Health Tip: Manage Poison Ivy Rash

(HealthDay News) -- If you've been near or touched poison ivy, you may develop an itchy, blistering rash within 12 to 72 hours.

Most everyone reacts to an oil in the poison ivy plant called urushiol. The rash typically goes away on its own in a few weeks, but some people have a more serious reaction that requires a trip to the doctor's or even to the emergency room.

For most of us, the American Academy of Dermatology offers these suggestions for managing a poison ivy rash:

  • Wash your clothing. The oil can adhere to clothing, causing the rash to spread.
  • Wash anything that may have come in contact with the oil.
  • Do not scratch, which can trigger an infection.
  • Take short, lukewarm soapy baths to help fight the itch.
  • Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the rash.
  • After consulting your doctor, take a recommended antihistamine.

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

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Severe Asthma Often Comes With Other Serious Health Problems

    Tick-Borne Meat Allergy: Many Carry Alpha-Gal Antibodies Without Symptoms

    Why Vaccines Are Especially Important for Children With Asthma

    Holiday Tips To Keep Allergies and Asthma Under Control

    How to Tell if Spring Symptoms Owe to Allergy, Cold or Something More Serious

    Nighttime Heat Waves Increase Asthma Risk

    Wildfire Smoke Puts Millions At Risk Across Midwest, Northeast

    NYC Mold Removal Program Cut Asthma ER Cases By A Quarter, Study Says

    Vitamins Might Be Key To Asthma Control In Children, Adults

    Vaping Family Members Raise Kids' Asthma Risks

    FDA Declines to Review Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Application

    New Vaccine Schedule Released By American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists

    Tamiflu Helps Keep Severely Ill Kids Out Of The ICU, Study Finds

    RFK Jr. Says Fewer Flu Vaccines for Kids May Be a 'Better Thing'

    Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Back Under FDA Review