Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac

WHAT'S THAT ITCH?

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are unwelcome summertime visitors. Many people have allergic reactions to the oil produced on the leaves and vines of these plants. Once exposed, the oil binds to the skin and the allergic response starts. The typical itchy, blistering rash usually appears anywhere from 2‑5 days after exposure. The rash takes 2‑3 weeks to resolve and is usually treated with topical creams like Cortaid. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe a stronger cream or medication to take by mouth. There are many popular misconceptions about poison ivy. One of the most commonly heard is that poison ivy can be spread by scratching. Once the oil is bound to the skin, it cannot be spread. Residual oil under the nails, on unwashed clothes or even on animal fur can however, come into contact with uninfected skin and result in more poison ivy lesions. Even poison ivy that leads to large water blisters will not spread the rash; the fluid contained in these blisters is just skin fluid and does not contain poison ivy oil. For this same reason, poison ivy rash cannot be spread from one person to another. Until recently, the only ways to prevent poison ivy were to avoid the plants, and to wash with soap and water after exposure before the oil bound to the skin. A product called Ivy Block has recently been approved by the FDA. This product is applied before exposure, like a sunscreen, and keeps the oil from binding. Look for it at your pharmacy.

DESCRIPTION
Your child has extremely itchy streaks or patches of redness and blisters on exposed body surfaces (such as the hands).  The rash appears 1 or 2 days after being in a forest or field.

CAUSE

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac cause the same type of rash and are found throughout North America.  More than 50% of people are sensitive to the oil of these plants.  The rash usually lasts 2 weeks.

HOME TREATMENT

1.    Cool Soaks to reduce itching- Soak the area of the rash in cold water or massage it with an ice cube for 20 minutes as often as necessary.

2.    Steroid Creams- Apply a steroid cream to reduce the itching.  Your child's cream is 1% hydrocortisone.  Put the cream on the area with the rash 4 times a day for 5-7 days.  The sore should be dried up and no longer itchy in 10 to 14 days.  In the meantime, cut your child's fingernails short and encourage them not to scratch themselves.

3.    Benadryl- If itching persists, give Benadryl orally (no prescription needed) every 6 hours as needed.

4.    Contagiousness- The fluid from the sores themselves cannot spread poison ivy.  However, the oil or sap from the plant can cause the rash for about a week and may remain on a pet's fur or on items such as shoes or clothes.  Wash it off pets or clothes with soap and water.

5.    Prevention- If you think that your child has had contact with one of these plants, wash the exposed skin with any soap as soon as possible.  Everyone should wear long pants and socks when walking through woods that may contain poison ivy, oak or sumac.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
•    The itching becomes severe, even with treatment.
•    The skin looks infected (you see puss or soft yellow scabs).
•    The rash lasts longer than 2 weeks.
•    You have other concerns or questions.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.