugs home into the house. THAT is what I concerned about. Go look for the poison ivy plants. If they are there it is almost a sure bet that that is what you have. -- Leon Fisk Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b Remove no.spam for email |
Zanfel ( Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs)
Stephen Henning wrote: Leon Fisk wrote: You don't spread it around by scratching the sores. But if the chemical irritation is bad enough that you get blisters that fill with liquid, the area is so sensitive that the mere act of scratching and irritating the area spreads the inflammation and makes it worse. It is not the urushiol spreading the poison ivy, it is the scratching and irritation spreading the inflammation. It heals much faster if you don't irritate the area mechanically by scratching. The itching may drive you crazy, but it will heal faster if you don't scratch. Most poison ivy medicines just treat the itching. This in combination with allergy pills and steroids is about the only treatment. In any case, if you don't scratch it and get an infection, it usually starts to clear up in a week. The urushiol is fairly slow acting. When I was in the Forest Service we used a prophylactic gel soap. We covered ourselves from head to toe with this soap before a shift on a forest fire. Then when we got back 13 hours later, we took a shower in a steam and washed the soap off. This prevented us from getting poison ivy everywhere except in our eyes and lungs. We had to wear face masks when we were in areas where poison ivy was burning since the smoke carries the urushiol in the air and it gets in your eyes and lungs. Once the oil is on your skin and/or clothes, you can touch it and spread it around. You can get the oil on your hands when you take your clothes and shoes off and then spread it to tender parts of your body. If you sit on furniture with contaminated clothing, other people who touch it with bare skin can get urushiol on them. If you take a good shower after working in poison ivy with a brush and a strong soap it usually will remove most of the urushiol and any reaction will be rather minimal. Be sure to scrup in tender areas like between your finger and around your wrists. Some people have hours before a visible reaction, others have days. However, once you start seeing the reaction, it is too late to prevent it. Has anybody had any luck with the product called "Zanfel"? It's fairly new, and very expensive - about 40 dollars for a one ounce tube. It's a special wash for poison ivy rash. The manufacturer claims it stops the itching by bonding to the urushiol and removing it, even after the oil has bonded to the skin and your immune system has started attacking it (creating the rash and the itching). I have a tube of it here. I have used it with mixed results. |
Zanfel ( Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs)
"Ether Jones" wrote:
Has anybody had any luck with the product called "Zanfel"? It's fairly new, and very expensive - about 40 dollars for a one ounce tube. It's a special wash for poison ivy rash. The manufacturer claims it stops the itching by bonding to the urushiol and removing it, even after the oil has bonded to the skin and your immune system has started attacking it (creating the rash and the itching). I have a tube of it here. I have used it with mixed results. The washes work best as preventatives after exposure but before the rash. Nothing except time is a cure. Treatments just try to contain the itch, the inflamation, and the other allergy symptoms. -- Pardon my spam deterrent; send email to Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA http://home.earthlink.net/~rhodyman |
Zanfel ( Poison Ivy vs Bed Bugs)
Stephen Henning wrote: "Ether Jones" wrote: Has anybody had any luck with the product called "Zanfel"? It's fairly new, and very expensive - about 40 dollars for a one ounce tube. It's a special wash for poison ivy rash. The manufacturer claims it stops the itching by bonding to the urushiol and removing it, even after the oil has bonded to the skin and your immune system has started attacking it (creating the rash and the itching). I have a tube of it here. I have used it with mixed results. The washes work best as preventatives after exposure but before the rash. Nothing except time is a cure. Treatments just try to contain the itch, the inflamation, and the other allergy symptoms. Yes, I know this used to be the conventional wisdom. But the point I was making is that Zanfel claims to have changed all that. Have you ever heard of Zanfel? Have you ever tried it? That was my question. I bought a tube of Zanfel a year ago to keep in the medicine cabinet when a friend swore by it, since I have 10 wooded acres with serveral patches of poison ivy. I've had occasion to use it 3 or 4 times, and I've not been impressed. I was wondering if anyone else has tried it with better results than I obtained. |
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