What are the best treatments for poison oak scars? How can a dermatologist help with managing poison oak reactions? What home remedies can provide relief for poison oak rashes?

Preventing and Treating Poison Oak Exposure

When it comes to dealing with the discomfort caused by a poison oak rash, the best approach is prevention. Avoiding direct contact with the plant’s toxic oil, called urushiol, is key to stopping a reaction before it starts. However, accidents can happen, and sometimes exposure is unavoidable. Fortunately, most poison oak reactions can be managed effectively at home, though in severe cases, medical attention may be necessary.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Care

In most cases, a poison oak rash can be treated without involving a doctor. However, there are certain situations where seeking medical attention is recommended. These include:

• The rash covers a large area of the body or there is extreme inflammation with open skin
• The person has a fever over 100°F (37.8°C)
• The rash shows signs of infection, such as pus or yellow scabs
• The itching or tenderness is worsening or disrupting sleep
• The rash is located on the eyes, mouth, or genital area
• There is no improvement after a few weeks
• The person is experiencing difficulty breathing after inhaling smoke from burning poison oak

It’s important to remember that any severe allergic reaction, including to poison oak, can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Medications for Poison Oak Rashes

If a doctor is consulted for a severe poison oak reaction, they may prescribe oral steroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the rash becomes infected, which can happen if the affected area is scratched and bacteria are introduced.

For milder cases, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be effective in managing the symptoms. These include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation
• Oral antihistamines, with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) being a good choice for poison oak reactions
• Calamine lotion to soothe irritation and help dry out blistered areas

Home Remedies for Poison Oak Relief

In addition to over-the-counter medications, there are several home remedies that can provide relief and aid in the healing process for poison oak rashes:

1. Washing the affected area and any contaminated clothing or objects with a gentle cleanser to remove the urushiol oil
2. Applying cool, wet compresses to the affected skin for 15-30 minutes several times a day
3. Soaking in a lukewarm bath with either ground oatmeal or baking soda to help dry blisters and ease itching

Preventing and Managing Poison Oak Scars

While poison oak rashes can be unpleasant, the good news is that most people’s skin heals well without any lasting scarring. However, in some cases, the inflammatory response can lead to discoloration, texture changes, or even raised scarring. To minimize the risk of scarring:

• Avoid scratching or picking at the rash, as this can introduce infection and worsen inflammation
• Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated during healing
• Consider using over-the-counter scar treatments containing ingredients like silicone or onion extract
• Consult a dermatologist if scarring persists or becomes problematic

The Role of Dermatologists in Poison Oak Management

While many poison oak cases can be treated at home, there are times when consulting a dermatologist is recommended. A dermatologist can provide expert guidance on managing severe reactions, preventing complications, and addressing any lingering skin changes or scarring. They may also be able to prescribe stronger medications or recommend professional treatments to facilitate healing and minimize long-term skin damage.

Conclusion

Dealing with a poison oak rash can be an unpleasant experience, but with the right approach, the discomfort can be effectively managed. By understanding when to seek medical attention, utilizing over-the-counter treatments, and incorporating home remedies, most people can find relief and prevent any lasting skin damage. For persistent or severe cases, consulting a dermatologist can provide invaluable expertise and personalized guidance for optimal healing and scar prevention.

Poison Ivy Treatments and Home Remedies

When it comes to reducing the discomfort caused by a poison ivy rash, the best strategy is prevention — not letting the plant’s toxic oil, called urushiol, come into contact with your skin in the first place.

But accidents happen, and sometimes exposure can’t be prevented. Luckily, most reactions to poison ivy aren’t severe and can be treated at home.

In more severe cases, though, medical attention is necessary to control symptoms and prevent any complications that could cause lasting damage.

When to See a Doctor for Poison Ivy

In most cases, it’s not necessary to see a doctor for a rash caused by poison ivy. But if your reaction is particularly severe or long-lasting, you should seek medical attention.

A severe reaction to poison ivy usually means that “a large body surface area is covered, or there’s extreme inflammation with open skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Other situations in which you should get your rash checked out by a professional include the following:

• You also have a fever over 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C).
• There’s pus or yellow scabs on your rash.
• Tenderness or itching keeps getting worse or disturbs your sleep.
• The rash covers your eyes, mouth, or genital area.
• There’s no sign of improvement after a few weeks.
• You’re having difficulty breathing after inhaling smoke from burning poison ivy (1).

It’s important to remember that a poison ivy rash is a type of allergic reaction, and that any allergic reaction can be severe — causing extreme swelling and difficulty breathing or swallowing. While rare, this is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. (2)

RELATED: What Is Anaphylaxis?

Medication for Poison Ivy Rash

If you see a doctor for a severe reaction to poison ivy, you may be prescribed a course of oral steroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation.

You may also be prescribed an antibiotic if your rash has become infected, which can happen if you scratch it and introduce bacteria from your fingernails — especially if you break open any blisters in the process. (3)

Most of the time, though, you’ll be treating poison ivy on your own, and a number of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are available to reduce swelling and discomfort, including:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) These drugs reduce both pain perception and inflammation, so they can actually reduce the severity of your reaction while making you feel it less.

Popular NSAIDs include Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen).

Oral Antihistamines While a number of drugs in this category exist, the best choice for poison ivy is probably Benadryl (diphenhydramine), since most other options have a weaker effect. (3)

One side effect of diphenhydramine that may be helpful — if you take it at the right time — is drowsiness, since discomfort from poison ivy can make it difficult to sleep.

Calamine Lotion This lotion contains a combination of zinc oxide and ferric oxide, and has been used since ancient times to soothe skin irritation.

Calamine lotion can also help dry out irritated areas, which can be helpful if your poison ivy reaction includes blistering.

Home Remedies for Poison Ivy

Beyond drugs, there are a number of other approaches you can take to reduce the discomfort of a poison ivy rash and even help facilitate healing.

The first step, though, is one that many people forget — to wash the affected area and any object that may have come into contact with poison ivy.

“Do your best to wash the area immediately with a gentle cleanser,” Dr. Zeichner advises. “Also make sure to wash your clothing in lukewarm soapy water.”

Once that important business is taken care of, here are some other home remedies to try:

Cool, Wet Compresses This involves soaking a towel in cold water, squeezing out excess moisture, and applying it to the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day.

While applying a hot compress may relieve itching quickly, it doesn’t help speed up the healing process and may even prolong it, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

For this same reason, it’s best to avoid hot water when you bathe or shower.

Oatmeal or Baking Soda Baths Soaking the affected area in a cold or lukewarm bath containing water and either oatmeal or baking soda can help dry blisters and ease itching, according to the American Skin Association.

To make an oatmeal bath, grind a cup of oats in a food processor or coffee grinder until they have a fine, powdery texture. Run a lukewarm bath and mix in the oats.

If you can’t grind the oats, place whole oats in a muslin or cheesecloth bag or knee-high pantyhose and allow them to steep in the bath water. This method will make cleanup easier.

For a baking soda bath, add half a cup of baking soda to your bath water, then soak in it.

Heavy-Duty Moisturizer Zeichner recommends applying a serious moisturizer to help protect the affected area from irritation.

Good choices include lotions that contain petrolatum, such as Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair, which Zeichner believes strikes a good balance between protection and not feeling greasy or heavy.

Dermatology Specialist of San Antonio

Many people get a rash from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. This rash is caused by an oil found in the plants. This oil is called urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all).

The itchy, blistering rash often does not start until 12 to 72 hours after you come into contact with the oil.

The rash is not contagious and does not spread. It might seem to spread, but this is a delayed reaction.

Most people see the rash go away in a few weeks.  If you have a serious reaction, you need to see a doctor right away. Swelling is a sign of a serious reaction — especially swelling that makes an eye swell shut or your face to swell.

If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room immediately.

Image used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

  Rash from poison ivy: Redness, small, itchy bumps (hives), and itchy skin are common.

Poison ivy, oak and sumac: Signs and symptoms

What you see and feel on your skin is caused by urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all). Urushiol is the oil in poison ivy, oak, and sumac. You find this oil in all parts of the plants — the leaves, stems, and even the roots. Within minutes of contact with urushiol, the skin starts to absorb it. But you don’t feel this. And you don’t see a rash right way.

If this is your first contact with urushiol, you may not see a rash. Or it may take a week for the rash to appear. The rash also can appear within hours or a few days. If you have a reaction to the oil, you can have these signs (what you see) and symptoms (what you feel):

• Itchy skin.
• Redness or red streaks.
• Hives.
• Swelling.
• An outbreak of small or large blisters, often forming streaks or lines.
• Crusting skin (after blisters burst).

The rash is very itchy and can appear on any part of the body. The rash can continue to appear on new parts of the body when:

• Other parts of the body touch the oil.
• You spread the oil on your skin by touching other parts of your body.

You cannot give the rash to someone else. Even if the person touches the rash or the fluids in the blisters, the person cannot get the rash. The person has to touch the oil to get the rash.

Image used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

Poison ivy, oak and sumac: Who gets and causes

Who gets this rash?

Most people (85 percent) develop a rash when they get urushiol on their skin. The first time you get this oil on your skin, you may not get a rash. The next time this oil gets on your skin you can become sensitive to it. Once you are sensitive to it, a rash appears. About 15 percent of people do not become sensitive to this oil and never develop a rash.

Adults who had rashes as a child often find that they are less sensitive as adults. They may completely lose their sensitivity and never get another rash when the oil touches their skin. Adults who never had a rash as a child may become sensitive to the oil.

What causes this rash?

There are 3 ways to get this rash:

1. Direct contact
   By touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you can get a rash. Every part of these plants — the leaves, stems, roots, and flowers — contains the oil.
2. Indirect contact
   Urushiol can stick to almost anything. If you touch a pet’s fur, gardening tool, or sports equipment that has the oil on it, you can get a rash. Dogs and other animals do not get this rash. Only people get this rash.
3. Airborne contact
   Burning these poisonous plants releases particles of urushiol into the air. These airborne particles can land on the skin.

It is not possible to get this rash from touching someone who has the rash. The skin absorbs the oil too quickly. You cannot get a rash from getting the fluid in the blisters on your skin.

Poison ivy, oak and sumac: Diagnosis and treatment

If you have any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency room right away:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Rash covers most of your body.
• You have many rashes or blisters.
• Swelling, especially if an eyelid swells shut.
• Rash develops anywhere on your face or genitals.
• Much of your skin itches or nothing seems to ease the itch.

How do dermatologists diagnose poison ivy?

A dermatologist can usually look at the rash and tell you whether your rash is due to poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

How do dermatologists treat poison ivy?

If you have a serious reaction, you will likely need prescription medicine. Your dermatologist may prescribe a steroid ointment that you can apply to the skin. To treat a severe case, a strong medicine like prednisone may be necessary.

If you have an infection, your dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic. You likely have an infection if you develop a fever or have pus, pain, swelling, and warmth around the rash.

If you are not sure what caused your rash, you should see a dermatologist. Rashes appear on the skin for many reasons.

Outcome

A rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks. Most rashes go away without treatment. While your skin heals, it often itches.

Poison ivy, oak and sumac: Tips for managing

A rash from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is caused by an oil found in these plants called urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all). When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash.

Most people can safely treat the rash at home. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency room right away.

If you have any of the following, go to the emergency room right away:

• You have trouble breathing or swallowing.
• The rash covers most of your body.
• You have many rashes or blisters.
• You experience swelling, especially if an eyelid swells shut.
• The rash develops anywhere on your face or genitals.
• Much of your skin itches, or nothing seems to ease the itch.

If you do not have the above symptoms, the rash appears on a small section of your skin, and you are absolutely certain that your rash is due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to treat the rash at home.

To treat a rash from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac and help stop the itch, dermatologists recommend the following:

1. Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. If you can rinse your skin immediately after touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to rinse off some of the oil. If not washed off, the oil can spread from person to person and to other areas of your body.
2. Wash your clothing. Thoroughly wash all of the clothes you were wearing when you came into contact with the poisonous plant. The oil can stick to clothing, and if it touches your skin, it can cause another rash.
3. Wash everything that may have the oil on its surface. Besides clothing, the oil from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can stick to many surfaces, including gardening tools, golf clubs, leashes and even a pet’s fur. Be sure to rinse your pet’s fur, and wash tools and other objects with warm, soapy water.
4. Do not scratch, as scratching can cause an infection.
5. Leave blisters alone. If blisters open, do not remove the overlying skin, as the skin can protect the raw wound underneath and prevent infection.
6. Take short, lukewarm baths. To ease the itch, take short, lukewarm baths in a colloidal oatmeal preparation, which you can buy at your local drugstore. You can also draw a bath and add one cup of baking soda to the running water. Taking short, cool showers may also help.
7. Consider calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Apply calamine lotion to skin that itches. If you have a mild case, a hydrocortisone cream or lotion may also help.
8. Apply cool compresses to the itchy skin. You can make a cool compress by wetting a clean washcloth with cold water and wringing it out so that it does not drip. Then, apply the cool cloth to the itchy skin.
9. Consider taking antihistamine pills. These pills can help reduce itching, however use with caution. You should not apply an antihistamine to your skin, as doing so can worsen the rash and the itch.

If your rash is not improving after seven to 10 days, or you think your rash may be infected, see a board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can treat your rash and any infection and help relieve the itch.

  Poison ivy: This plant grows as a vine (pictured) in some areas of the United States. In other areas, it is a shrub.

Prevent a rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac

There are two ways to prevent a rash:

1. Avoid these poisonous plants.
2. Protect your skin.

The following explains how you can identify these plants so you can avoid them and how to protect your skin when you cannot avoid these plants.

What poison ivy looks like

• Each leaf has 3 small leaflets.
• It grows as a shrub (low woody plant) in the far Northern and Western United States, Canada, and around the Great Lakes.
• It grows as a vine in the East, Midwest, and South of the United States.
• In spring, it grows yellow-green flowers.
• It may have green berries that turn off-white in early fall.

  Poison oak: This plant grows as a vine (pictured) in some areas of the United States. In other regions, it grows as a shrub.
What poison oak looks like:

• Each leaf has 3 small leaflets.
• It most often grows as a shrub.
• It can grow as a vine in the Western United States.
• It may have yellow-white berries.

What poison sumac looks like:

• Each leaf has a row of paired leaflets and another leaflet at the end.
• It grows as a tall shrub or small tree.
• In the Northeast and Midwest, it grows in standing water in peat bogs.
• In the Southeast, it grows in swampy areas.
• Often, the leaves have spots that look like blotches of black paint. These spots are urushiol, which when exposed to air turn brownish black. Before urushiol hits the air, it is clear or a pale yellow.   Poison sumac: This plant has 7 to 13 leaflets on each leaf. It grows in standing water as a tall shrub or small tree.
• It may have yellow-white berries.

How to protect your skin from poison ivy, oak, and sumac

Sometimes you cannot avoid these plants. When you find yourself in this situation, there are some precautions you can take:

• Use a skin-care product called an ivy block barrier. This helps prevent the skin from absorbing the oil (urushiol), which causes the rash. These products usually contain bentoquatam. You can buy these products without a prescription. Be sure to apply the block before going outdoors.
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Even when you apply an ivy block barrier that contains bentoquatam, you need to cover your skin with clothing.

If you find yourself in an area with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, it helps to know the following:

• All parts of these plants contain urushiol. The leaves, the stems, and even the roots contain urushiol. Touching any part of the plant can cause an allergic reaction.
• Touching anything that has urushiol on it can cause an allergic reaction. You can have an allergic reaction from touching gardening tools, sporting equipment, and even a pet’s fur.
• Burning these plants releases urushiol into the air. You can have an allergic reaction if airborne particles land on your skin.

If you get a rash from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you can usually treat the rash at home. If you have a serious reaction, seek immediate medical care by going to the emergency room or calling 911.

Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

© 2019 American Academy of Dermatology. All rights reserved. Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission. Use of these materials is subject to the legal notice and terms of use located at https://www.aad.org/about/legal

Tips for treating poison ivy – Dermatologist in Christiansted, VI

As summer approaches and the landscape turns greener, so too are the leaves from poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. When the oil from these plants touches the skin, most people (about 85 percent) develop an itchy, blistering rash. Although the rash itself is not contagious, the oil can spread to other areas of the body and from person to person if not quickly washed off after touching the plants. Fortunately, there are simple steps people can take to safely treat the rash at home.

If you are absolutely certain that your rash is due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, and if the rash appears on a small section of your skin, you may be able to treat the rash at home. However, if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, you experience swelling, or you have many rashes or blisters, go to the emergency room right away.

If you are not experiencing a serious reaction, dermatologists recommend the following tips for treating the rash and easing the itch:

1. Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. If you can rinse your skin immediately after touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to rinse off some of the oil. This helps ensure that the oil does not spread to other areas of the body and cause additional rashes.
2. Wash your clothing. Thoroughly wash all of the clothes you were wearing when you came into contact with the poisonous plant. The oil can stick to clothing, and if it touches your skin, it can cause another rash.
3. Wash everything that may have the oil on its surface. Besides clothing, the oil from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can stick to many surfaces, including gardening tools, golf clubs, leashes and even a pet’s fur. Be sure to rinse your pet’s fur, and wash tools and other objects with warm, soapy water.
4. Do not scratch, as scratching can cause an infection.
5. Leave blisters alone. If blisters open, do not remove the overlying skin, as the skin can protect the raw wound underneath and prevent infection.
6. Take short, lukewarm baths. To ease the itch, take short, lukewarm baths in a colloidal oatmeal preparation, which you can buy at your local drugstore. You can also draw a bath and add one cup of baking soda to the running water. Taking short, cool showers may also help.
7. Consider calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Apply calamine lotion to skin that itches. If you have a mild case, a hydrocortisone cream or lotion may also help.
8. Apply cool compresses to the itchy skin. You can make a cool compress by wetting a clean washcloth with cold water and wringing it out so that it does not drip. Then, apply the cool cloth to the itchy skin.
9. Consider taking antihistamine pills. These pills can help reduce itching, however use with caution. You should not apply a topical antihistamine to your skin, as doing so can worsen the rash and the itch.

A rash from poison ivy, oak or sumac usually lasts one to three weeks. If your rash is not improving after seven to 10 days, or you think your rash may be infected, see a board-certified dermatologist for treatment.

© 2019 American Academy of Dermatology. All rights reserved. Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission. Use of these materials is subject to the legal notice and terms of use located at https://www.aad.org/about/legal

How to prevent poison ivy rashes

There’s nothing like an encounter with poison ivy to ruin a camping trip or family outing. As the weather becomes warmer and we spend more time outdoors, doctors recommend taking precautions to protect against summer irritants, including plants such as poison ivy.

While the almond-shaped leaves of poison ivy may look benign, their sap causes a red, itchy rash for 85% of people in the United States. According to the American Skin Association (ASA), the most common allergic reaction in the U.S. is caused by the poison ivy plant, or its siblings—poison oak and sumac—and affects 50 million Americans each year.

“We see the majority of poison ivy cases in the summer as people work in their gardens, hit the hiking trails, and go camping,” says Candace Ireton, MD, a family medicine practitioner in Asheville, North Carolina. “It’s important to know what poison ivy looks like because the best course of action is definitely prevention.”

How to identify poison ivy

Poison ivy, a three-leaved plant, grows in clusters as a climbing vine or shrub. It can be found in backyards, parks, camping sites, and hiking trails throughout the U.S., except for Alaska, Hawaii, or desert areas of the Southwest.

Poison oak—which isn’t as common as poison ivy—looks like a leafy shrub with larger rounded leaves. 

Poison sumac is a plant or shrub found in wooded wetland areas. 

Poison ivy’s distinctive three-pointed leaves change colors throughout the year: red in spring, green in summer, and yellow, red or, purple in the fall. Knowing what poisonous plants look like can help you avoid direct contact on your next outdoor outing. 

How to prevent poison ivy reactions 

Poison ivy itself isn’t the source of an allergic reaction, but rather the sticky urushiol oil (sap) inside the plant’s leaves, stem, and roots is. Those who come into direct contact with the plant often find themselves fighting an itchy, blistering rash 24 to 48 hours after exposure; this rash is known as contact dermatitis. You can get a rash without touching the plant if the urushiol oil transfers from another person (or animal) or surface to your skin. While poison ivy isn’t life-threatening, Dr. Ireton says the symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable.

Steering clear of the plant entirely is the best way to prevent a reaction, but here are a few other poison ivy prevention tips.

1. Wear protective clothing

If you’re going to be working in the garden or venturing into an area with unfamiliar plants, Kathryn Boling, MD, a family medicine practitioner with Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville, Maryland, recommends wearing protective clothing.

“Use gloves when working in the garden and wear closed-toe shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves for the best protection outdoors,” Dr. Boling says.

2. Consider using an ivy blocker

These over-the-counter products are barrier creams (containing Bentoquatam 5%) that can be applied to arms, hands, and other exposed areas before going camping or in an area where you might possibly be exposed to poison ivy to prevent a skin reaction. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a study found that forestry workers who used ivy blockers on most days reported fewer rashes. These creams are FDA approved and are available over-the-counter at sporting and outdoor stores. They can be used in ages 6 years or older.

3. Stay on the trail

You’re more likely to encounter poison ivy when you’re walking through an unmaintained area, or exploring off the path. When you stay on the hiking trail, it’s easier to spot poison ivy in a mostly clear route. Avoid venturing off into brush where you can’t see the plants brushing against your ankles.

4. Take a shower ASAP 

“If you accidentally come in contact with poison ivy’s sap, either through the leaves or vine, you should take a shower and wash your clothing immediately,” Dr. Ireton says. “When bathing, use mild soap and cool water within two hours of contact to decrease risk of reaction.”

When washing, Dr. Boling recommends taking extra measures to scrub thoroughly under fingernails. “If you have urushiol under your fingernails, it’s easy to spread to other areas of your body through touch,” she says.

5. Keep gear clean

Washing the items you had with you while outside is just as important as washing sap off of skin. Rinse down backpacks and hiking boots—along with any other supplies you had out when you encountered the poison ivy. Wash clothing with warm water and detergent. And be sure to wear gloves to avoid spreading the sap to your body.

6. Don’t forget the kids

Use extra precautions with children since they often have sensitive skin and are more likely to have face, neck, and upper body exposure. Children are less likely to resist scratching their skin, which may cause spreading of the oils or super infection with bacteria.

7. And don’t forget pets, either

While dogs and other pets aren’t affected by poison ivy, they can carry the oils on their fur and spread it to their owners. Dr. Ireton recommends giving your pet a bath (while wearing rubber gloves) if you suspect they have come in contact with poison ivy.

8. Kill plants on your property

Make clearing poison ivy part of your regular lawn maintenance. You can use a ready-made spray like Roundup or make your own by combining vinegar, salt, dish soap, and water. When plants are removed, you’re less likely to accidentally walk through them.

How to treat a poison ivy rash

Despite all your best efforts to prevent it, you may still come into contact with poison ivy. If you do, Dr. Boling says a rash will usually develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and blisters. “The rash and itching, known as contact dermatitis, typically occur on exposed areas such as the face, arms, and legs,” Dr. Boling says. “The severity of the rash depends on an individual’s sensitivity to the sap.”

Use over-the-counter treatments

Mild cases of poison ivy can be treated at home with over-the-counter products such as taking a cool colloidal oatmeal or a baking soda bath and applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the rash, Dr. Ireton says. “In addition, sedating antihistamines like Benadryl or chlorpheniramine can help with sleep when itching is bothersome,” she recommends. “Cold compresses can also be used to reduce itching and inflammation.”

Visit a healthcare provider for a prescription

For more severe cases of poison ivy, you should see your doctor about a prescription medication. Seek medical care if you experience the following:

• Severe eruption not responsive to the previously described home methods
• Any evidence of infection, such as blisters, redness, or oozing
• Any new eruption or rash
• Severe poison ivy on the face
• Fever

Dr. Ireton says she typically prescribes her patients with poison ivy an oral corticosteroid such as Prednisone.

“This class of medications can act quickly to decrease symptoms and rash, but there is a chance of a rebound rash if the course of steroids is too short,” Dr. Ireton says. “In my experience. tapering oral steroids over three weeks has been most effective.”

Without a prescription, Dr. Ireton says poison ivy symptoms can last about three weeks. 

“With oral steroids patients usually start to feel better within several hours,” she says. “Prescription-strength topical steroids take a bit longer, but patients usually tell me they notice some improvement within 24 hours. If someone is really miserable, I prescribe an oral medication to help them feel better sooner.”

Don’t scratch

Although skin can be itchy, Dr. Ireton cautions against scratching the blisters.

“Lesions can get superinfected with bacteria if the skin is broken when scratched,” she says. “If patients get a secondary infection, they also need to be treated with a course of antibiotics. The good news is that most cases of poison ivy will go away on their own in one to three weeks.”

To prevent scratching or skin breakdown, cut fingernails short and use a gentle brush under them. When really itchy, you can apply cold compresses to the skin.

RELATED: More poison ivy treatments and medications

Can you build an immunity to poison ivy?

Your sensitivity to urushiol oil from poison ivy can change, and some people are more sensitive to poison ivy than others. However, there’s no way to build full immunity to it. The best way to prevent a poison ivy rash is to avoid the plant altogether.

Can Poison Oak Leave Scars?

As poison ivy creeps up in the central and eastern U.S., poison oak is the bane of many an outdoor traveler or worker on the West Coast. Extremely common in some places, poison oak also comes in a diversity of growth forms, and its foliage easily blends in with brushy surroundings.

As poison ivy creeps up in the central and eastern U.S., poison oak is the bane of many an outdoor traveler or worker on the West Coast. Extremely common in some places, poison oak also comes in a diversity of growth forms, and its foliage easily blends in with brushy surroundings. Normally, the irritating allergic effect provoked by contact with poison oak in most people does not create permanent scars.

Poison Oak

Poison oak, or Toxicodendron diversilobum, is a common shrub or vine on the West Coast, growing from British Columbia to Baja, California. Its common name stems from the soft-lobed leaves that bear strong superficial resemblance to the foliage of white oaks –- and suggests the affinity poison oak shows for these trees, often growing tangled along their trunks or in their shade. The plant is deciduous; the leaves turn a rich crimson-burgundy in autumn before falling.

Contact Dermatitis

Most people are allergic to an oleoresin that poison oak and other members of the Toxicodendron genus called urusiol possess. Merely brushing the stems or leaves of a poison oak plant can provoke its secretion. While symptoms vary, most people develop a rash — frequently in linear flushes — within several days. The inflammation is exceedingly itchy, and scratching can exacerbate the blistering typically accompanying the rash. Individuals with more severe allergies may experience pronounced swelling, enough to force shut eyes or puff up a face, or widespread blistering, in which case they should seek medical attention. The rash eventually subsides over a week or two.

Scarring

In most cases, rashes caused by poison oak do not leave lingering marks like scars as the redness clears up as the allergic response concludes. However, if blisters or sores are not kept clean and become infected, more serious effects may result — like abscessing and fever –, and in such cases, permanent scarring is possible.

Treatment

Folk remedies for poison oak, poison ivy and the other Toxicodendron rogue’s gallery are legion, as are modern chemical products on the shelf. The main key to treatment is quickly — immediately, if possible — removing the offending urusiol oil. This may be done with cold water and gentle soap, or with specialized substances like Tecnu, an over-the-counter treatment. The effectiveness of washing decreases quickly over time, but still helps to restrict the spread of the oil. A good approach is to wash thoroughly any part of your body and anything else that may have been exposed to poison oak if you’ve been out in an area replete with the plants, even if you don’t see a rash.

Avoidance

To avoid poison oak, learn to recognize all its seasonal appearances: as a hard, rigid stalk during winter; bearing crimson leaves of spring or autumn growth; and in deep-summer glossy green. Recognize, too, its preferred habitat. In the Pacific Northwest, it tends to grow in drier, sun-sprayed lowlands, avoiding cool, dark mountain forests. In California, it is ubiquitous in many brushy hills, oak savannas and chaparral. Stick to trails where possible and, if working off-trail, avoid loose-fitting clothing and much dangling gear.

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Health: Dermatology; With Poison Ivy, Timing Is Everything

”Some people have asked if they couldn’t just take steroids prophylactically, such as when they are going on a hunting trip,” Dr. Epstein said. ”Theoretically, it would work like a charm, but practically you just can’t do it.” He said the benefits of potentially preventing a rash were not worth the risk of suppressing the immune system, which include an increased susceptiblity to infections.

Dr. Epstein emphasized, however, that if patients started taking steroid hormones within six hours of developing a rash, the rash would go away completely. The longer people wait to take steroids the less likely they are to benefit from them.

One of the great mysteries of poison ivy rashes is their propensity to appear in places that have never been touched by urushiol. Dermatologists can always say that perhaps the patient accidentally brushed that area of skin, or that the oil was on the patient’s clothes and the clothes brushed the skin. Rashes in Other Areas

Such a hypothesis is difficult to rule out because it takes so little oil to cause a rash. Dr. Epstein has found that a person who is insensitive to poison ivy can touch urushiol with a finger and then blot his finger on his own skin a thousand times, but there will still be enough urushiol on his finger to produce a rash if he touches the skin of a sensitive person.

But experiments indicate that rashes can occur in areas that were not exposed to the oil. Dermatologists have put a patch containing urushiol on a volunteer’s skin and found that a rash not only appears under the patch but also crops up elsewhere on the body. In particular, it seems likely to appear at the site of an old poison ivy rash or in an area where there is pressure or minor irritation, such as the shoulder blades.

One possible explanation for rashes in areas that have not been touched by urushiol is that minute amounts of quinone that the body makes from urushiol are carried through the body by immune system cells. When these cells circulate in an area that is slightly irritated they might provoke a reaction.

Some experts have also suggested that minute amounts of urushiol fragments might remain at the site of old poison ivy rashes, and these fragments might cause an old rash to flare up when the immune system cells come by bearing quinones from urushiol. But these theories have never been tested. ”It’s all just supposition,” Dr. Epstein said. An Assault on the Body Soon after brushing against poison ivy, a person can spread its potent oil elsewhere by touch. But the rash can appear in puzzling patterns. Even when directly exposed, the palm, 1, never breaks out. If oil has been rubbed on the face, 2, the rash can appear within hours or days. Effects also appear relatively quickly on the delicate skin of the inner arm, 3. Thicker skin, as on the outer arm, 4, is slower to react and may not erupt for a week or more. As derivatives of the toxic oil pass through the bloodstream, rashes can also appear in places not directly exposed, as on the leg, 5, perhaps because the skin had been sensitized by a previous attack. Secretions from the rash itself do not contain the toxin and cannot cause eruptions.

Tips for treating poison ivy – Dermatologist in Glastonbury, CT

As summer approaches and the landscape turns greener, so too are the leaves from poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. When the oil from these plants touches the skin, most people (about 85 percent) develop an itchy, blistering rash. Although the rash itself is not contagious, the oil can spread to other areas of the body and from person to person if not quickly washed off after touching the plants. Fortunately, there are simple steps people can take to safely treat the rash at home.

If you are absolutely certain that your rash is due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, and if the rash appears on a small section of your skin, you may be able to treat the rash at home. However, if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, you experience swelling, or you have many rashes or blisters, go to the emergency room right away.

If you are not experiencing a serious reaction, dermatologists recommend the following tips for treating the rash and easing the itch:

1. Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. If you can rinse your skin immediately after touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to rinse off some of the oil. This helps ensure that the oil does not spread to other areas of the body and cause additional rashes.
2. Wash your clothing. Thoroughly wash all of the clothes you were wearing when you came into contact with the poisonous plant. The oil can stick to clothing, and if it touches your skin, it can cause another rash.
3. Wash everything that may have the oil on its surface. Besides clothing, the oil from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can stick to many surfaces, including gardening tools, golf clubs, leashes and even a pet’s fur. Be sure to rinse your pet’s fur, and wash tools and other objects with warm, soapy water.
4. Do not scratch, as scratching can cause an infection.
5. Leave blisters alone. If blisters open, do not remove the overlying skin, as the skin can protect the raw wound underneath and prevent infection.
6. Take short, lukewarm baths. To ease the itch, take short, lukewarm baths in a colloidal oatmeal preparation, which you can buy at your local drugstore. You can also draw a bath and add one cup of baking soda to the running water. Taking short, cool showers may also help.
7. Consider calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.  Apply calamine lotion to skin that itches. If you have a mild case, a hydrocortisone cream or lotion may also help.
8. Apply cool compresses to the itchy skin. You can make a cool compress by wetting a clean washcloth with cold water and wringing it out so that it does not drip. Then, apply the cool cloth to the itchy skin.
9. Consider taking antihistamine pills. These pills can help reduce itching, however use with caution. You should not apply a topical antihistamine to your skin, as doing so can worsen the rash and the itch.

A rash from poison ivy, oak or sumac usually lasts one to three weeks. If your rash is not improving after seven to 10 days, or you think your rash may be infected, see a board-certified dermatologist for treatment.

© 2019 American Academy of Dermatology. All rights reserved. Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission. Use of these materials is subject to the legal notice and terms of use located at https://www. aad.org/about/legal

90,000 10 Dangerous Plants – Search Path

What poisonous plants can be found on the territory of Russia. How to recognize a poisonous plant and what to do if you come into contact with it.

Everyone knows that the gifts of nature are not always useful. But not everyone knows some plants that are bad for human health. Some berries are poisonous and should not be eaten. And other plants are capable of burning, which is also unpleasant.It is best for hikers to avoid touching them on a hike.

1. Sosnovsky’s hogweed in shape resembles a huge dill. Thick stems with large white inflorescences sometimes reach 3 meters in height. These giants should be avoided. Hogweed is insidious in that its juice deprives the skin of protection from ultraviolet exposure. Burns and blisters appear on the damaged areas even under the gentle sun in the morning and evening hours.

Especially carefully it is necessary to protect from contact of juice in eyes: it threatens blindness. Although there are also harmless types of hogweed. They can even be eaten. But people without special education are better off not taking risks if you do not know that these umbrellas and stems are not dangerous.

2. Meadow parsnip. Another umbrella plant, but smaller in size and with pale yellow inflorescences. Psoralens are present in sap and pollen. They also increase sensitivity to sunlight. The result is spots, rashes, blisters. They appear on the damaged area on the first day after contact.The parsnip blooms in July and August. It is during this period that he is most dangerous.

3. Buttercup. Do not be deluded by the appearance of the yellow flower and its poetic name. The poisonous juice causes severe skin irritation. Blisters and itching occur. If buttercup juice gets into the mouth and nose, then a cough begins, the throat cramped. Therefore, these bright representatives of forest flora should not be collected in bouquets or sniffed.

4. Larkspur (delphinium).The plant also belongs to the buttercup family, although there are few external similarities. The tall stems are covered with small blue and purple flowers. The sap and pollen are about as irritating to the skin as nettle. This burning plant is sometimes bred as an ornamental plant. But experienced gardeners work with gloves, children and animals are not allowed close. The same is recommended for tourists who accidentally meet a delphinium in the forest.

5. Lumbago (sleep-grass).Gloves will help in contact with this relative of the buttercup. Despite the name, it is unlikely that it will be possible to fall asleep after meeting the dream-grass. Because of the alkaloids in the juice, inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes occurs.

6. Poisonous oak from the genus Toxicodendrons or mustard. The literal translation sounds like “toxic trees.” They look quite peaceful – a beautiful bush is covered with shiny leaves full of juice. It is in them, as well as in the stems, that urushiol oil is contained.The result is irritated skin and allergies. It manifests itself as a red rash with bumps and blisters. It all itches a lot. It is known that in severe cases, a person needs urgent medical attention.

7. Poison ivy. A relative of the poisonous oak, so its ability to harm a tourist is about the same. It differs from other types of ivy in that each branch is crowned with three glossy leaves. In different seasons, they turn green, yellow, orange, sometimes red.

8. Ash (burning bush). The plant looks spectacular – the bush adorns many inflorescences. But when the seeds are ripe, a large amount of essential oil appears. It can even ignite from a match. And the ash tree itself will remain intact. This explains the second name of the bush. You can only touch it with gloves and closed clothing. Symptoms will not appear immediately – this will happen after about a day. Burns with blisters form on the skin, later they burst, leaving scars.

9. Euphorbia. A large genus of plants, where representatives differ markedly from each other. But they have one thing in common – milky juice, which is why such a name appeared. The juice leaves burns on the skin, the mucous membrane of the eyes is also harmful – a person feels a sharp burning sensation and temporarily becomes blind. Other signs of intoxication include fever, edema, and generally feeling unwell.

10. Castor oil plant. Castor oil is prepared on the basis of the plant.But in the process there is a powerful steam treatment, due to which the contained toxic substances disappear. If this is not done, problems cannot be avoided. If the skin of the fetus is damaged, ricin is released. In the case of poorly washed hands, the substance enters the mouth and provokes gastroenteritis. Possible danger – up to death. In addition, eye damage and disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system become unpleasant symptoms. Although just touching the castor oil plant is permissible, the main thing is not to rip it off.

How to distinguish a poisonous plant?

It is quite difficult for the inhabitants to do this.It’s lucky if there is a certified botanist in the group. Otherwise, it is better to use special applications that will help determine the type of plant. But the main advice is one – if in doubt, do not approach and do not touch.

After touching a poisonous plant, it is necessary to immediately rinse the skin with running water. If this is not possible, at least wipe it with a damp cloth.

An antihistamine cream should be spread over the damaged area. This will reduce irritation.It is also worth taking an antihistamine, only according to the instructions.

When there has been contact with plants that increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, it is best to avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Spend a few days in the shade and wear long sleeves.

90,000 Oh no, I got caught in a poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac. What should I do?

Sorry, this post is based on recent experience.

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are common plants of this genus. Ru , is found throughout the United States and in Africa, often alongside hiking trails. Four out of five people are allergic to urushiol, a compound found in the sap of the plant that causes an itchy and painful allergic rash on the body wherever it comes in contact. The rash usually appears within 8 to 72 hours of exposure, but people with severe allergies may show symptoms within 4 hours. The rash can appear and spread within 21 days and will only appear where urushiol contacts.

You cannot spread the rash by scratching or coming in contact with the liquid on your blisters. However, you should avoid scratching to prevent scarring and infection. Keep exposed areas clean and dry.

General symptoms: Itching, red streaks or general redness, slight bumps or raised areas of the skin, blisters with or without fluid, blood blisters.

What to do if it seems to you that you have come into contact with poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac:

Step 1: Wash your hands, under the nails and areas (or the entire body if possible) as quickly as possible with regular soap or Teknu if you have one.If this is not possible, you can wipe the infected areas with rubbing alcohol. Take off contaminated clothing and wash separately with hot water and plenty of soap. Wipe down or wash anything that may have come into contact with urushiol, such as shoes, camping equipment, car seats, chairs, bedding, pets, friends, or garden tools.

Step 2: Make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. Mild cases of poison ivy can be treated at home with cold compresses, astringents, over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve itching, and calamine lotion.In moderate to severe cases, if your home protocol does not work, you should see your doctor. If you inhaled urushiol while burning poison oak, if it gets in sensitive areas or in your mouth, or if the rash spreads to your eyes or genital area, seek immediate medical attention.

In more severe cases, treatment may include stronger antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, and even oral corticosteroids. But steroids can have side effects, so it’s important to only use them under close medical supervision and only if absolutely necessary.

PN Dermatitis, even after treatment, often lasts longer than desired. Having a doctor on your team can help you determine if things are improving at a normal rate, or if additional measures or stronger treatments are needed. Most important: don’t panic .

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Poison sumac, ivy, oak

Plants and rashes: poison ivy, oak, sumac, etc.

They grow everywhere

Fact. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac grow in wooded or swampy areas throughout North America. Plants are not actually poisonous. They have a long-acting sticky oil called urushiol, which causes an itchy, blistered rash upon contact with your skin. Even light contact, such as touching leaves, can leave oil. Poison ivy and poison oak grow like vines or bushes. Poison sumac is a shrub or tree.

Leaves of three, let it be

Myth. Poison Ivy is the only one that always has three leaves, one on each side and one in the center. They are shiny, with smooth or slightly serrated edges. Poison oak looks similar, but the leaves are larger and more rounded, like an oak leaf. They have a rough rough surface. There may be groups of three, five, or seven leaves. Poison sumac leaves grow in clusters of seven to 13 leaves, one at the end.

The rash appears right now

Myth. It will form within 24-72 hours after contact, depending on where the plant touched you. It usually peaks within a week, but can last up to 3 weeks. A rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac appears as patches or streaks of red, raised blisters. The rash usually won’t spread unless the urushiol is still in contact with your skin.

Do not touch the leaves. You will be fine

Myth. Usually, where poisonous plants grow, it is safe to breathe.But if you burn them in your yard, the smoke can cause problems. When poison ivy leaves burn, they release chemicals that can bother your eyes, nose, or lungs. If you inhale smoke, you may need to see a doctor. He will prescribe steroids to control your symptoms.

Clothes keep you safe

Fact. Keep skin covered to avoid contact with these plants. If you are in an area where they grow, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and closed shoes.Tie the bottom of your legs or tuck them into your boots. Wear gloves when handling mulch bags or pine straw bales. Keep a pair of shoes for outdoor use only, and store them outdoors. Try bentoquatam lotion. It acts as a barrier between urushiol and the skin.

Oil stays on your skin

Fact. Urushiol begins to take hold within a few minutes. If you know you have come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, rinse the area with warm water and soap as soon as possible.If there is no water, it can be removed with alcohol or alcohol wipes. Keep the area cool, dry and clean. Wash clothes and clean boots or shoes. Drain any gardening tools that may have touched the plant from the hose.

Home remedies to get rid of the rash

Myth. But using them with over-the-counter medicines can relieve itching and make you more comfortable. Once a rash appears, keep it clean, dry, and cool.Calamine lotion, diphenhydramine, or hydrocortisone may help control itching. Cool compresses or baths with baking soda or oatmeal can also soothe the rash. Don’t scratch. It won’t spread the rash, but it can cause scars or infection. Your doctor may suggest other treatments for your symptoms.

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The rash is contagious

Myth. If someone in your family has poison ivy, oak, or sumac, you will not be able to catch it from them, even if you touch the blisters.The fact that you have never had a rash from one of these plants does not mean that you are pure. Most people – about 85% – are allergic to urushiol. It can affect you at any age.

You will not need to see a doctor

Myth. Call your doctor if rash is near the eyes or spreads all over the body. If necessary, he or she can prescribe medications for you to help with swelling and itching. Go to the emergency room if you have severe reactions in addition to the rash, such as nausea, fever, shortness of breath, severe soreness at the site of the rash, or swollen lymph nodes.Call 911 if you have trouble breathing or feel faint.

Pets do not have a rash

Fact. The hair of a dog or cat usually protects their skin from urushiol. But it can stay on the fur and wear off you. If your pet is exploring areas where these plants are found, bathe him with soap and cool water. Be sure to wear gloves.

Use any plant control method

Myth. Do not burn poison ivy, oak or sumac. Urushiol particles remain in the smoke and can irritate the eyes, nose and respiratory tract, and can also get on the skin. Instead, dress appropriately and dig up the plants, trying to get as many roots as possible. Place them in a plastic trash bag and discard. Ask someone to do this if you are hypersensitive to the plant. Some plant killers may work. Read the label carefully and use it at the right time of the year.Be careful – urushiol remains active even on dead plants.

Treatment of allergies to poison ivy, oak and sumach

The rash is usually mild and should be treated at home. This treatment usually relieves symptoms but does not speed up the healing process.

• If you know you have come into contact with one of these plants, wash the contact area.Occasionally, the rash can go away completely after rinsing with plenty of water, 10-15 minutes after exposure. You can also use a product that is designed to remove oil from your skin.

• To relieve itching and dry blisters, apply a compress or soak the rash in cold water. Antihistamine tablets or calamine lotion can help relieve symptoms.

• If you have a moderate or severe reaction, you may need a doctor’s help.He may prescribe corticosteroid pills. These medications will help get rid of the rash more quickly. Creams, ointments and gels can also be used, but tablets are more effective.

A common complication of rash is infection. In this case, the doctor prescribes the use of creams that contain antibiotics and are applied to the affected area of ​​the skin if the infection is small. Otherwise, you may need antibiotics in pills or injections. To avoid infection, try not to scratch the rash and trim your nails short to minimize the possibility of skin damage and the spread of bacteria.

Depending on the type of treatment, its duration will be determined individually.

Prevention

Only plant oil can cause rashes, so it is best to avoid contact with it.

• Learn to recognize these plants, especially those that grow near your home. Their appearance may vary depending on the season and environment.

• Although the species of the plant changes, the amount of oils in it remains the same throughout the year, even in winter when the plant has bare branches.Dark spots on the plant can help identify it (the oil turns dark on contact with air). Both living and dead plants contain oil, but in dry leaves it is in small quantities.

• You can remove the plant if possible. Never touch the plant without gloves.

• If you cannot avoid contact with the plant, wear clothing that covers your body as much as possible. Care must be taken to handle and thoroughly wash clothes and items that were near the plant.

• If you are often in an area where such plants grow, you can purchase a special product that removes oils from the skin.

• Barrier creams and lotions can help avoid oil contact and reduce severity of reactions. These creams are different in their action and are not always effective.

If you suspect you have touched poison ivy, oak or sumac, immediately wash the contact area.In most cases, the oil is absorbed into the skin in 30 minutes. You should also wash your clothes immediately. Contaminated areas must be wiped off with alcohol.

Home treatment

The rash is usually mild and should be treated at home. This treatment usually relieves symptoms but does not speed up the healing process.

• If you know you have come into contact with one of these plants, wash the contact area. Occasionally, the rash can go away completely after rinsing with plenty of water, 10-15 minutes after exposure.In most cases, the oil is absorbed into the skin in 30 minutes. You will also wash your clothes immediately. Contaminated areas must be wiped off with alcohol.

• To relieve itching and dry blisters, apply a compress or soak the rash in cold water. Antihistamine tablets or calamine lotion can help relieve symptoms.

• To avoid infection, try not to scratch the rash and trim your nails short to minimize the possibility of skin damage and the spread of bacteria.

Medicines

Antihistamine tablets are used to relieve symptoms of a rash. Medicines prescribed by a doctor, such as corticosteroids, are used to treat an acute reaction. Medications are also used to reduce the appearance of the rash.

Types of medicines

• Antihistamine tablets help relieve itching and dry out blisters. These include Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride), which is available without a prescription, and Vistaril (hydroxine hydrochloride), which is prescribed by your doctor.

• Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of moderate to severe rash. With these drugs, the rash goes away more quickly. Corticosteroid creams, ointments, and gels can also be used, but are less effective than tablets.

• Barrier creams and lotions can help avoid oil contact and reduce severity of reactions. These creams are different in their action and are not always effective.

You can also use a product that neutralizes the effect of the oil, it can reduce the severity of the reaction.

A common complication of rash is infection. In this case, the doctor prescribes the use of creams that contain antibiotics and are applied to the affected area of ​​the skin if the infection is small. Otherwise, you may need antibiotics in pills or injections.

Things to remember

The following drugs should not be used in the treatment of allergic reactions to poison ivy, oak and sumac as they may cause other skin problems:

• Antihistamines applied to the skin

• Anesthetics applied to the skin and containing benzocaine

• Antibiotics that contain neomycin sulfate.

Surgery

Surgery is useless in treating allergic reactions to poison ivy, oak and sumac.

Decrease sensitivity

Homeopathic treatments for this allergic reaction have been used in some cases. There are cases where a treatment that consisted of eating the leaves of the plant was successful. But the studies didn’t show these results because people who took part in them had mild to serious side effects.

Question: How to destroy a poisonous oak? – Home and garden

About 3 trillion trees grow on our planet. They purify the air, prevent water pollution, protect the soil from erosion, supply us with oxygen, and also provide cool shade on a hot day. However, some plants and trees are not so harmless – in fact, they are dangerous and can seriously harm or even kill you.
When the fruits ripen, they turn brown and explode, shooting seeds in all directions at speeds up to 320 km / h.It is not difficult to imagine what serious injuries one can get from being hit by these natural shells.
If a child or a dog eats at least a couple of cherry leaves, he will feel a severe pain in the stomach. And if he tastes more leaves, he will most likely be poisoned by cyanide.
It is enough just to chew a horse chestnut to make a child or a dog vomit and diarrhea. Animals can have breathing problems and seizures. If a horse chestnut grows near your home, it is best to pick up all of its fruits and branches and remove them away from children and animals….
You are unlikely to be able to eat two hundred apple seeds or twenty apple cores – that is how much an adult needs to get poisoned. However, if the animal feeds on too many apples, it can easily kill it ..
Cerberus components are used to make deodorants and pesticides, but in pure form it can be deadly ..
Mancinella is covered with a poisonous resin that can cause blindness on contact with skin. Do not burn wood from this tree, even if there is nothing else at hand.The smoke will cause eye inflammation and even temporary blindness.
Music:
https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/music.
Time codes :.
Hura exploding 1:06.
The cherry tree and its relatives 2:07.
Horse Chestnut 3:16.
Apple and Wild Apple 4:15.
Cerberus 5:12.
Mancinella 5:57.
Review:
– If hura resin gets in your eyes, blindness can be a frighteningly real prospect. If you accidentally eat its fruit, your body will react almost instantly with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea….
– Cherry and its congeners release special chemicals that break down into cyanide in the human stomach, and poisoning with them can easily lead to death ..
– Horse chestnut contains saponins – chemicals that depress the nervous system ..
– Leaves, trunk and apple seeds contain the same substances as cherries, which, once in the stomach, turn into cyanide.
– Cerberus grows in South Asia and India – where desperate people commit suicide by eating the extremely poisonous fruits of this tree….
– A highly toxic white resin oozes from the leaves, bark and fruits of the mancinella. It contains a wide variety of poisons, but the most dangerous of them is phorbol. Even just biting off the fruit can lead to juice poisoning, which causes painful sores in the throat and mouth.
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90,000 7 poisonous Canadian plants that can kill you | Canada – the land of dreams

If you decide to move to another country, then you should learn more about the local flora. Mouth-watering berries can be deadly, and an unusual herb can cause severe skin inflammation. You don’t want such problems for yourself, do you?

We will tell you about some very dangerous Canadian plants. Stay away from them!

1. Giant hogweed

Giant hogweed native to Central Asia, but found in areas of Southern and Central Ontario.This plant reaches a height of about 2-5.5 m and resembles an ordinary hogweed. The juice of this plant contains the chemical component furocoumarin, which causes phytophotodermatitis! It leads to blisters and long-lasting scars on the skin. When in contact with this plant, the skin turns red and begins to itch. Over time, bubbles form that last 48 hours. After the blisters disappear, black scars appear that can remain on the body for several years. The dangerous furocoumarin is found in the leaves, flowers, roots, seeds and stems of the giant hogweed.

2. Cicuta

Cicuta is one of the most poisonous plants! It contains the toxic component cicutoxin, which has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. If you suddenly want to taste this plant, then you will have very unpleasant consequences: vomiting, foam at the mouth and convulsions. Cicuta may well lead to paralysis and death! This plant is common in Europe, but you may well find it in Canada. Take a closer look at these leaves and be careful!

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3.Whorled Holly (Winterberry)

Whorled Holly is a native species of eastern North America. These berries grow near water and swamps, but are sometimes found in meadows. Many birds eat these berries, but they are dangerous to humans. They cause nausea and a drop in blood pressure.

4. Daphne

Daphne is a shrub that is widespread throughout the world. This plant is famous for its poisonous berries and fragrant flowers. Many species are grown in gardens for ornamental use.Their berries, bark and juice contain toxins that irritate the skin.

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5. Poison Oak

Poison Oak is a woody shrub that is primarily found in western North America. There is oil on the branches and leaves of this plant, which causes allergic reactions. Contact with leaves or twigs of a poisonous oak tree causes itching, which develops into dermatitis. This causes skin inflammation and blistering.Poisonous oak also emits poisonous smoke when burned.

6. Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is a flowering plant that can be found in southern North America and Asia. This plant contains a clear liquid component urushiol in its juice. The element causes itching, skin irritation and painful eruptions in humans upon contact with the plant. Many animals, as well as birds, eat poison ivy, but the plant is dangerous for humans. If you touch poison ivy, you should immediately rinse the skin surface with cold water and soap or alcohol.Do not use hot water, as it opens the pores on the skin, which leads to an even greater allergic reaction.

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7.