Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site wivax.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!wivax!ardis
From: ardis@wivax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: cortisone
Message-ID: <18562@wivax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 30-Aug-83 09:31:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: wivax.18562
Posted: Tue Aug 30 09:31:05 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 1-Sep-83 03:53:44 EDT
References: <5669@watmath.UUCP>
Organization: Wang Institute, Tyngsboro, Ma.
Lines: 16

Yes, cortisone works wonderfully for inflammations like poison ivy.
I contracted a bad case of poison oak, once, and used two forms of
cortisone: cream on the rash and prednisone internally.  (My doctor
was worried about systemic reaction, as the rash was around my eyes.)
The itching went away within a few minutes, while the rash took a
few days to clear up.

Cortisone is a pretty strong drug to mess with.  It has mood-altering
properties (my colleagues thought I was pretty wierd for awhile) and
changes the body's natural balance of antihystamines.  So, when I
foolishly stopped taking the prednisone after the rash left, I immediately
broke out all over my body.  You have to taper-off gradually, so that
your body can readjust the balance.  The cream does not change your
body chemistry so drastically.  If your case is severe, see a doctor
and ask about the cream.  There are several side effects which you
should consider.