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

    Peanut Allergy Risk Higher If Older Sibs Eat Peanuts, Study Finds

    Watching the Super Bowl? Doctors Warn About Hidden Health Risks for Fans

    Mothers' Milk Might Be Key To Avoiding Childhood Food Allergies

    Misconceptions Over Preventing Peanut Allergy Persist Among Parents, Study Shows

    Rising Tree Pollen Counts Signal Start of Allergy Season

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

    Smartphone App Uses Voice To Predict Asthma, COPD Flare-Ups

    Heavy 'Forever Chemical' Exposure Before Birth Increases Childhood Asthma Risk, Study Finds

    Vaping Family Members Raise Kids' Asthma Risks

    New Discovery Could Change How Asthma Is Treated, Scientists Say

    The Reason Why Many Older Americans Skip Seasonal Vaccines

    Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Back Under FDA Review

    Children Should Get Flu Vaccine, Top Pediatrics Group Recommends

    FDA Reverses Course, Approves First mRNA Flu Shot

    Flu Season Starts Early in NYC as Cases Rise Fast