Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac injury

Alternative names:

ivy - poison; oak - poison; poison ivy dermatitis; poison oak dermatitis; poison sumac dermatitis; sumac - poison

First aid:

1. The skin should be washed with soap and warm water as soon as possible following exposure. After 30 minutes, the resin has penetrated the skin and cannot be washed off. Rubbing alcohol is superior to water for removing resin. Other products include Technu Poison Oak-N-Ivy Cleanser (alkane and alcohol combination) and Dr. West's Ivy Detox Cleanser, which contains magnesium sulfate.
   
   
2. Scrub under the fingernails with a brush to prevent spreading of the oils to other parts of the body by touching or scratching.
   
   
3. Wash the clothing and shoes of the exposed person with soap and water. Oils can linger on these surfaces for several days.
   
   
4. Bathe animals who may have been exposed and can carry the oils on their fur.
   
   
5. Body heat and sweating can aggravate itching. Keep the victim cool and apply cool compresses to the skin.
   
   
6. Calamine lotion may be applied to the skin to decrease itching.
   
   
7. Antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) soothe itchy skin and act as sedatives. For non-sedating antihistamines try Allegra (fexofenadine). Bathing in tepid water with either one cup of Aveeno oatmeal or a mixture of one-half pound of baking soda and two cups of linnet starch can relieve itching. Aluminum acetate soaks can also be helpful.
   
   
8. In cases of severe or extensive rash, especially around the face or genitals, your physician may prescribe oral or injected steroids.

Do not:

• DO NOT touch the skin or clothing of the exposed person with your bare hands, if possible

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• The rash covers more than one quarter of the body.
• The victim is suffering a severe allergic reaction such as swelling and/or difficulty breathing or has had a severe reaction to a past exposure.
• The victim is coughing following exposure to the smoke of burning plants.

CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IF:

• The itching is severe and cannot be controlled.
• The rash affects the face, lips, eyes or genitals.
• The rash shows signs of infection such as pus, yellow fluid leaking from blisters, odor or increased tenderness.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial