Health Tip: Treating Poison Ivy

(HealthDay News) -- If you've been exposed to poison ivy, a few suggestions can help ease the itch, prevent the rash's spread and reduce your risk of skin infection.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests:

  • Immediately after possible exposure, use soap and lukewarm water to wash the skin. Avoid scrubbing areas already laden with a poison ivy rash.
  • Remove all clothing that could have touched the plant, and wash immediately.
  • Use lukewarm soapy water to wash anything that may have touched the plant, including gardening tools, golf clubs, pet fur or pet leashes.
  • Don't scratch the area, since doing so could lead to a skin infection. Don't rub or remove peeling skin.
  • Soothe itchy skin with a short, lukewarm bath in colloidal oatmeal or baking soda. Then apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone to help ease itching.
  • Use a cool compress to soothe itchy skin, or take an oral antihistamine.

    • Date Published: 6/25/2015 9:15:04 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Worsening Allergy Seasons: Is Climate Change to Blame?

    FDA OKs Drug to Help Immune-Compromised Fend Off COVID

    Kids With Food Allergies Are Often Targets for Bullies

    COVID Vaccination Can Be Safe Even in People With Severe Allergies

    A Penicillin Allergy Is Bad News If You Get a Dental Implant

    Breastfeeding May Lower a Child's Odds for Asthma

    After Ian's Destruction: How to Safely Enter, Clean Flood-Damaged Homes

    Social Determinants of Health Tied to Morbidity for Pediatric Asthma

    Air Pollution May Do More Harm to Women Than Men

    Neighborhood Factors Could Raise Your Child's Odds for Asthma

    Flu Shots Lag in States With Low COVID Vaccine Uptake

    Fever, Fatigue: Scientists Pinpoint the Brain's 'Sickness Center'

    Flu Cases Already Up 23% This Season: Walgreens

    Flu Vaccine No Match for Circulating Variants This Season

    With Holidays Ahead, COVID Boosters a Must for People With Weak Immune Systems