Poison Ivy - Oak - Sumac

DEFINITION

• A very itchy, blistering rash caused by contact with the poison ivy plant

• Localized redness, swelling, and weeping blisters
• Located on exposed body surfaces (such as the hands) or areas touched by the hands (e.g., the face or genitals). May be carried by pets.
• Extreme itchiness
• Onset 1 or 2 days after the patient was in a forest or field
• Rash is shaped like streaks or lines

• Caused by oil from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants
• The oil is found in the leaves, stems, berries and roots of the plant.
• May be carried by pets.

• Poison ivy or oak is not contagious to others. No need to miss any school or child care.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• It doesn't look like poison ivy, see RASH - LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD POISON IVY

1. Steroid Cream: Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) 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 (no prescription needed) 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 or other pets.
   • Also, 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.
   • The fluid from the blisters or rash cannot cause poison ivy.
   • No need to miss any school or child care.
7. Expected Course: Usually lasts 2 weeks. Treatment reduces the severity of symptoms, not how long they last.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Poison ivy lasts for over 3 weeks
   • It looks infected
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.