From the Guidelines
If you have poison ivy, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water to remove any remaining plant oils, as this can remove up to 100% of the oil if done immediately after contact 1.
Patient Instructions for Poison Ivy
To manage poison ivy, follow these steps:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure to remove the urushiol oil, which causes the allergic reaction 1.
- Apply cool compresses to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help relieve itching and inflammation 1.
- Consider using oatmeal baths for additional relief of local symptoms 1.
- For severe cases, seek medical attention promptly, especially if the rash is widespread, involves the face, or affects sensitive areas like the eyes or genitals.
- Avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection.
- Wash any potentially contaminated clothing or items to prevent further exposure.
- To prevent future exposures, learn to identify poison ivy ("leaves of three, let them be"), wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, and consider using barrier creams like IvyBlock.
Additional Considerations
- Topical corticosteroids may be recommended for symptomatic treatment, but their effectiveness is uncertain, especially for over-the-counter options 1.
- Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) may be used to help control itching, but their efficacy is also uncertain 1.
- Most cases of poison ivy resolve within 1-3 weeks without serious complications.
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 Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
Patient Instructions for Poison Ivy:
- For adults and children 2 years of age and older, apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily 2 2.
- Clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly before applying the cream, if practical 2.
- Gently dry the affected area by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before applying the cream 2.
- For children under 2 years of age, ask a doctor for advice on using hydrocortisone cream for poison ivy 2.
- For children under 12 years of age with external anal and genital itching, ask a doctor for advice on using hydrocortisone cream 2.
From the Research
Patient Instructions for Poison Ivy
- If you have come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, it is essential to take immediate action to minimize the severity of the allergic reaction.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible to remove the urushiol oil, which causes the allergic reaction.
- Remove any contaminated clothing or items that may have come into contact with the plant.
- Apply a topical cream or ointment, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, to help reduce itching and inflammation.
- Take an oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, to help relieve itching and reduce the allergic response.
- In severe cases, a healthcare clinician may prescribe a systemic corticosteroid, such as prednisone, for a duration of 14-21 days 3.
- It is crucial to follow the prescribed treatment plan and complete the full course of medication to ensure effective treatment and prevent return visits to the healthcare clinician.
- If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Severe itching or burning
- Blistering or open sores
- To prevent future occurrences, wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, when working or playing in areas where poison ivy, oak, or sumac may be present.
- Learn to identify the plants and avoid contact with them whenever possible.