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PV and Poison Ivy
Started Besremi roughly one month ago. Last weekend I started trimming some of the shrubs in the backyard. I wasn’t frolicking around in between the bushes, just trimming overgrowth. Nevertheless, the next day I started seeing some rash on my arms and legs, areas that weren’t covered. Over the next week, the rash got ugly. I treated it by attempting to remove the oils with pumice soap, dish soap, applying topicals, and taking antihistamines and steroids. Nothing has made a dent in the rash. Matter of fact, it looks as if it’s spread. Yesterday I called UVA’s Cancer center’s on called Dr. they prescribed a steroidal ointment and will be checking in. The Dr stated the Besremi might have degraded or stunted my immune system and we’ll have to keep a close eye on it. She also stated I should stay away from crowds and, especially anyone who is sick. I’ve included a pic of one of the bad rash areas on my leg.
Has anyone experienced anything like this?
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@carb7007. Yikes! That is a mean case of Poison Ivy…so painful and itchy!! 😳
As the on-call doctor stated, this hyper reaction to the oils may be due to your weakened immune system from the Besremi. Any of the meds used to treat PV, such as HU or Jakafi will do the same. Just having a blood condition can also lower the body’s defense system’s ability to fight infections whether they’re bacterial, fungal or viral.
Oh gosh, I’m so sorry this has happened to you! But I do thank you for sharing with us because it is a reminder that we can’t let our guard down when we’re taking immunotherapy drugs.
As a refresher for people taking immunosuppression drugs including any chemotherapy, hydroxyurea, Jakafi, Besremi, Vidaza, Venetoclax, etc., here is a guideline for safety from the National Foundation for Cancer Research
https://www.nfcr.org/blog/infection-prevention-and-staying-safe-during-cancer-treatment/
I hope the steroid cream makes short work of your Poison Ivy infection and you recover quickly! Keep an eye on your temperature daily. If you develop of fever of 100.4, call your oncology team ASAP. Infections can run amok fairly quickly.
I remember having Poison Ivy as a kid…it was awful! How are you managing the itch and agony of this rash?
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1 ReactionBest to avoid any additional home remedies that irritate.
Steroid ointment is the best treatment as they are reluctant to give
you oral prednisone since you are immunocompromised.
Make sure tools are washed before reused. Avoid harsh soaps.
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2 ReactionsI've not experienced this. However your story is cautionary for me. I live to garden. I am so sorry that you are going through this. The closest I've come is Virginia creeper. That evil vine is just about as bad.