It is highly adaptable and can grow as a vine that climbs trees and walls, a bush, or along the ground.
#How to treat poison ivy how to
How to Spot Poison IvyĬommon to North America, poison ivy, botanically known as Toxicodendron radicans, is found throughout most of the United States, including all states except Hawaii, Alaska, and California, and in Canada. You can avoid a poison ivy rash by knowing how to spot it, but if you do brush up against this poison plant, then here's how you can treat your poison ivy symptoms and find relief. If you’re in the greater New York City area, Vanguard Dermatology’s experts can help diagnose and treat your poison oak or poison ivy rash so you can finally get some relief and prevent any long-term scarring.If you have ever lived near a forest or explored wooded areas, you may be familiar with the rhyme, “leaves of three, let it be.” Referring to poison ivy, if you brush up against this plant, your body may react with a very irritating, itchy rash that takes weeks to heal. If you develop a fever, the rash worsens, or blisters are oozing pus, it’s time to see a doctor. In order to avoid contact with poison ivy or poison oak in the future, always wear clothing that covers any exposed areas like arms and ankles. Scratching will only keep it inflamed, and can potentially break the skin, causing oozing and even infection. When a rash is itching at all hours of the day and night, refusing to scratch it can be very difficult, but it’s essential. It’s important that you only leave the compress on for 15-30 minutes at a time. Don’t have one? Try a homemade compress of ice wrapped in a clean towel, or even a cold washcloth. While it may be tempting to heap a pile of ice over your poison ivy or poison oak rash, don’t apply ice directly to the skin. The numbing effect of a cold compress can feel wonderful on a rash that itches relentlessly, and you can try this method several times throughout the day. One of the most effective treatments for an itch is cold.
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Otherwise, exposure to the air can help dry it up more quickly. If the rash is oozing at all, keep it covered. Be sure you use a clean towel with every bath or shower, as the spread of bacteria can cause infection if blisters are open. Pat the rash dry, taking care not to rub it. Cooler showers can actually temporarily relieve the itch. Try to limit your regular showers to about 5 minutes when you have a poison ivy or poison oak rash. Look for hydrocortisone or diphenhydramine-based ointments or lotions at your local pharmacy and apply them to the rash to relieve symptoms. While stronger-potency corticosteroids are prescription-only, you can get mild topical creams over the counter. Calamine lotion is often messy when first applied, so opt for a nighttime application and let it fully dry before touching any surfaces.Ĭorticosteroids and diphenhydramine offer relief from itching, swelling, and hives - symptoms of inflammation that may occur with poison oak or poison ivy rashes.
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Use Itch-Relieving OintmentsĪ household staple for itchy rashes, calamine lotion is a great first step to soothe the itch.
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If you’re suffering from a raised, red rash that itches terribly and you’ve recently spent time outside, you may have been exposed to one of these plants.
#How to treat poison ivy skin
While the plants themselves aren’t poisonous, the oil they produce causes a blistering rash with the slightest skin contact. It’s always possible to accidentally brush up against these plants. Before an outdoor activity, it’s a good idea to take a look at some photos of these plants so you know how to identify them. It can have three, five, or even seven leaf clusters. Poison ivy plants found in wooded areas across most of North America have three leaves and are green. How to Identify and Treat Poison Ivy What Causes a Poison Ivy or Poison Oak Rash? If you make contact with poison oak or poison ivy plants while enjoying the outdoors, chances are you’ll be dealing with it for at least a week.