Health Tip: Treating Poison Ivy

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

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests:

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

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Planes' Air Ventilation Can't Spread Nut Allergens to Passengers: Study

    Check Your Pantry, Lay's Classic Potato Chips Recalled Due to Milk Allergy Risk

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    Most Families Exclude Foods Linked to Allergies

    How to Treat Spring Allergies: A Graduated Approach

    Wildfire Smoke Is Choking America's Cities -- Is Yours on the List?

    Asthma Could Raise Miscarriage, Infertility Risks for Women: Study

    Some Cases of Recurrent Wheeze in Kids May Need New Treatment

    1 in 3 Children Now Suffer From Chronic Illness

    September is Peak Asthma Month: Is Your Child Ready?

    'Dual Mutant' Seasonal Flu Virus Could Make Some Treatments Ineffective

    Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID? An Expert Helps You Sort It Out

    Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses

    First U.S. Death From Bird Flu Reported in Louisiana

    Americans Still Consider COVID Major Public Health Threat