Poison Ivy

[MSUDAWG]

Doc, I get poison ivy just about every year. It is just a given because I am always in the woods hunting or doing something. Usually I only get it once but unfortunately I have gotten it a second time now since last fall. I dont care for the creams bc they get all over my clothes and only prefer to take pills for it. The only thing I know of to take that works for me is the dose pack (Methylprednilisone sp?) The doctors on campus here are very hesitant to write that for me bc they say its bad for your bones but its the only thing that gets rid of this stuff on me. Is there something else I can take that is just as effective on the poison ivy just not as bad for my bones? Also will this kind of thing show up in a job interview drug test since it is a steroid? Thanks

[My Flight Surgeon]

The Medrol dosepak you described will not hurt you once a year. It will not interfere with a medical or getting hired.

You can use drying agents like calamine lotion.

[MSUDAWG]

ok great thanks....Is it ok if the last time I took the dosepack was last fall? I think it was around sept or oct

[My Flight Surgeon]

Yes, twice a year will not hurt you.

[SlantG]

Can you fly if you are currently taking the methylprednisolone dosepak (Medrol), on any of the days?

If you are taking a medicine that has a waiting period for side effects and you've had that medication before with no side effects, do you have to sit out a new waiting period?

Thanks much!

[My Flight Surgeon]

The first 3 days you should not fly. The last half of the pack would probably be OK. It really depends on why you are taking the Medrol. The underlying condition may be disqualifying.

Again, regarding medications taken previously, it depends on the dose and on the reason you are taking it.