Poison Ivy Vaccine Anyone?

Over the years, I’ve been told by medical professionals and wise folks that I should get a tetanus shot. Even if you’re older, it’s recommended to get this shot at least every 10 years as an adult. I reluctantly listened and got my shot several years ago. One less thing to worry about, I guess.

Over the last few years, I’ve been advised by medical professionals and wise individuals that, at my age, I should receive the shingles vaccine. I reluctantly listened and got my two shots several years ago. If you've ever met anyone who had shingles or seen pictures of shingles, only the foolish would look away. Anyway, one less thing to worry about, I guess.

A few weeks ago, I noticed a rash on both my forearms. It’s been very hot recently, and while working outside, my wife told me it was probably eczema, particularly evident in areas where I’m more likely to sweat. After a day or two, it didn’t improve, and in some places, it worsened, so off to an urgent care clinic for a professional diagnosis. After several physicians examined the aggressive rash on several parts of my body, they both concluded it was poison ivy. Knowing can be half the battle. However, this is the second time I’ve gotten poison ivy – I'm not sure if I’m more susceptible to it, but who knows. It appears scientists are working on a poison ivy vaccine, but so far, there has been little success. While I look at my “arms on fire” from time to time, it would be helpful to have such a tool.

OK, I’ll ask it again. Why don’t we have a vaccine for poison ivy? We have a vaccine for shingles. We have vaccines for rusty nails. We have vaccines for many other ailments to ensure we’re a healthier society, but there is no vaccine for poison ivy. We should have a vaccine for that malicious plant that has caused so many problems over the years with people’s skin and overall operations of the body.

Some may wonder how I contracted this? I laid down bulk mulch (5 cubic yards) a few weeks ago, and it must have been in the mulch. Luckily, I was wearing gloves, so it originated on my wrists and forearms. Oral and topical medications are working very slowly. One thing I learned with poison ivy is that topical medicines will not do the trick; you have to attack this from the inside, too.

The last thing I intended to focus on was an aggressive skin condition while spreading mulch through the yard, but here I am.

Poison Ivy Vaccine Anyone?