POISON IVY

The poison ivy plant causes a contact dermatitis in many people.  The rash begins one to two days after exposure to the plant, which often occurs while playing in the woods or a field.  Itchy red bumps and blisters appear, usually in patches.  They develop first on exposed body surfaces, but may spread to other areas, by the body’s own reaction to the exposure.

The best treatment is prevention.  Children should learn what the plants look like and try to avoid them.  Poison oak and poison sumac also cause this dermatitis.  If contact occurs, the exposed areas should be washed well with soap and water.  Exposed clothing should also be washed. 

Treatment of the rash is symptomatic.  Cool soaks and 0.5-1 % hydrocortisone cream (over-the-counter) applied to the involved area three times a day for one week may give relief.  The rash may last up to 10-14 days. The fluid in the blisters is not contagious; therefore a person with the rash cannot spread it to others or to other parts of his/her own body, once the area has been washed.  

If the rash is not improving or involves the face, eyes or lips, please call our office.  We may need to see your child and may need to prescribe a prescription strength cortisone cream or an oral steroid.



Index of Medical Topics