What is poison ivy?
Poison ivy is a form of contact dermatitis. Once your skin comes into contact with the oily resin found on the leaves, stems, and roots of the poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak plants, you develop an inflamed, itchy rash.
The rash usually develops within 12-48 hours after contact with the resin. The severity of your skin condition will depend on the amount of resin transferred to your skin.
What causes poison ivy?
Poison ivy is an allergic reaction to urushiol. This sticky, oily resin is produced by poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak plants. This resin sticks to your skin, clothes, even your pet’s fur.
You get poison ivy when your skin comes into direct (plant to the skin) or indirect (transfer from your clothing or pet) contact with urushiol. You can also inhale the oily resin when burning the plant.
The best way to prevent poison ivy is to avoid contact with the plant. When outside in areas where the plants grow, keep your skin covered with clothing and remove and wash your clothing immediately afterward.
You should also wash all tools and pets that may have had contact with the plant to prevent indirect exposure to the irritant.
When should I seek medical help for my poison ivy?
Mild poison ivy cases can be treated at home. However, if your rash is severe, widespread, or fails to improve within a few weeks, schedule an appointment at Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates.
The team also recommends that you schedule a consultation if you suspect you have an infection.
How is poison ivy treated?
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for poison ivy. However, the team at Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates offers treatments that ease the itching and discomfort. Your treatment plan can include oral or topical corticosteroids and an antibiotic if you have an infection.
The team also offers suggestions for at-home care to ease the itching and discomfort. You can apply cortisone or calamine lotion to the poison ivy, soak in an oatmeal bath, or use cool, wet compresses.
Even with professional care, it may take a few weeks for your poison ivy to go away.
To get relief from your poison ivy, call Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates today or request an appointment online.
