Some Basics...

• Poison Ivy, Sumac, and Oak are plants that can cause an itchy, red rash in some people. The oil contained in the plant leaves irritates the skin.
• The next time a person is exposed to the plant, the rash shows up sooner. It will most often appear in 1-3 days.
• The rash is located on exposed body surfaces (such as the hands) or areas touched by the hands (such as the face or genitals).

Symptoms

• Rash is very itchy.
• Rash occurs on exposed skin, like on the hands, arms, and legs. The rash can also occur on areas touched by the hands (the face or genitals).
• There is localized redness, swelling, and weeping blisters.
• The redness and blistering from the rash is often arranged in streaks or lines. This is because the leaves brush across the body in a line as a person walks past.

Prevention

Here are some tips for preventing the rash from Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac.

• Avoid Exposure: Avoid these plants! This is very important if a person has had a bad reaction in the past.
• Wash Skin Right Away After Exposure: If exposed, remove the plant oil from the skin. Wash the exposed part of the body with soap and water within 30 minutes. Wash clothes in warm soapy water.
• Use IvyBlock Before Exposure: This is an over-the-counter (OTC) cream. Put it on the skin before walking in the woods. It coats the skin and acts as a barrier to the poisonous plant oils. It will help protect against a rash. More information can be found at: http://www.ivyblock.com.

1. What You Should Know:
   • Poison Ivy, Sumac, and Oak are plants that can cause an itchy, red rash in some people. The oil contained in the plant leaves irritates the skin.
   • You can treat poison ivy, sumac, or oak rashes at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Cold Water for Itching: Soak the itchy skin in cool water for 20 minutes. You can also massage it with an ice cube. Do this as often as needed to help with the itching and oozing.
3. Hydrocortisone Cream for Itching:
   • Put 1% hydrocortisone cream on the rash 4 times a day. This will help with the itching. Use it for 5 days.
   • Keep the cream in the fridge. It feels better when put on cold.
   • Sold over-the-counter (OTC) in the United States as 0.5% and 1% cream.
   • Sold OTC in Canada as 0.5% cream.
4. Antihistamine Drugs for Itching: Take an antihistamine to help with the itching. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a good choice. It is sold over-the-counter (OTC).The adult dose is 25-50 mg. You can take it up to 4 times a day.
   • Do not take these drugs if you have an enlarged prostate.
   • They may make you feel tired. Do not drink, drive, or use dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
   • An OTC antihistamine that causes less sleepiness is loratadine (Alavert or Claritin).
   • Read all package instructions.
5. Avoid Scratching: Try not to scratch the rash. This could cause a secondary infection from bacteria.
6. New Blisters Appear:
   • If you get new blisters a few days after the first ones, you may have come into contact with the plant oil again.
   • Did you wear clothes that still have the plant oil on them? If yes, you need to wash the clothes.
   • Could it be on your shoes? If yes, clean the shoes.
   • A family dog can carry the plant oil on its hair from being out in the woods or fields. Is this a possibility? If yes, you need to shampoo the dog. Be certain to wear rubber gloves when you do!
7. Spreading the Rash:
   • Poison ivy or oak is not contagious. Poison ivy or oak rash cannot be spread to others.
   • However, remember that the plant oil can stay on your clothes. It can also be carried in your pet's fur.
8. What to Expect: The rash most often lasts 2 weeks. Treatment will help with the severity of the symptoms, not how long they last.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Rash lasts more than 3 weeks
   • It looks infected
   • You get worse