Steroids
Prednisone is a type of steroid that can be taken orally or injected. When taken orally, prednisone works by decreasing inflammation throughout the body. This can help to relieve the symptoms of poison ivy, such as the redness, swelling, and itchiness associated with the rash.
It is important to note that oral prednisone should not be used for more than two weeks as it can have negative side effects such as weight gain and problems with mood or behavior. Injectable prednisone works the same way as oral prednisone by decreasing inflammation throughout the body. However, injectable prednisone is only meant to be used for a short period (no more than three days) due to the risk of serious side effects such as infection at the injection site.
Dexamethasone is another type of steroid that can be taken orally or injected. Like prednisone, dexamethasone decreases inflammation throughout the body, which can help relieve the symptoms of poison ivy. Dexamethasone is generally considered more effective than prednisone, but it also has greater potential for adverse side effects such as high blood sugar levels and behavioral changes.
