What is the treatment for poison ivy?

Treatment for Poison Ivy

Immediate washing with soap and water or a commercially available decontamination product is the most effective first-line treatment for poison ivy exposure. 1

Immediate Management

• Wash the exposed area with soap and water or a commercial decontamination product as soon as possible after contact with poison ivy 1
• The effectiveness of washing decreases rapidly with time:
  • 100% removal if done immediately
  • 50% removal at 10 minutes
  • 25% removal at 15 minutes
  • 10% removal at 30 minutes 1
• Even washing 2 hours after exposure can reduce symptoms by 55-70% compared to no treatment 1
• Remove all contaminated clothing to prevent further spread of urushiol (the allergic compound in poison ivy) 1

Symptomatic Treatment

• Apply cool compresses to the affected area to relieve local symptoms 1
• Consider oatmeal baths for symptomatic relief of itching 1
• Over-the-counter topical steroids have uncertain effectiveness for symptom relief:
  • Low-potency corticosteroids (0.2-2.5% hydrocortisone) have not been shown to improve symptoms in controlled studies 1
• Over-the-counter antihistamines have uncertain effectiveness for local symptom relief:
  • May help with sleep at night but questionable efficacy for itching 1

When to Seek Medical Care

• For severe cases with extensive rash or symptoms affecting:
  • Face
  • Genitals
  • Large portions of the body
  • Signs of infection 2, 3
• For cases with systemic involvement requiring physician consultation 2
• Prescription treatments that may be considered by healthcare providers:
  • Systemic corticosteroids combined with high-potency topical corticosteroids have been shown to reduce the duration of itching 1, 3

Important Considerations

• Poison ivy dermatitis is self-limiting, typically lasting 2-3 weeks without treatment 2, 3
• The extent and severity of symptoms are proportional to the area and duration of exposure 1
• Approximately 50-75% of individuals react to urushiol, the allergic compound in poison ivy 1
• Skin effects typically include redness, papules, vesicles, and itching, starting within days of exposure 1

Prevention Tips

• Learn to identify poison ivy plants to avoid contact 4
• Wear protective clothing when in areas where poison ivy may be present 5
• Commercial barrier creams may provide some protection if applied before exposure 5
• If you suspect exposure, washing with any available surfactant can help - studies show dishwashing soap (56.4% protection) and automotive hand cleaners (61.8% protection) can be nearly as effective as specialized commercial products (70% protection) and are much more cost-effective 6