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Poison Ivy - Oak - Sumac

Is this your symptom?

A very itchy rash with blisters
Caused by contact with the poison ivy plant

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 of field.

Cause

Caused by oil from poison ivy, poison oak, and 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

When to Call for Poison Ivy - Oak - Sumac
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now Fever and looks infected (spreading redness or pus) You feel very sick You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent	Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours Looks infected (spreading redness or pus) and no fever Swelling is severe (such as eyes are swollen shut) Severe poison ivy reaction in the past Rash covers more than one fourth of the body Face, eyes, lips or genitals have a rash Severe itching keeps you from sleeping or work Big blisters or sores Taking oral steroids for more than 24 hours and rash getting worse You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Contact Doctor During Office Hours Rash lasts more than 3 weeks You have other questions or concerns	Self Care at Home Mild poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Fever and looks infected (spreading redness or pus)
You feel very sick
You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Looks infected (spreading redness or pus) and no fever
Swelling is severe (such as eyes are swollen shut)
Severe poison ivy reaction in the past
Rash covers more than one fourth of the body
Face, eyes, lips or genitals have a rash
Severe itching keeps you from sleeping or work
Big blisters or sores
Taking oral steroids for more than 24 hours and rash getting worse
You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

Rash lasts more than 3 weeks
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Mild poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash

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 involved area in cool water for 20 minutes.
- You can also rub the rash with an ice cube.
- Do as often as needed to help 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.
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

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call 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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