Poison Ivy Treatment
Prevention, the First Line of Poison Ivy Treatment
While a life without a visit to a wooded area in North America is a sad life indeed, it pays to protect against poison ivy. The poison ivy plant is so common east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States, that a trip to the woods means that poison ivy will likely be there, lurking. The “leaves of three, let it be phrase” is actually quite useful in this regard.
Being aware of the environment, staying on trails rather than exploring the underbrush, and avoiding plants that resemble poison ivy are good methods to reduce the risk of exposure to urushiol oil. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants when possible. Also, remember that pets can collect urushiol oil from poison ivy plants on their coats. The oil can then be transferred to the skin of the owner and cause a poison ivy rash.
Stop Poison Ivy Before It Starts
Urushiol oil is the causative agent in poison ivy rashes—if you remove the oil from the skin you prevent the rash from occurring. Anyone that has been exposed to poison ivy should wash the affected area with soap and water thoroughly. If the oil is allowed to remain on the skin for more than 15 minutes, washing the area will no longer help. The use of soap is important since the urushiol oil is not soluble in water without the help of a detergent.
Hand sanitizer or other alcohol based liquid can be used to clean the skin since urushiol oil dissolves in alcohol. The area can be rinsed with water after the alcohol has been applied. The skin should not be washed so vigorously that it breaks down or becomes abraded, however. Broken skin allows urushiol oil to penetrate deeper into the body.
Stop The Poison Ivy Itch
Once the poison ivy rash (allergic contact dermatitis) has begun, the primary poison ivy treatment is to stop the itch. Poison ivy remedies fall into two categories:
- Treatments you place on the skin (topical)
- Oral poison ivy treatment
For most people, topical poison ivy remedies will suffice. The skin can be treated with cool compresses to stop the itch. Several over-the-counter products may be helpful as well such as Aveeno (oatmeal bath), Calamine lotion (a thick lotion of minerals), and topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone cream 1%).
Oral poison ivy treatments include antihistamines; the classic antihistamine used in poison ivy treatment is diphenhydramine (Benadryl) although others may also be effective.
Poison Ivy Treatment From a Physician
Most cases of poison ivy rash can be treated at home with over-the-counter poison ivy remedies. However, severe poison ivy and certain poison ivy complications require the treatment of a medical professional. If the rash reaches the eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals you should speak with a doctor. Also, if the skin is being destroyed from scratching (drawing blood, extreme redness), more aggressive poison ivy treatment is probably necessary. Further, if there is extensive swelling, redness, or pus coming from the poison ivy rash, it may mean that a bacterial skin infection has developed.
A physician can prescribe poison ivy remedies that will stop the contact dermatitis more quickly. More potent antipruritic (anti-itching) creams and lotions can be supplied by a physician. These may include topical corticosteroids like Clobetasol and Triamcinolone cream. A short course of oral corticosteroids like prednisone for one week may be required to stop the itching and inflammation.
More powerful anti-itching mediciations can be prescribed as well. Hydroxyzine (Atarax) is one such potent antihistamine that is used. Alternatively doxepin, which is mostly known as an antidepressant, has profound effects on histamine receptors and can block itchiness sensations. Finally, if a bacterial skin infection is suspected, oral antibiotics may be prescribed such as Cephalexin (Keflex) or Augmentin.
