Stop the itch!

I try to stay busy. Yup, that’s the only thing that really seems to work. 

I was working in my yard recently and I’ve come down with a case of the “itchies.” I’m not sure what exactly happened. I was pruning some bushes and then mowed our grass. With summer coming to a close, I’ve been trying to get out in the yard and make up for the lack of attention I’ve been giving it and offer a little TLC before colder weather comes storming in. 

In my haste, I either touched some poison ivy or poison sumac or was bitten by a slew of mosquitos. I have itchy spots and bumps on both my ankles and left knee. 

Mind over matter

So, for the past week, I’ve been trying to keep busy so that I don’t stop and think about the itching. I’ve been trying to keep myself from thinking or getting annoyed by my itchy skin. I’ve also been using a ton over the counter hydrocortisone and anti-itch creams and taking allergy medicine.

I grew up in the country, but I’ve never quite gotten used to running into poison ivy and such. You’d think I’d be more careful now, at least deal with the itch better than I have, but it hits me head-on every summer. I haven’t had to go to the doctor yet, but I will be soon if the itching doesn’t stop. 

Foolish me

Of course, Dr. Google has let me know that I should expect symptoms for five to twelve days and possibly even longer. The good doctor even reminded me — as if I didn’t already know — that scratching an itch, just makes it worse.

I feel like such a fool. I should know better. Ugh.