I ended up wiping with vinegar and applying both hydrocortisone and calamine lotion. I'm not convinced any of those actually helped, probably because the treatment was a whole week after the exposure. I think it just had to run its course.
Hi Spector,
I would agree.
Vinegar must be applied very soon after the envenomation--it results in denaturation of the offending protein(s). However, applied once a rash is well under way, it can do more harm than good.
Calamine lotion would not be expected to be of benefit.
Sometimes cortisone cream can help a bit, but even much more powerful topical steroid preparations often are of only modest efficacy.
Some divers find the best bet to be an OTC antihistamine like loratadine (Claritin, 10 milligrams) or cetirizine (Zyrtec, 10 milligrams) taken as directed, although they can be mildly sedating. A topical preparation such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) ointment can help reduce itching. However, essentially gentle care and tincture of time are the best medicine.
In serious cases prescription antihistamines like Atarax or Vistaril, or oral steroids such as prednisone, may be directed by a doctor, but the situation described does not appear to warrant such treatment at the moment.
Such conditions should be carefully monitored and if the reaction appears to be getting significantly worse, or infection seems to be developing, a dermatologist should consulted as quickly as feasible.
Regards,
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.
