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Poison Ivy Dermatitis

Rhus (poison ivy) dermatitis is an itchy skin inflammation caused by the oleoresin from the poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac plant. These plants grow all over the United States. When you touch the plant, or touch an animal that has touched the plant or are in smoke that comes off the plant, the oily substance gets on your skin and causes an allergic reaction. The rash can begin to break out hours or days later anywhere you scratched. This can spread the resin. Appearance of new lesions a week after contact is confusing but, contrary to popular opinion, blister fluid does not contain the resin (unless you have not bathed) and cannot spread the inflammation. Scratching the rash may spread it to other parts of the body if the irritating oil is still on your hands or under your fingernails. The oleo resin (urushiol) is in other plants in this family and can cause cross reactions with Rhus (mango peels and cashew nut hulls).

To Prevent Rhus Rash

Several products are available to those who are frequently exposed or terribly allergic to Rhus:

1. Stokogard Outdoor Cream, Ivy Block or Ivy Shield can be used prior to exposure.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide or Technu can be used as a post-exposure wash within 4-6 hours. It is not effective once the rash has started.
3. Soap and water washing of clothes, entire body, dog, shoes, hunting or sports equipment is helpful, the sooner the better. Be especially careful to clean your nails.
4. Desensitization is available for those with chronic problems. Total desensitization is not possible.

To Treat Rhus Dermatitis

1. Scratching with an ice cube or cold compresses helps itching. Domeboros (one packet) in one pint of water, kept in refrigerator is a good compress.
2. Corn starch (one pound in a tub of water as a soak or mixed with a small amount of water to make a paste) helps. So might Calamine, Hydrocortisone cream, Rhule cream/lotion/spray or Sarna lotion.
3. Antihistamines (Benadryl one 25 mg capsule every 3-4 hours and 2 at bedtime) help itching and help you get some sleep. Aspirin or Advil can help inflammation and discomfort.
4. Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed in topical, oral or injectable form in refractory or severe cases.
5. Antibiotics are occasionally needed for secondarily infected (usually staph) broken weepy blisters.

Call If

1. You develop fever over 100 degrees F.
2. Pus, soft yellow scabs, red streaks or pain develop.
3. Itching gets worse or keeps you awake at night.
4. Rash spreads to your eyes, mouth, genitals or all over your body.
5. The rash is not drying out in a few days.
6. You have any problems related to your medicine.