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Poison Ivy


The Basics


Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is poison ivy? " � Poison ivy is a plant that can cause an itchy, red skin rash. When people have this rash, they often say, "I got poison ivy. " � � �
The same substance that causes the poison ivy rash is also found in poison oak, poison sumac, the ginkgo fruit, and mango peels. � �
How did I get poison ivy? " � You might have gotten poison ivy if you: � �
  • Touched a poison ivy plant
  • Touched something that had the plants oils on it (such as clothing, animal fur, or garden tools)
  • Were nearby when poison ivy plants were being burned

What does poison ivy look like? " � Poison ivy and poison oak have 3 leaves coming off a single stem. That's why there is a saying, "leaves of 3, let them be. " � The leaves start out green, but they can turn red or brown. Even dead plants can cause the rash. � �
What will happen to my rash? " � Your rash should go away within 1 to 3 weeks, but it might form blisters before it does. Blisters are little bubbles of skin that are filled with fluid. They can show up in different places at different times. But that does not mean that the rash is spreading. Touching the blisters or the fluid inside the blisters will not spread the rash. � �
What can I do to relieve the itching? " � You can: � �
  • Avoid scratching (that makes the itch worse)
  • Try putting a cold, wet cloth or paper towels on your rash
  • Use calamine lotion
  • If your blisters have started to pop, use skin products that havealuminum acetate in them (examples include Burrow's solution and Domeboro)

Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � You should see your doctor or nurse if: � �
  • Your rash is severe
  • Most of your body is affected
  • Your face or genitals are affected
  • You have a lot of swelling
  • You are not sure that you have poison ivy
  • Your rash oozes pus or gives other signs of being infected
  • Your rash does not get better after 2 to 3 weeks

If you have a very bad rash, your doctor or nurse can prescribe medicines called steroids. These medicines can reduce swelling and relieve itching. Steroids come in creams, ointments, and pills. Your doctor or nurse will decide what form you should use. � �
Steroid creams and ointments are also sold without a prescription. But non-prescription versions are not usually strong enough to help with poison ivy. � �
Some creams or lotions can make your rash worse " � The products listed below sometimes cause a reaction that makes your skin more itchy or irritated: � �
  • Antihistamine creams or lotions
  • Numbing products that have benzocaine
  • Antibiotic ointments that have neomycin or bacitracin

How do I keep from getting poison ivy again? " � You can: � �
  • Stay away from poison ivy, even if the plant is dead
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when working near poison ivy, and wash your clothes right away when you are done
  • Wear thick vinyl gloves when doing yard work (latex and rubber gloves do not always protect against poison ivy)
  • Gently wash with soap and water if you do touch poison ivy (do not scrub)
  • Avoid burning poison ivy plants

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15494 Version 5.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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