When to See a Doctor for Poison Ivy

Key takeaways

• Poison ivy rashes are caused by exposure to oils from poison plants that grow in different parts of the United States.

• Most reactions to poison ivy will heal on their own within 1-3 weeks.

• Medical treatment may be required if the rash is on many parts of the body, has affected the eyes, mouth, or genitals, or if the surrounding skin shows signs of infection.

Poison ivy is a plant that can cause a rash or blisters if you come in contact with it. The oil from the plant can cause a red, itchy rash that can easily spread until the oil has been washed off with soap and water. If you encounter poison ivy, clean your hands and wash the area. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know about poison ivy rash,  options, and how to know when you should see a doctor.

When to See a Doctor for Poison Ivy

Get emergency medical care if you are exposed to smoke from burning poison ivy, poison sumac, or poison oak plants, especially if you have breathing problems.

See a doctor if any of the following occurs:

• You develop a fever after getting poison ivy
• Your poison ivy rash covers several parts of the body
• Poison ivy rash is near or on the eyes, mouth, or genitals
• Blisters from poison ivy are oozing pus or non-clear fluid
• Your skin is swelling
• The poison ivy rash has not resolved after a few weeks
• Your skin is red, hot and tender to touch

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Poison ivy rashes can be caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants. The rashes only appear where plant oil has directly touched the skin, although rashes do not always appear instantly. They may appear anywhere from 4 hours to 4 days after exposure.

Not everyone will get a rash after being exposed to poison ivy, but between 50-75% of U.S. adults will be sensitive enough to develop symptoms after exposure.

Signs and symptoms of poison ivy include:

• A red, streaky rash that may appear in patches
• Red bumps that become large blisters that may burst
• Extreme itchiness

You can still spread poison ivy if the oil is under fingernails or on surfaces of clothing or objects that came into contact with it or your skin after it was exposed. Make sure to wash everything that was around the poison plant thoroughly.

It is not possible to spread poison ivy from the rash alone or from the fluid in the blisters.

Stages of a Poison Ivy Rash

Symptoms of poison ivy can range from mild to severe depending on the individual’s sensitivity and the amount of plant oil exposure. The worst symptoms typically occur 4-7 days after exposure. Poison ivy rashes can last for 1-3 weeks.

Poison ivy rashes typically develop in stages:

• First few hours or days: The poison ivy rash can appear as quickly as a few hours after exposure, or it may not show up for 3-4 days. If it takes longer to show up, it may appear in more places on the body if you did not know that you had been exposed.

• Rash intensifies: After the initial rash appears, it may continue getting redder or itchier for a few more days. Even if it seems to be spreading, once the oil has been cleaned from the skin, it is not. However, inflammation from the itching could increase the redness, making it seem like it is getting worse.

• Blisters form: Blisters will typically form on the patchy rash, which may be small or large. Scratching will worsen skin reactions and the ability to heal, so try to avoid it.

• Blisters burst: The blisters will usually burst, but it is important not to pop them, which can lead to potential infection. The fluid from the blisters does not contain poison ivy oil and cannot spread the rash or any other infection. It will be clear and watery. If fluid from poison ivy appears yellow or a different color, it could be a sign of infection or that the rash is not poison ivy.

• Skin heals: After poison ivy rashes have blistered over, they will heal on their own, typically about 1-3 weeks after the initial exposure.

Medical Treatment for Poison Ivy

Poison ivy rashes usually resolve on their own without treatment. Most medical treatments will not speed the healing but can ease discomfort.

In other cases, a doctor may prescribe treatments for more complicated cases:

• Prescription steroid creams for severe itching

• Prescription steroid pills or injections for large rashes or more serious responses

• Antibiotics if signs of infection develop after poison ivy

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Home Treatment for Poison Ivy

Most cases of poison ivy can be managed at home, but there are some important things NOT to do:

• Antihistamines: Unlike other types of itchy rashes, poison ivy does not respond to topical or oral antihistamines.

• Anesthetic or antibacterial creams: Over-the-counter products like benzocaine cream, which can numb skin, or bacitracin, which can prevent bacterial infection in cuts and scrapes, should not be used on poison ivy rashes. They can prevent healing and worsen the rash.

• Scratching: While poison ivy is extremely itchy, scratching can worsen the rash and can spread bacteria that could lead to infections. Try not to touch the poison ivy rash except to keep it clean and free from dirt. Wear soft, clean long sleeves over the rash to protect it and remind yourself not to scratch it.

Home care that you can try includes:

• Cool compresses with clean cotton rags
• Cool or warm oatmeal baths
• Calamine lotion

Prevention

If you identify poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac, stay away from them. Do not pull plants up and burn them. This can lead to severe poison ivy reactions in anyone who breathes in the smoke.

If you come into contact with poison plants, thoroughly wash all exposed skin as quickly as possible. Wash with soap and hot running water, wiping in one direction to avoid spreading oils back and forth. Cleanse the area at least three times to ensure all oils have been removed. Make sure to wash clothing or objects that touch the oil, too.

If you will be in or around areas where poison ivy may be present, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. Wear heavy-duty vinyl gloves if your hands could come in contact with poison plants. Oils from poison ivy plants can seep through rubber or latex gloves.

How K Health Can Help

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does poison ivy look like?

Poison ivy is a green leafy plant that has three distinct leaves, one that extends upward and the other two from the sides. If you are uncertain whether a three-leafed plant is poison ivy, avoid contact. Most smartphones offer plant-identification apps by taking a photo with the camera.

Can a doctor do anything for poison ivy?

Poison ivy rashes usually resolve on their own without treatment in 1-3 weeks. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe steroids, antibiotics, or other medications if the rash is widespread or shows signs of additional infection.

How long does it take poison ivy rashes to go away?

Poison ivy rashes typically resolve on their own, usually within 1-3 weeks.

What are the stages of poison ivy rash?

Poison ivy rash develops a few hours to a few days after exposure. The rash will appear red and itchy. Blisters typically form later, which may burst. The skin will then heal after that. Do not scratch the rash, as this could lead to bacterial infection.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants. (2021).
  https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/outsmarting-poison-ivy-and-other-poisonous-plants

• Patient education: Poison ivy (Beyond the Basics). (2022).
  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/poison-ivy-beyond-the-basics/print

• Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Dermatitis: What Is Known and What Is New? (2019).
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31045932/

• Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash. (2022).
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000027.htm

How to Treat Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac and When to Go to a Doctor

Did you know that around 85 percent of people are allergic to poison ivy, oak, or sumac? Also, fifty million people in the United States have an allergic reaction to one of the three each year. 

The rash you get from these plants is termed allergic reaction dermatitis. If you want to know how to treat any of these and when it’s time to go to a doctor, keep reading and find out what you need to know. 

What’s the Cause of Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rashes?

These rashes are caused by something called urushiol, pronounced (yoo-Roo-shee-ol). Urushiol is in the sap of the plants and it spreads very easily.

It’s colorless, odorless, and very sticky. It causes redness, itching, swelling, and blistering if untreated. 

You’ll typically need a couple of weeks to heal from the rash as long as you don’t let it get infected.

What’s the Best Treatment?

The best poison ivy treatment is prevention. If you aren’t able to prevent it, however, and find yourself swelling, itching, and more, then you should treat it right away.

The good thing is you don’t need to go to the doctor immediately, but you may need to eventually if it gets worse or you’re unable to treat it on your own.

Over the Counter Treatments

Over the counter options can help treat poison oak, ivy, or sumac rashes if you know what to get. If your rash is oozing, then you should apply aluminum acetate, aluminum sulfate, or calcium acetate.

You can find any of these at your local drugstore or pharmacy. The options come in either a lotion or a cream and will stop the oozing fairly fast. 

If your rash is very itchy, then you should apply colloidal oatmeal, baking soda, or calamine lotion. You can also try an over the counter steroid cream, but they might not be strong enough.

If it’s not strong enough, you’ll need to see a doctor and get a prescription steroid cream which is much stronger and should do the trick.

Before going to bed, you can take an antihistamine as well. It won’t stop the itching, but it will help you relax and sleep while you’re dealing with a poison sumac rash.

You should also take a cool bath with an oatmeal-based bath product. Make sure to soak for at least half an hour to soothe your skin. 

What Not to Do

It’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what treatments to use. Don’t scratch your blisters! Your hands most likely have bacteria on them and that can lead to an infection. 

You shouldn’t put antibiotic creams with bacitracin or neomycin on your rash either.

Another thing to avoid is putting antihistamine lotions or creams on it. Lastly, don’t put anesthetic creams with benzocaine on your rash either.

When to Go to a Doctor

If you notice puss on your rash or yellow scabs, it’s time to see your doctor. Also, it’s time to pay them a visit if your temperature rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If itching keeps getting worse and you can’t sleep, call your doctor to get some help.

If it’s been over three weeks and the rash isn’t getting any better, this is a sign that something is wrong. If the rash spreads to your mouth, eyes, or genitals, you need to make an appointment ASAP to prevent it from getting worse.

Treating Your Rash

Now you’ve got some great tips for treating a rash caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Remember that prevention is best, but if you do get a rash, use these easy treatment methods as soon as possible. 

Are you dealing with a bad rash that you just can’t shake? If so, we want to hear from you. Click here to contact us for more help.

What does a poison ivy allergy look like

What is poison ivy?

Did you know that poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac contain the same rash-causing substance? This is called urushiol, a colorless, odorless oil (called resin) found in their leaves.

What are the signs and symptoms of a poison ivy allergy?

Urushiol is considered an allergen because it causes an allergic reaction. The reaction to poison ivy is manifested in the form of a rash, itching, and sometimes swelling. Not everyone has a reaction to urushiol, but most people do. This reaction may begin within hours of exposure to urushiol or up to 5 days later.

Typically, the skin becomes red, itchy, swollen and blistered. After a few days, the blisters may crust and begin to flake off. The rash that people get from poison ivy can take 2 to 3 weeks to heal.

When should I call the doctor?

It’s a good idea to call your doctor if you have any kind of rash, especially if you also have a fever. If your rash is caused by poison ivy or a similar plant, your doctor may advise you to take a cool shower and use a soothing lotion, such as calamine lotion.

In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe tablets or creams containing antihistamines or steroids (not the same steroids bodybuilders use!) to reduce itching and redness.

Is poison ivy contagious?

The poison ivy rash itself is not contagious. The fluid from the blister cannot spread the rash. But it is possible to contract poison ivy rash without touching the plant. Urushiol can be passed from one person to another through skin or clothing. Urushiol can even travel through the air if one burns the plants to clear the bushes.

How can I protect myself from poison ivy?

Poison ivy can grow anywhere from the forest to your own backyard. And it can be hard to spot: the leaves of poisonous plants blend in with other plants and shrubs. In addition, there are several types of poison ivy, and each of them can look different depending on the time of year.

Leaves of poison ivy plants secrete urushiol when they are bumped, torn, or brushed. When the resin is released, the leaves may look shiny or have black spots. Then it can get on the skin of a person.

Here are some tips to help you avoid getting a poison ivy rash:

• Learn to recognize poison ivy, oak and sumac so you can stay away from them. (Be especially careful with plants if the leaves look shiny.)
• Avoid places where you know there is poison ivy.
• Wear long sleeves and long trousers when in areas where poison ivy can grow.
• If your dog has been walking in the woods, give him a shower to wash off any urushiol oil that may be on his coat.

If you come into contact with urushiol oil, try to wash it off your skin immediately by showering and using plenty of soap. Do not take a bath – the oil can get into the bath water and spread to other parts of your body.

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POISONOUS PLANTS – Our Texas – Russian Newspaper in Houston, Dallas, San-Antonio, Austin, Texas

On a fine summer day, do you like to walk through the woods and, sitting in the shade of trees, enjoy the scent of flowers? Do not rush to do this, at least be careful: some plants can be dangerous not only to your health, but also to life. Therefore, it is necessary to know at least the main types of dangerous plants common in Texas in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Toxicodendron belongs to the genus of shrubs in the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), which includes plants such as poison oak, poison ivy and lacquer tree. All these plants can be found throughout our state.

The leaves, twigs, fruits and roots of these plants contain a poisonous oil (urushiol) that does not disappear even after the plant dries up and oozes when any part of it is crushed – roots, leaves or flowers.

Contact with poison ivy, oak and sumac causes a rash (contact dermatitis) – an allergic reaction to the oil of the plant. Moreover, contact with oils can be both direct and indirect, through clothing, equipment and objects. The rash usually appears after one or two days, sometimes after several days.

First, redness, itching and swelling appear at the folds, including the so-called “pustules” – swellings with abscesses. The rash is usually mild (depending on how much resin has been applied to the skin area) and can be treated at home, which simply relieves the symptoms, but, alas, does not speed up the healing process.

If you know that a poisonous oil has come into contact with your skin, wash the area immediately (it will be absorbed in 30 minutes) and the rash will go away. You can also use a product that is designed to remove oil from the skin. To relieve itching and dry out blisters, apply a compress or soak the rash with cold water. Antihistamines can also help relieve symptoms. If you have a moderate or severe reaction, you may need to see a doctor. He may prescribe corticosteroids. These medicines will help get rid of the rash more quickly. Creams, ointments and gels may also be used. However, infections are a common complication of the rash, so it’s best to see a doctor. To prevent infection, try not to scratch the rash.

Learn to recognize these plants, especially those that grow near your home. Although the appearance of the plant changes with the change of seasons, it remains poisonous even in winter, despite its bare branches. If for some reason contact with the plant cannot be avoided, wear clothing that covers the body as much as possible. It is necessary to carefully wash clothes and wash items that were near the plant. Barrier creams and lotions can help avoid or reduce an allergic reaction.

As a source of the textbook “castor oil” or castor oil, castor bean fruits contain one of the most toxic substances in the world – ricin and the alkaloid ricinin. In just one castor bean fruit, ricin is enough to kill an adult, despite this, in Europe and the United States, many grow castor beans as an ornamental plant.

Ricin is a protoplasmic poison, it inhibits protein biosynthesis at the level of ribosomes. Everything in this herb is poisonous: leaves, flowers, fruits. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the fruit.

The seeds of this plant can cause serious damage to health: the toxins present in the herb inhibit the synthesis of proteins in the intestinal wall, as a result of which it is destroyed and the intestines cease to function. The first signs of castor bean poisoning may appear only after a few hours. It is symptomatic of yellowing of the skin, burning and pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, severe headache, weakness, convulsions, acceleration or slowing of the pulse, and possible respiratory arrest. At the first signs of poisoning, you should immediately consult a doctor and provide first aid to the patient. It consists in washing the stomach and a warm heating pad on the stomach. Remember that this plant is very poisonous. If there are children in your house, planting such a plant on your site is extremely dangerous!

Oddly enough, but one of the most poisonous plants on the planet is actively used in urban gardening in the US and Europe, moreover, it can be found even on playgrounds. Any part of this plant is highly poisonous, even inhaling smoke from burning oleander leaves, stems or flowers can be fatal. It is known that in 2002, 847 deaths from contact with this plant were recorded in the United States.

All parts of the oleander contain poisonous juice, it contains a number of cardiac glycosides (oleandrin, cornerin, etc.), so when working with the plant – transplanting or pruning – care should be taken. And in a house where there are children, it is better not to start it. When pruning, you need to protect your eyes and lips so that oleander juice does not get on them. After caring for the plant, wash your hands well with soap. It is impossible to sit near a flowering oleander for a long time or spend the night in a room where it blooms: you can get poisoned by the smell of its flowers or, at least, get a severe headache. Children should be warned about all this.

Not only stems and leaves are poisonous, but also flowers and fruits, so you need to be careful that children do not put them in their mouths. Signs of poisoning are indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, heart rhythm disturbances, dilated pupils and respiratory arrest. Do not allow the juice of the plant to get on the wounds.

It’s oleander time in Texas, be careful.

Representatives of the genus Brugmansia are desirable exhibits in the collection of flora lovers. Large elegant flowers of these shrubs and trees leave no one indifferent. Not surprisingly, these plants are often used in decorative landscaping. However, all parts of Brugmansia, especially the leaves and seeds, contain large amounts of poisonous alkaloids, including scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine. In some countries, there is even a ban on planting these plants in crowded public places due to toxic and psychotropic substances contained in large quantities in all parts of the plant and, especially, in its seeds. The high hallucinogenic properties of Brugmansia have long been used by South American Indians during spiritualistic rites, as well as for medicinal purposes. Currently, in the northern, warmer provinces of Argentina, Brugmansia is grown for the biochemical and pharmacological industries in order to obtain the valuable alkaloids scopolamine and atropine.

Brugmansia sap can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin, so it is best to use gloves when pruning a large number of shoots.
The somewhat heavy, intoxicating scent of the flowers can sometimes cause headaches and sleep problems. Do not place abundantly flowering Brugmansia in small or poorly ventilated areas. In extreme cases, the problem can be solved by removing some of the flowers and buds.

This very insidious plant contains tremetol toxin, which has a detrimental effect both directly and indirectly. For example, when goats or cows eat skep, their meat and milk are “contaminated” with the toxin tremetol, and eating these products leads to severe poisoning, also known as “milk sickness.” It is known that Nancy Hanks, the mother of Abraham Lincoln, died of poisoning with just such milk. Today, milk poisoning is rare.

Belladonna, or sleepyhead, is a plant famous for its poisonous properties and has a long history of poisoning, both accidental and intentional. However, many people do not even realize that among the closest relatives of this dangerous beauty we are familiar with potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and hot chili peppers. Their leaves, like the leaves of belladonna, also contain toxins that can cause serious poisoning. True, the amount of toxins in these plants is less.

This creeper from the legume family got its religious name because rosaries were made from its seeds. There are many cases when jewelers died by pricking their finger with a needle that pierced the seeds, stringing them on a thread. The fact is that the seed juice contains the toxin abrin – chemically very similar to ricin – one of the most deadly poisons on Earth.

Perhaps there is no more famous plant in history than milestones or hemlock, whose extract poisoned Socrates. All parts of the plant contain coniin, a toxin that causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and progressive paralysis of the nervous system. The plant is also known as Devil’s porridge and poisonous parsley.