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Poison ivy
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Poison ivy
About
Treatments
About
Allergic skin rash caused by direct contact with the toxin from a poison ivy plant
Symptoms may include red blisters with itching and burning pain
May be spread in the air by burning the plant
Cannot be spread from person to person or by contact with fluid from blisters
Affects males and females
Can occur at any age
May be mild to severe depending on the amount of exposure and sensitivity
Treatments
GENERAL THERAPY
“Leaves of 3, let them be”
Reaction occurs in 12 to 48 hours after exposure
Cool wet compresses for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day
Wash area in contact with plenty of water for 5 to 10 minutes, within 10 to 15 minutes of exposure
Cool-water tub soaks with Colloidal oatmeal
Apply over the counter, Bentoquatam to protect the skin
Trim fingernails short to limit possibility of spreading bacteria
MEDICATIONS
Corticosteroid creams:
Hydrocortisone
Calamine lotion
Creams containing menthol
Oral antihistamine:
Diphenhydramine
PRECAUTIONS AND AVOIDANCES
Learn what it looks like and where it grows
Clothing should be washed immediately after contact
Anything in contact with the plant needs to be cleaned: pets; clothes; garden tools; outdoor gear
Wear protective clothing when in areas where poison ivy grows (long pants, long sleeves, and shoes)
Handle contaminated cloths carefully; oil remains allergenic for years, even if dried out
Never handle plant without vinyl gloves (oil can penetrate rubber gloves)
Do not burn poison ivy as oil can be carried by smoke
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:
The reaction is widespread or severe
The rash is in sensitive areas of the body, such as eyes, mouth, or genitals
Oozing pus from blisters
Fever greater than 37.8 ºC (100 ºF)
Rash is not better in a few weeks
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