I am new to Lactnet but have been eager to join since I heard about
this service at LLLI and read about it in Leaven.  I'm in the middle
of a move, so I had not logged on until now.  I have developed a very
special concern of my own.  I have poison ivy on my breast and tummy.
 It began a week ago, and seems to cover a larger area today than it
did in the beginning.  I am nursing a 13 month old.  The rash seems
to be very close to my areola tissue. I worry that it is spreading
still and will soon be on the area he covers with his mouth.  I
really am not familiar with how poison ivy spreads.  My fear is that
he might get the poison ivy in his system, and become ill, or develop
a rash in his mouth.  Is this fear warrented?  I am using calemine
lotion on the areas of my breast that do not enter his mouth (I hope).
  Is this safe.  I've used baking soda paste on areas closer to the
areola, but it is not as effective, and I am quite uncomfortable.  I
have been scratching, but since I noticed it spreading have tried not
to.

My little boy is an avid nurser with many allergies.  Nursing is 90%
of his food intake.  My affected breast (the right one) produces
probably 75% of my milk supply.    Do we face any dangers in
continuing to nurse on the right side?

Thank you for your time and help.  I will log on soon to read any
replies.
                                                        Taffy
(Stephanie) Kulp
                                                        (I am a
Leader in Wisconsin, moving to Ohio in a week,
                                                         I am also an
ACLA)