From the Research
For plant dermatitis, using both topical triamcinolone (Kenalog) and oral prednisone can be effective for moderate to severe cases, with a recommended treatment duration of 10 to 21 days, as suggested by review articles 1.
Treatment Approach
The treatment approach for plant dermatitis involves a combination of topical and oral corticosteroids.
- Apply triamcinolone 0.1% cream or ointment to affected areas 2-3 times daily for 1-2 weeks.
- For oral prednisone, a typical regimen is 40-60mg daily for 5-7 days, then tapering over another 5-7 days (for example, decreasing by 10mg every 1-2 days) 1. This combination approach works well because the topical steroid provides immediate local anti-inflammatory relief while the oral prednisone addresses more widespread or severe inflammation systemically.
Important Considerations
The oral prednisone should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Watch for potential side effects including mood changes, increased blood sugar, and fluid retention with the oral medication 2. If the dermatitis is mild, topical treatment alone may be sufficient.
Prevention
For prevention, identify and avoid the causative plant (commonly poison ivy, oak, or sumac), wash exposed skin promptly with soap and water, and consider barrier creams before potential exposure 3, 4. It is essential to note that plant dermatitis can be caused by various plants, and patch testing can be used to identify the source of allergic reactions to plant species 3. The mainstays of treatment have focused on prevention, corticosteroids, and antihistamines 4.