The old adage “leaves of three, let them be” is often easier said than done. Up to 40 million Americans will feel the infamous itch of poison ivy – a plant found throughout North America that typically grows in the form of a vine, often along riverbanks. For most people, this itchy rash will appear one or two days after they have been exposed to the plant, and it can last anywhere from 10 days to three weeks.
“The allergic reaction from poison ivy is caused by oil in the plant,” said Lisa Hammer, MD, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. “The reaction usually starts with redness and swelling of the skin, which is then followed by either bumps or blisters.”
Take the “Itch” Out of Summer
1. Wash the area. “If you come into contact with poison ivy, the best advice is to wash your skin as quickly as possible with soap and cold, running water,” said Dr. Hammer. Do this within minutes of coming into contact with the plant to prevent the oil from absorbing into the skin. Also, avoid vigorously scrubbing the area or using hot water since these may further open pores or cause more irritation to the skin.
2. Cool off. “People with poison ivy tend to find relief from cool baths or cool compresses,” she said. She also recommends massaging the affected area with an ice cube for relief. But don’t forget to let the area air dry after soaking or massaging it with an ice cube. Allowing it to air dry will reduce itching and oozing of blisters.
3. Use oral or topical antihistamines. Oral antihistamines such as Benadryl® will help to reduce the itch of poison ivy. She also recommends the use of topical creams such as calamine lotion to ease itching.
4. Wash clothing and shoes. Be sure to wash the clothing and shoes you were wearing when you came into contact with the poison ivy. Use soap and hot water to remove any oil that may still be on these items.
5. Give the dog a bath. The rash caused by poison ivy can spread if there are oils from the plant on your pet’s fur, or even on other items around the yard such as gardening tools. “Oil can stay on these types of surfaces for up to five years,” said Dr. Hammer. She recommends thoroughly washing both pets and other items that may have come into contact with poison ivy to remove the oils.
6. Stop the rash from spreading to others. The fluid from the sores caused by poison ivy is not contagious. The rash caused by poison ivy will only spread to other areas of the body if the oil from the plant is still on your skin. And the rash will only spread to another person if you have oil on your hand and touch them. Once the oil has been removed from your skin, it is no longer possible to spread the rash.
7. If the reaction is severe, seek medical attention. Most cases of poison ivy can be handled at home. In rare cases, however, poison ivy can be extremely serious or even cause death. “Occasionally, poison ivy can become a more severe situation in someone who’s highly sensitized to the reaction, or if someone is exposed to a large amount of the oil, either by breathing in fumes when the plant is being burned or having the oils enter areas of broken skin,” said Dr. Hammer.
For severe reactions, specifically involving the face or the genital area, or for significant swelling, pain, or irritation that disrupts sleep or daily activities, see your doctor for more potent treatments. |
