From the Guidelines
For a child exposed to poison ivy, immediately washing the affected area with soap and water is the most effective treatment to remove the plant oil (urushiol) that causes the rash. This is supported by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid, which states that washing with soap and water can remove up to 100% of poison ivy oils if done immediately after contact 1.
Key Treatment Steps
- Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure to remove urushiol
- Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, may be recommended for symptomatic treatment, but their effectiveness is uncertain and they may not be available over the counter 1
- Cool compresses or oatmeal baths may be considered for relief of local symptoms from exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac 1
- Keep the rash clean and discourage scratching to prevent infection
- For severe reactions, seek medical attention as prescription-strength steroids may be needed
Additional Considerations
- The usefulness of over-the-counter topical steroids and antihistamines to alleviate local symptoms from poison ivy is uncertain 1
- Most cases of poison ivy rash resolve within 1-3 weeks without further treatment
- It is essential to wash all potentially contaminated items thoroughly to prevent the spread of urushiol to others 1
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor
The treatment for a child exposed to poison ivy is hydrocortisone (TOP), which temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations and rashes due to poison ivy 2.
- Key points:
- Relieves itching
- For minor skin irritations and rashes
- Due to poison ivy
- Important note: Other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Poison Ivy Exposure in Children
- Local treatment is sufficient for mild to moderate cases of poison ivy dermatitis, as stated in the study 3
- Systemic corticosteroids can be added in more severe cases, as mentioned in the study 3
- Washing the affected area immediately with a solvent suitable for lipids can help, as suggested in the study 4
- Anti-inflammatory agents, especially corticosteroids, can be used to treat the reaction, as stated in the study 4
Preventative Measures
- Avoidance of the plant is the best way to prevent poison ivy dermatitis, as mentioned in the study 5
- Protective clothing and barrier creams can also be used as preventative measures, as suggested in the study 4
- Washing the area with soap and cold water can help remove the urushiol oil, as stated in the study 5
Post-Exposure Treatment
- Using a surfactant, such as Dial ultra dishwashing soap, or an oil-removing compound, such as Goop, can help prevent the binding of urushiol to the skin, as shown in the study 6
- Chemical inactivation using a commercial product like Tecnu can also be effective, as stated in the study 6
- These treatments can provide significant protection against poison ivy dermatitis, with Tecnu showing 70% protection, Goop showing 61.8% protection, and Dial showing 56.4% protection, as reported in the study 6