From the Guidelines
To manage Toxicodendron dermatitis, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water to remove the plant's oil (urushiol) that causes the rash, as this can remove up to 100% of the oil if done immediately after contact 1.
Management of Toxicodendron Dermatitis
The primary goal is to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life by alleviating symptoms and preventing further exposure.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure to remove the urushiol oil.
- The usefulness of over-the-counter topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, to alleviate local symptoms is uncertain, and their effectiveness has not been consistently demonstrated 1.
- Cool compresses and oatmeal baths may be considered for relief of local symptoms, although they are supported by little evidence 1.
- Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine, may be used to help with sleep at night, but their efficacy for itching is questionable 1.
Prevention of Future Exposure
- Learn to identify poison oak (leaves in groups of three) to avoid exposure.
- Wear protective clothing when outdoors in areas where poison oak grows.
- Use barrier creams containing bentoquatam before potential exposure to prevent the urushiol oil from penetrating the skin.
Severe Reactions
- For severe reactions, consult a doctor who may prescribe stronger corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: ... poison ivy, oak, sumac ...
- The management of Toxicodendron dermatitis (contact dermatitis caused by poison oak) may include the use of hydrocortisone (TOP) to temporarily relieve itching associated with the condition.
- This treatment should be used for minor skin irritations and under the advice and supervision of a doctor for other uses 2.
From the Research
Management of Toxicodendron Dermatitis
The management of Toxicodendron dermatitis, also known as contact dermatitis caused by poison oak, involves several strategies, including:
- Prophylactic measures such as avoidance, protective clothing, barrier creams, and hyposensitization 3
- Washing the affected area immediately with a solvent suitable for lipids 3
- Use of anti-inflammatory agents, especially corticosteroids 3
- Treatment with a variety of methods, depending on severity, including surfactants, oil-removing compounds, and chemical inactivation 4
Prevention Methods
Prevention is a key aspect of managing Toxicodendron dermatitis, and includes:
- Avoidance of the plants, which is the principal way to prevent the condition 5
- Educating patients on identification of the plants 5
- Use of protective clothing and barrier creams 3, 6
- Hyposensitization, although its effectiveness is not well established 3
Treatment Options
Treatment options for Toxicodendron dermatitis include:
- Washing the affected area with a surfactant, such as Dial ultra dishwashing soap, which has been shown to provide 56.4% protection 4
- Using an oil-removing compound, such as Goop, which has been shown to provide 61.8% protection 4
- Chemical inactivation, such as with Tecnu, which has been shown to provide 70% protection 4
- Use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching 3