An Expensive Rash

An excellent treatment for early poison ivy is a topical steroid cream. Low dose steroids, such as over the counter strength creams, not only are not helpful but can lead to exacerbation of the condition.  The continued itching and subsequent scratching can lead to infection and patient frustration.

There are a couple of often used products that safe and effective. These creams have been around forever – so long that only the generic product is still available. Imagine my shock when a patient told me that a small tube was more than $400! My database lists the average cost to be $25. I immediately called the pharmacist who said that the patient actually got an insurance discount and the full retail price is nearly $600.

It turns out that the ever increasing cost of dermatologic medications is a huge problem. For a variety of reasons, the manufacturers are leaving the market, resulting in shortages and prices that escalate in the face of demand. Those patients lucky enough to have insurance have greater out of pocket expenses – but one case of poison ivy can put a big dent in the deductible.