POISON IVY, OAK OR SUMAC

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD POISON IVY

  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. Antihistamines:  If itching persists, give Benadryl orally every 6 hours as needed (see Dosage table).
  4. Avoid Scratching:  Cut the fingernails short and discourage scratching to prevent a secondary infection from bacteria.
  5. More Poison Ivy:  If new blisters occur several days after the first ones, your child probably has ongoing contact with poison ivy oil.  To prevent recurrences, bathe all dogs and wash all clothes and shoes that were with your child 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:
    • Poison ivy lasts for more than 3 weeks.
    • It looks infected.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops 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.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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