Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac
Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac
Definition and cause
This is a skin irritation most commonly caused by contact with the leaves of the plant, but it may be obtained by digging in the ground that contains the growing plant, smoke of the burning plant, unwashed clothes, dried plants, or pets.  Symptoms usually develop several hours to 10 days after exposure and last 7-10 days.
Itchy, fluid-filled blisters usually appear on the arms or legs.
Early blisters may be red and raised.
Lines of redness or blisters are usually seen where the plant has brushed across the skin.
Symptoms
The condition is usually seasonal, occuring in the summer.
Treatment during the acute, weeping, itchy phase
Soak the affected area in saline solution (1/4 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 cup warm water) or Burow's solution, if this can be done easily, or use cold compresses for 20 minutes, 4-6 times a day.

Apply a drying lotion such as Calamine after each soak or cold compress, or if the area is not weeping, apply Hydrocortisone 1/2% ointment three times a day to the affected area for1 week.

Use Benadryl 3-4 times daily for itching for the first 2 days until the soaks or compresses begin to take effect.  See the package for correct dosage for your child's age and weight, or ask the pharmacist.

Keep nails short and wash hands often to avoid secondary infection.
Treatment during the healing phase
Apply a lubricating lotion to dry skin.
Prevention
Learn what poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac look like and how to avoid it.

Wash all clothes worn at the time of contact.

If known exposure occurs in the future, immediately wash the area of contact to prevent or minimize symptoms.
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac
A doctor is needed when . . .
. . . the face, eyes, mucous membranes, and genitalia are involved

. . . a large area of the body is involved

. . . signs of infection are present

. . . a child has signs of breathing or kidney problems
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