POISON IVY, OAK OR SUMAC

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR POISON IVY, OAK OR SUMAC

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Difficulty breathing or severe coughing following exposure to burning weeds.
Looks infected (e.g., soft yellow scabs, pus or spreading redness).

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Swelling is severe (e.g., the eyes are swollen shut).
Severe poison ivy reaction in the past.
Rash involves more than one fourth of the body.
Face, eyes, lips or genitals are involved.
Severe itching (e.g., can't sleep).
Big blisters or oozing sores.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

Mild poison ivy or sumac and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

Rashes, Localized and Cause Unknown

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