POISON IVY, OAK, OR SUMAC

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD RASH FROM POISON IVY, OAK OR SUMAC

  1. Steroid Cream: Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream 4 times per day to reduce itching. Keep the cream in the refrigerator (Reason: it feels better if applied cold)
  2. Local Cold: Soak the involved area in cool water for 20 minutes or massage it with an ice cube as often as necessary to reduce itching and oozing.
  3. Benadryl: Take an antihistamine (e.g. diphenhydramine/Benadryl) if itching persists. The adult dosage of Benadryl is 25-50 mg by mouth 4 times daily.
    • Do not take antihistamine medications such as Benadryl if you have prostate enlargement.
    • Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  4. Avoid Scratching: Cut your fingernails short and try not to scratch so as to prevent a secondary infection from bacteria.
  5. New Blisters Appear: If new blisters occur several days after the first ones, you probably have had ongoing contact with the irritating plant oil. To prevent recurrences: bathe all dogs, and wash all clothes and shoes that were with you on the day of exposure.
  6. Contagiousness: Poison ivy or oak is not contagious to others.
  7. Expected Course: Usually lasts 2 weeks. Treatment reduces the severity, not the length.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Rash lasts longer than 3 weeks
    • It looks infected
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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