Contracted pi about a week ago. After 4 days of worsening, I saw the dr. Turns out I was having an allergic reaction to the topical benadryl in the Caladryl I was using, which made it appear that the pi was spreading. Since stopping Caladryl application and starting a course of prednisone, the rash has improved dramatically!
According to my dr, dermatologists have been warning for 20 years that while most people do fine with oral benadryl, the topical form is extremely likely to cause a reaction. It is still sold, however because of its popularity & profitability.
Remember that pi cannot continue to spread without repeated exposure to the urushiol oil. If you are experiencing "spreading" of the rash after the first few days, you either haven't washed bedding, clothing, etc. that was contaminated, or it's not the pi!
Calamine lotion (the pink stuff) is fine, but do yourself a favor and stay away from Caladryl!!! |
