- plant that emits the oily
irritant, urushiol. The urushiol chemically “locks on” to skin proteins
within 20 minutes after exposure to the plant.
Contact with this annoying oil produces a rash in three out of four
people. Symptoms include:
-
rash with redness and blisters
-
eruptions on exposed body surfaces
-
shaped like streaks or patches
-
extreme itchiness
-
onset 1 to 2 days after patient was in a forest or field
-
symptoms usually last two weeks.
The
best treatment is prevention, however if you find yourself with the rash,
treatment includes: cool soaks to affected area, 1% hydrocortisone cream
twice/day for 3 days.
Cut
fingernails short to prevent infection from scratching.
Benadryl orally may be used to decrease itching.
Contagion:
The fluid from the sores is not contagious. However, anything that has poison ivy oil or sap on it is
contagious for about one week. This
includes shoes and clothes the patient wore, as well as any pets with oil on
them. Wash items with soap and
water. The rash begins 1 to 2
days after contact.
Prevention includes learning to recognize the plant.
Poison Ivy
Wear long pants or socks when walking through the woods.
If you think you have come into contact with this plant wash any
exposed areas of skin several times. Try to do this within one hour of
exposure.
Need
to be seen if poison ivy
is on
the face, eyes or lips or if with
signs of infection
(pus or soft yellow scabs).
Poison sumac and Poison oak contain urushiol also so be aware of these plants too.
