Poison Ivy- Prevention is Best!
Definition
- Redness and blisters
- Eruption on exposed body surfaces (ex. Hands)
- Shaped like streaks or patches
- Extreme itchiness
- Onset 1 or 2 days after the patient was in a forest or field
Cause
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac cause the same type of rash and are found throughout the United States. More than 50% of people are sensitive to the oil of these plants.
Expected Course
Poison ivy usually lasts 2 weeks. Treatment reduces the symptoms but doesn’t cure the disease. The best approach is prevention.
Home Treatment
Cool Soaks. Soak the involved area in cold water or massage it with an ice cube for 20 minutes as often as necessary. Then let it air-dry. This will reduce itching and oozing.
Steroid Creams
If applied early, a steroid cream can reduce the itching. Note: Your doctor will give you a prescription if necessary.
The sores should be dried up and no longer itchy in 10 to 14 days. In the meantime, cut your child’s fingernails short and encourage your child not to scratch him or herself.
Benadryl. If itching persists, give Benadryl orally (no prescription needed) every 6 hours as needed.
Contagiousness
The fluid from the sores themselves is not contagious. However, anything that has poison ivy oil or sap on it is contagious for about 1 week. This includes the shoes and clothes the patient last wore into the woods, as well as any pets that may have the oil on their fur. Be sure to wash them off with soap and water. The rash begins 1 to 2 days after skin contact.
Prevention
Learn to recognize these plants. Otherwise, avoid all plants with three large shiny, green leaves. Another clue is the presence of shiny black spots on damaged leaves. (The sap of the plant turns black when exposed to air.)
Wear long pants or socks when walking through woods that may contain poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. If you thing your child has had contact with one of these plants wash the exposed areas of skin with any available soap for 5 minutes. Strong laundry soap has no added benefits. Do this as soon as possible, because after 1 hour it is of little value in preventing absorption of the oil.
Contact our office immediately if the rash looks infected (yellow pus, spreading redness, red streaks)
Contact our office during regular hours if:
- the face, eyes, or lips become involved
- the itching becomes severe even with treatment
- poison ivy lasts longer than 2 weeks
- you have other concerns or questions
Written by Barton Schmitt, MD and used with permission