Poison Ivy, Oak, Or Sumac: Home Treatment
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Home Treatment
The rash (allergic contact dermatitis 
) from poison ivy, oak, or sumac generally is mild and can be treated at home. Home treatment for the rash usually helps relieve symptoms rather than speeding up the time it takes the rash to heal.
- If you know you had contact with one of the plants, immediately wash areas of the skin that may have touched the plant. Sometimes the rash can be completely avoided by washing the affected areas with plenty of water within 10 or 15 minutes of contact. However, most people have up to 4 hours to wash the plant oil off before a reaction occurs.2 Clothing should also be thoroughly washed immediately. Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol.
- To relieve itching and help blisters dry out, apply wet compresses or soak the area in cool water. Antihistamine pills or calamine lotion may help relieve symptoms.
- To prevent infection, try not to scratch the rash and cut your fingernails short to minimize the possibility of opening the skin and spreading bacteria.
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| Last updated: | January 12, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Colleen Cronin |
| Reviewed By: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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