Symptoms of Poison Ivy

• Rash is shaped like streaks or lines.
• Red streaks with weeping blisters.
• Rash found on exposed body surfaces (such as the hands). Also, can be on areas touched by the hands. Areas that can be affected in this way are the face or genitals.
• Very itchy.
• Onset 1 or 2 days after exposure, such as you were in a forest or field.

Cause

• Caused by oil from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac plants.
• The oil is found in the leaves, stems, berries and roots of the plant.
• Oil may be carried on pet's fur.
• The oil from the plant causes the skin to itch, turn red and blister.

When to Call for Poison Ivy - Oak - Sumac

Care Advice for Mild Poison Ivy

What You Should Know about Poison Ivy:

• Poison ivy is caused by skin contact with the oil from the plant.
• The oil can also come from the fur of outdoor pets.
• Most poison ivy rashes can be treated at home.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Steroid Cream for Itching:

• To help with the itch, put 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid) on the rash.
• No prescription is needed.
• Use 3 times per day.

Cold Soaks for Itching:

• Soak the rash area in cool water for 20 minutes.
• You can also rub the rash with an ice cube.
• Do this as often as needed to help with the itching and oozing.

Allergy Medicine for Itching:

• If itching persists, take an allergy medicine, such as Benadryl.
• Use every 6 hours, as needed. No prescription is needed.
• If needed longer than a few days, switch to a long-acting allergy med, such as Zyrtec.

Try Not to Scratch:

• Cut the fingernails short.
• Do not scratch the area.
• Reason: to prevent more damage to the skin and a skin infection from bacteria.

More Poison Ivy - Prevention:

• New blisters may occur several days after the first ones. This means you may have ongoing contact with poison ivy oil.
• To prevent it from coming back, bathe all dogs or other pets.
• Wash all clothes and shoes that you wore on the day of contact.

Return to Work and Other Activities:

• Poison ivy or oak cannot be spread to others.
• The fluid from the blisters or rash can't cause poison ivy.
• No need to miss any work.

What to Expect:

• Most often, the rash lasts 2 weeks.
• Treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms.
• Treatment does not change how long they last.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Poison ivy lasts for more than 3 weeks
• It looks infected
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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