Prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid, so consider it only for severe poison ivy reactions. If your rash covers a significant portion of your body (over 20%), causes significant swelling, or affects your face or genitals, prednisone may be necessary. Severe itching disrupting sleep or daily activities also warrants consideration.
Factors Influencing Prednisone Use
Your doctor will assess the severity of your reaction. Factors like your overall health, other medications you take, and potential side effects of prednisone will influence the decision. They may prefer other treatments for milder cases. Expect a discussion of potential side effects, including increased blood sugar and blood pressure, before starting prednisone.
If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical attention. This indicates a serious allergic reaction requiring immediate treatment, which may include prednisone alongside other interventions.
