Rash (Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac) (an allergic contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to the sap of poison ivy, oak or sumac)
Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
Difficulty breathing
Eyes, face or genitals are involved
More than 30% of body surface is involved
Yes
No
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening.
oil from the plants cause the rash (note: smoke from burning plants carries the oil)
50 percent of people react and/or are sensitive to the plant
rash and blisters may develop within 2 days and lasts 7 - 10 days
fluid from blisters will not cause the rash to spread or be contagious to others
pets can carry the plant oil on their fur
an OTC product is now available which neutralizes the oil and can be applied before contact
Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
signs of infection (red streaks, swelling, fever and/or discharge)
many large blisters
rash plus other symptoms of illness: generalized swelling, headache, fever
rash remains red and itchy after more than 2 weeks of self management
Yes
No
Contact Your Health Care Provider.
Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
remove clothes and wash within 15 minutes of exposure
wash skin with soap and water as soon as possible (longer than 1 hour after contact is of little effect because the toxic oil has already penentrated into a deeper skin layer)
apply hydrocortisone cream (Cortaid, Hydrocort) as needed to relieve itching
do not apply hydrocortisone cream if blisters are open
take OTC antihistamine (Benadryl) as needed to relieve itching
apply cool wet compresses for 20 minutes 4 times per day to relieve itching
