Edition: U.S. / Global

Systemic Poison Ivy

Published: July 6, 1999

To the Editor:

In the early 40's I had a major bout with poison ivy and it eventually became systemic, something that was not thought possible then.

I found that running very hot water over the parts that could be reached with the water intensified the itching while controlling it at the same time. And, most important, the terrible itching stopped on those areas for about half an hour.

I have had occasion to resort to that palliative several times over the years.

I let running water gradually get as hot as possible, because the relief is great, however brief it may be.


South Hadley, Mass.

Photo (Ed Lam)