• 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

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