Nothing ruins the fun of the outdoors quicker than being exposed to poison ivy. If you are lucky enough not to have a poison ivy allergy ... good for you! For those who are unsure or fear the shiny, green leaves of 3 and are looking to enjoy the outdoors rash-free, follow along! Bonus: poison oak and poison sumac can be treated this way as well! (1)
Identifying poison ivy:
As seen here, poison ivy leaves cluster in 3, are pointy and shiny. They creep up poles, trees, road signs, and walls. Poison oak, which can also cause an itchy, raised, rash, is treated similarly. It can be identified by 'leaves of 3' but may also have clusters of 5 leaves, which have a rounded shape (see illustration, below).
Poison sumac leaves likewise contain the oil that causes an allergic reaction, so the same idea applies here. Poison sumac looks very different than poison ivy and oak (see illustration above). Look for branches with 7 to 13 smooth-edged, green leaves in the summer, yellow-orange-red leaves in the Spring and Fall. All three types of rash-creating leaves may contain whitish colored berry clusters. (2)
How do I get the rash?
The leaves contain an oil called Urushiol (pronounced U-ROO-SHE-OL) on its surface. (1,7) When the leaves are touched, the oil transfers from the leaf to whatever touched it ... and if it is transferred to the skin of a person who is allergic to the plant, the body will start reacting to the oil, creating a rash. (1)
How to prevent getting poison ivy rash:
The best way to avoid a poison ivy, oak or sumac rash is to STAY AWAY from the plant. Helpful tips can include planning to wear long sleeves, long pants, and gloves if you know you may come in contact with the plant (5,9).
But what if, for example:
· The volleyball is hit into the poison ivy?
· Fluffy and Fido run into the woods or weeds and rub against the poison ivy?
· The hiking trip takes you through poison ivy and although arms and legs were covered, you know the clothes now contain the poison ivy oil?
If the contaminated object is touched, the oil that was transferred from the leaves to the object is now able to cause a rash when touched. Be careful not to rub your eyes or scratch your face. (1)
Treating the exposed areas:
The best way to get poison ivy off of skin, clothing, or other objects is to wash immediately with soap and lukewarm water. The soap cuts the oil similarly to the way a degreaser cuts through grease. There is a tried and true 'old fashioned' remedy known as 'Fels Naptha' laundry soap that comes in a rectangular bar, is tan in color and works very well, but any soap will do. Washing skin and hair should be done as soon as possible after the exposure in order to prevent an allergic reaction (rash). Be careful when treating clothing: throw clothes into the washer as soon as removed. Wash your hands and arms well after handling the clothes and rinse well. Washing or wiping down your pet with soap and water will help to prevent the oil from transferring to skin. Wear gloves to do this task. (4,5,8) (Beware when pets rub against your legs with concern for exposure and if need be, wash the skin that was exposed by your pet.) (2,6)
Treating the rash:
What if, despite all of your efforts to avoid getting the dreaded rash, you still find yourself with a rash? The poison ivy rash develops into a raised flesh-colored to pink/red bubbly area that is very itchy. The itchy areas can usually be treated with remedies such as Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream (2,8,9). Cool compresses, and oatmeal baths may also be helpful in providing relief of itching, and the oatmeal bath can aid with drying of the rash (2,8,9) Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (benadryl), cetirizine (zyrtec), or loratadine (claritin), may be considered to help with symptoms. Seeking a medical evaluation is recommended before trying any new medication to ensure the treatment is appropriate, especially if this is the first time having this type of rash (8,9). Be sure to keep the rash areas clean to prevent infection.
Of note:
Unless the poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash still has the Urushiol oil on the skin, it is not contagious. Even if the rash is oozing, it cannot spread to another person. (1)
If you take medication for hypertension, use caution in taking an antihistamine that contains a decongestant (ie: Zyrtec-D). The decongestant should NOT be taken unless instructed by your medical provider, as it can interfere with your blood pressure medication and put you at risk for unexpected episodes of high blood pressure (10).
When to contact your medical provider:
Seek help from a medical provider if the rash is spread over a large portion of your body, involves your eyes, mouth, or genitals. If the rash is not starting to clear up after 2-3 weeks, have it evaluated by a medical provider. Also, if you cannot sleep from the persistent itching or develop a fever of greater than 100 degrees F, it is recommended you be seen by a medical provider. Call to make an appt with your family medical office or stop by at an urgent care or minute clinic. You may need a stronger, prescribed medication such as steroids to stop the rash and help with relief from itching. The rash will also be evaluated for infection. If you have a rash and difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately. (2,8,9)
Sources:
Fels Naptha Soap, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Sumac - PREPAREDNESS ADVICE
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How can I prevent a rash? (aad.org)
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: What should I do if I touch a plant? (aad.org)
Decongestants and Hypertension: Making Wise Choices When Selecting OTC Medications (pharmacytimes.com)
Submitted by Beth Freed, MSN, CRNP
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board