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

    Rare Red Meat Allergy Linked To More Tick Species

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    Most Families Exclude Foods Linked to Allergies

    Allergy Expert Gives Tips On Seasonal Allergies

    How to Treat Spring Allergies: A Graduated Approach

    Some Cases of Recurrent Wheeze in Kids May Need New Treatment

    How Early Antibiotic Use Could Raise Kids' Asthma Risk

    Air Pollution Could Be Changing Children's Brains

    Asthma Could Raise Miscarriage, Infertility Risks for Women: Study

    September is Peak Asthma Month: Is Your Child Ready?

    Moderna's Combo Flu and COVID Shot Shows Promise

    CDC Reports Potentially Troublesome Mutations in Bird Flu Found in Louisiana Patient

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

    This Season's Flu Vaccine Cuts Risk of Hospitalization by Almost 35%

    How To Fight Common Wintertime Respiratory Viruses