Question 1

are there medicinal uses for poison ivy or poison oak?

Accepted Answer

Sort of.: An ointment of equal parts poison ivy vine, prickly ash bark, and alfalfa seeds is supposed to be good for arthritis. I donít know if it works, and i suggest you don't try to find out; there are many safer alternatives. Poison ivy is also used in homeopathic treatments, which are supposed to stimulate the body's defenses. Of course, there are conflicting claims about whether homeopathy works.

Question 2

what is the best way to stop the itching from poison ivy or poison oak?  what's the best cream?

Accepted Answer

Poison ivy: To stop the itch from poison ivy/oak, cold compresses to the rash plus Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or hydroxyzine. A high-potency steroid cream usually helps. Oftentimes, oral steroids are needed to control the itch and inflammation, courtesy of your doctor or dermatologist.

Question 3

how can you tell the rash of poison ivy or poison oak? are they contagious and how does it last? and how long does it itch?

Accepted Answer

Continuing exposure.: The resin from the poison ivy/oak can continue to cause you problem.  Be sure to wash off anything which has touched the poison ivy with a laundry detergent to rid of the resin.  Don not overlook the gloves, boots, or even your car's floor mat.

Question 4

what can i do for poison ivy or poison oak . got medicean from the dr but i think it's getting worse. it has spread up my leg an is very swollen ?

Accepted Answer

Typically if it is: all over, you may need oral steroids. The way the resin from the plant spreads is actually through your nails, so cut them short and scrub them. Try soaking in tub with aluminum acetate to dry out blisters, apply topical steroid I am sure your doctor gave you after soaking 10 min at least twice aday and call doc for oral steroids if not getting better in next 24 hours.

Question 5

i had either poison ivy or poison oak on my hands now the skin is really rough and peeling what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Emollient: If the skin does not have a wet rash, you may use a skin emollient like Vaseline.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 6

hello doc 
got poison ivy or poison oak on my arms what's the best way to get it cleared up? or is there a shot?

Accepted Answer

Depends: When I have a patient with significant swelling around the eyes or a problem body part, a shot of steroid would certainly help clear it faster and help the itching fade. In lesser cases, an oral steroid and topical treatment with a steroid or OTC product like IVY dry would help. If you just keep it clean and don't mess with it fading occurs within 2 wks.

Question 7

poison oak and poison ivy the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Different plants: Same clinical presentation of contact dermatitis.  Treatment is the same.  However, these are two different plants.

Question 8

what's good for poison ivy and poison oak?

Accepted Answer

Steroids: These reactions represent a contact allergy, and can be quite severe. The affected area needs to be washed thoroughly, and topical steroid creams can be applied. You can start with 1% Hydrocortisone from the drug store, but a more potent prescription cream will probably be necessary. In severe cases, oral Prednisone my be required.

Question 9

does the poison ivy and poison oak look identical?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Both are due to contact allergy to oils/ sap from the plants.  The rashes are identical.

Question 10

what is the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Plants: The shape of the leaf is the only difference.  Poison ivy is a smooth border.  Poison oak is rugged and shaped like an oak leaf.  Both plants have bracts of 3 leaves.  Both cause blister like rashes to hands and skin.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Are there medicinal uses for poison ivy or poison oak

A member asked:

Are there medicinal uses for poison ivy or poison oak?

A member asked:

What is the best way to stop the itching from poison ivy or poison oak? what's the best cream?

A member asked:

How can you tell the rash of poison ivy or poison oak? are they contagious and how does it last? and how long does it itch?

A member asked:

What can i do for poison ivy or poison oak . got medicean from the dr but i think it's getting worse. it has spread up my leg an is very swollen ?

A member asked:

I had either poison ivy or poison oak on my hands now the skin is really rough and peeling what should i do?

A member asked:

Hello doc got poison ivy or poison oak on my arms what's the best way to get it cleared up? or is there a shot?

A member asked:

Poison oak and poison ivy the same thing?

A member asked:

What's good for poison ivy and poison oak?

A member asked:

Does the poison ivy and poison oak look identical?

A member asked:

What is the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

Sponsored Content

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?