If you feel itchy all over after touching a plant with three-pointed leaves during a walk in the woods, don't worry! Poison ivy causes persistent and very irritating rashes because it contains urushiol, an oily substance that causes reactions in most people. They could manifest themselves on simple contact with the ivy or the oil it produces. Even if they are very annoying, it is possible to relieve them! If you're sure it's a poison ivy rash, you can treat it at home or see your doctor. However, consult it immediately if you have difficulty breathing because you have inhaled the substances released by the plant.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Recognizing a Poison Ivy Rash
Step 1. Pay attention to the appearance of a red spot that causes itching 24-48 hours after contact with the ivy
It may appear earlier if you have touched a large amount of urushiol. Typically, the rash occurs only where the skin has been exposed to the oil, so it often has an elongated shape. In most cases, it lasts around 2-3 days.
It may spread if you scratch while there is still oil on your skin. In these cases, it does not necessarily assume a rectilinear shape. If the rash expands after you scratch, then it is likely due to poison ivy or a plant belonging to the same genus, such as poison oak and poison sumac. However, be aware that rashes of a nature other than this can also spread to the body
Step 2. Check for stains if you have touched a contaminated animal or object
Poison ivy oil can remain on pet fur or clothing it comes into contact with, causing skin rashes. If you suspect that your furry friend or something else has been contaminated with this plant, beware of the appearance of a red spot on the affected area.
- Immediately wash clothes that have come into contact with poison ivy by separating them from the rest of the laundry. Touch them as little as possible.
- If your furry friend has been exposed to poison ivy, wash him immediately. The stinging oil of the plant can remain on the hair and spread everywhere. Also, you should wash anything you think has been contaminated because there is a likelihood that the oil will remain on the surface.
- Usually, animals do not develop poison ivy rashes. You will hardly notice contact between your four-legged friend and this plant unless you catch him in the act or develop a reaction after petting him.
Step 3. Look out for blisters and swelling around the affected area
Typically, poison ivy rashes are accompanied by blisters. The sizes vary from a pin to a small coin. It can happen that they break and release a clear liquid, but without spreading the rash. Furthermore, they are characterized by an inflammatory state from which a certain swelling originates.
- Usually, blisters develop within 1 to 14 days after contact with poison ivy.
- Don't break them!
- Poison ivy rashes involve more swelling than other exanthematous reactions.
- Look for purulent discharge. If you notice pus, the lesion may be infected. So, consult your doctor immediately to treat it.
Method 2 of 4: Get First Care
Step 1. Rinse the affected area immediately after contact
Spend cold water on the affected area of skin for a few minutes, but do not soak it. Use a mild soap to remove the urushiol residue. Wash it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of a rash developing or oil contaminating a larger area.
- You may want to use a cloth to lather the affected area. However, if you can't help but use your bare hands to apply soap, the lather should be enough to protect them from exposure to the oil.
- Place the lesion under running water to remove the urushiol. If you soak it, the oil risks mixing with the water, further irritating the skin.
- Avoid hot water as it opens the pores favoring the absorption of oil.
Step 2. Dab the area with alcohol to remove the urushiol
You can use a cotton swab or a handkerchief dipped in alcohol. To avoid the development of an exanthematic reaction, it is better to intervene within 10 minutes of contact with the plant, but also try later to remove the oil residues left on the skin.
Do not pass the handkerchief over areas that did not come into contact with urushiol, otherwise you will spread it inadvertently. You can use a piece of gauze or a cotton swab, but throw it away when you're done
Step 3. Chop up some impatiens capensis if you are outdoors
This plant is considered a natural antidote to poison ivy. It is a lush, short shrub that produces bell-shaped yellow and orange flowers. Squeeze a small amount into a paste, then apply it to the rash. Leave it on until it dries, then rinse it off with cold water.
- Impatiens capensis helps to counteract the action of the oil contained in poison ivy. It can help you avoid a rash or reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Use the absolute paste obtained from this plant. Don't rely on extracts and soaps as they aren't equally effective.
- If you prefer, you can do more than one application.
- You can buy impatiens capensis on the Internet if you can't find it in nurseries.
Method 3 of 4: Relieve the Symptoms at Home
Step 1. Use a corticosteroid cream for 1-3 days
Apply a small amount to the rash with the help of a cotton swab. Don't overdo it because corticosteroids can cause side effects if used for a long time. Reapply the cream every 4 hours only in case of need.
- You should use it for a maximum of 72 hours after the rash appears.
- Read the package insert and follow all instructions. Consult your doctor before using it.
Step 2. Apply calamine lotion to combat itching
You can buy it at the pharmacy to relieve the stinging action of poison ivy. Dab it on the rash with a cotton swab, then let it dry. You can reapply it every 3-4 hours as you like.
- Follow the instructions on the package insert. You should consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications.
- Remember that clothes and sheets can get stained if they come into contact with this substance.
Step 3. Take an antihistamine daily as directed
You can opt for diphenhydramine (Allergan), cetirizine (Zirtec), loratadine (Clarityn) or fexofenadine (Telfast). The antihistamine reduces the body's physiological reaction to the rash, containing the symptoms. Consult your doctor before taking it even if you buy it without a prescription.
- Check the package insert to find out how often you need to take it. Diphenhydramine (Allergan) is taken every 4 hours, while the other drugs only once a day.
- Remember that some antihistamines make you sleepy and that alcohol increases this effect. Read the package insert to find out if they cause sedation. In this case, avoid driving or using machines.
Step 4. Reduce itching with an oatmeal bath
Fill the tub with fresh water, then mix in finely ground colloidal oats. Pour in 85g and soak for 20 minutes, then rinse with clean water before drying.
- Usually, you can find products containing colloidal oats in the personal care aisle inside the supermarket.
- Alternatively, you can grind regular oatmeal with a grinder or blender to make a bath blend. However, it is much easier to use a colloidal oat product.
Step 5. Use a cold, wet compress for 15-30 minutes to reduce swelling
For example, dip a clean cloth in cold water. You can apply it several times a day, but better use a clean one every time.
- You can also soak it in an astringent liquid, such as black tea or a mixture of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Some people get more relief from using these substances. If you use vinegar, try it on a small portion of your skin first to see if you are sensitive.
- Wash the cloth separating it from the rest of the laundry.
Step 6. Use baking soda to reduce itching
You can mix it with water to make a paste or pour 130g into the bath. Baking soda can remove poison from the skin and relieve the rash. If using pasta, wait for it to dry before removing it with cold water.
If you prefer, you can apply it a couple of times a day
Step 7. Use aloe vera to combat itching
Although the aloe vera plant resembles a cactus, it does not sting. The leaves contain a gel that can relieve itching. Just open and squeeze them or you can buy a pack of aloe vera gel at a herbalist's shop. Rub it on the rash.
If you buy the gel, be sure to choose a product that does not contain additives
Method 4 of 4: Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms are severe or if the rash is persistent
It is generally not necessary to see your doctor if you touch poison ivy. You can heal yourself! However, see if the rash covers a large area, the symptoms are affecting your daily life, or the rash does not go away within 2-3 weeks.
- For example, a large area could be the entire calf or forearm.
- If the rash is localized on the face or genitals, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Step 2. Ask your doctor if you can take an oral corticosteroid for severe itching
He may prescribe Prednisone if the irritation is severe or if the rash has spread over a large part of the body. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all drug, so it may recommend that you only use over-the-counter medications.
- Corticosteroids can cause side effects, so you should only take them when needed. The most common side effects of short-term use include sleep disturbances, appetite changes and mood swings.
- Follow your doctor's directions for taking.
Step 3. Prepare to take an antibiotic if you have an infection
You probably won't need it, but it may be needed if the rash gets infected. It happens when a wound forms, so see your doctor in this case.
If you scratch yourself, the risk of developing an infection is higher because the skin is torn. So, avoid scratching the area where the rash is located
Advice
You can avoid poison ivy rashes by wearing long pants and high socks when hiking
Warnings
- Never burn poison ivy plants because smoking can cause severe lung problems. If you have inhaled these substances, consult your doctor immediately.
- Scratching will make the rash worse. You might even spread it! If temptation is strong where a rash is present, put on (or encourage wearing) a pair of gloves. You may also want to lightly cover the wound with sterile gauze.
- In most cases, you can treat poison ivy rashes at home. However, see your doctor immediately if they appear on the face or genitals, if there are purulent blisters (accompanied by yellowish fluid secretions), if the fever is above 38 ° C, or if the rashes persist.
