Poison Ivy
In General:
Poison ivy is a very common seasonal allergic skin reaction.
Leading Causes/Other Factors:
You must come in contact with the oils from the poison ivy plant to get poison ivy. The oils can stay active on your shoes, tools, and clothes for months. Dogs and other outdoor pets can carry the oil on their fur and spread poison ivy to their families. The fluid that oozes from your skin does not spread poison ivy.
Symptoms:
Poison ivy progresses from a red rash to raised bumps, to big vesicles that fill with fluid, to oozing of fluid, then drying and crusting over. Severe itching is a common symptom of poison ivy.
Of Note:
Poison ivy will usually run its course in 14 to 21 days. All of the treatments are to help with relief from the symptoms of poison ivy. They do not shorten the time for poison ivy to clear up. Most poison ivy symptoms may be treated with over the counter medications. If the poison ivy spreads to the eyes, throat, or becomes severe contact your physician.
Over the Counter Choices:
Benadryl Allergy Capsules
Benadryl® (also called diphenhydramine) manufactured by Parke-Davis may help to stop the itch from poison ivy. Benadryl® is available as a 25mg capsule and tablet, as a 12.5mg chewable tablet, as a 12.5mg/5ml liquid, as a topical spray, and as a topical cream. The oral forms of Benadryl® may be preferred to the ones applied to the skin because of the open and oozing vesicles. Benadryl® topical may cause irritation and should not be applied to open areas of the skin. Benadryl® oral may work in about 45 minutes and may provide relief for about 4 to 6 hours. Benadryl® may cause drowsiness. Benadryl® is available generically.
Domeboro Astrigent Solution Powder Packets
Domeboro® (also called aluminum acetate) manufactured by Miles Pharmaceuticals is used to help dry up poison ivy. Domeboro® may be used while there are blisters and once they open. Domeboro® is available as a powder packet and as a tablet. Domeboro® packets and tablets may be dissolved in water in a glass jar and applied as compresses with a white cloth. Domeboro® is available generically.
Natural Choices:
Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Atarax® (also called hydroxyzine) manufactured by Pfizer is an antihistamine that may used to help relieve the itch. Atarax® is available as a 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablet and as a 10mg/5ml syrup. Atarax® may cause drowsiness. Atarax® is available generically.
Medrol DosePak® (also called methylprednisolone) manufactured by Upjohn may be given for serious cases of poison ivy, such as the poison ivy is all over the body or if there is swelling on the face. Medrol® is available as a 6-day dose pak. Medrol DosePak® should be taken with food to help the absorption of the medication and to decrease the risk of stomach irritation. Medrol Dose Pak® should be taken until all finished. Do not stop taking Medrol® until the pak is finished without contacting your physician. Medrol® is available generically.
Wash the skin as soon as you find out you have been in poison ivy. The oil will wash off the skin for the first 5 to 10 minutes. Wet compresses will keep the skin moist and aid in healing. Do not use greasy ointments on poison ivy. When the poison ivy has started to heal a cold cream applied will help prevent scaling, crusting, and thick lesions.
