[VFB] Itchy in WY

[DonO]

VFB'ers,   A few weeks ago I went fishing down by the river and got into some Poison Ivy or something like that.  Been to the Doc, but the ointments he's been prescribing do nothing for the itch and seem to actually feed the rash, allowing it to spread.  He wants to put me on a massive dose of steroids, but I'm reluctant because of the possible side effects.  My back surgery is finally set again for next Tuesday.  I don't want to do anything drastic that may postpone it again.   I got on the internet and there must be a 100 home remedies listed, from banana peels to cool whip.  I tried the blow-drier approach and it actually gave me a lot of relief from the itching.  Does anyone have a home remedy that works well to clear up Poison Ivy (could have been Oak or Sumac- I never saw it)?  Incantations are definitely out- I don't have any eye of newt or hair of toad.   This is fishing related, as it may be a good thread to save- just in case we're attacked in our favorite fishing hole. I don't remember this thread in the past, so it may be helpful to a lot of us- like me.  A good quick remedy may save a fishing vacation.   Thanks, DonO   This is one site I visited.  A lot or reference material here.   http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/cures.html