I'm skeptical that this expired prednisone is working at all on this poison ivy. it's been 3 days, the reaction hasn't gotten terribly worse, but it isn't going away.
Discussion
FWIW - Zanfel worked for me when I used it within the first few days.
I had brutal poison ivy on both forearms last summer - skin got leathery and I thought it was going to leave scars. I tried Zanfel and I think it helped some, but I was already at least a week into the rash by the time I used it.
In any case, it definitely helped the next time I started developing a reaction. I think it kept the rash to a minimum and it cleared up quickly.
once it runs its course it does seem to go away quickly. I'm at day 6 or 7 since the exposure, should be soon.
been using topical cortisone as well.
I don't remember the timing, but my really bad case seemed to take ages to clear up. 10 days total? Two weeks? Soon after that I had another exposure, and that time I used the Zanfel early on and I think it resolved quickly (2 days?).
It's probably very individual. Someone in my family doesn't react at all to it, so my guess is that even among those of us who are affected there's probably a range of reactions and timelines.
I'm glad it's clearing up for you!