Question 1

what is the definition or description of: recently exposed to poison oak or poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Itchy blister rash: The oils of the rhus family of plants can cause contact dermatitis. Any areas of skin that touch the vines or leaves in a patient that has already developed allergy to poison ivy or poison oak. Itching may develop the next day and continue to progress to blisters. The pattern is usually in straight line as the vines touched the skin. Washing the skin with a strong soap as soon as you can after

Question 2

how can i get rid of poison oak or poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Topica/oral steroids: Poison ivy and poison oak are types of allergic contact dermatitis, which usually will resolve spontaneously within 2 weeks.  For milder cases, use of a topical corticosteroid is effective.  More severe cases, especially when the disease affects that face, often require oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone.

Question 3

why aren't my child's hands being affected by poison oak or poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Not all folks get it: Only about 80% of people are sensitive to the irritant effects of urushiol, the chemical in the resin of these plants that binds to the skin and causes that darn, itchy rash so many of us know. That means your kids are part of the "lucky 20" - the 20% or so of folks who can roll around in poison ivy or oak and walk away with nary an itch.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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.

Question 9

what is the difference between poison ivy and poison oak?

Accepted Answer

Not much: Poison ivy and poison oak are both plants that can cause a contact dermatitis. The rash will look the same from both of these plants.

Question 10

how do i tell the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Plant allergy: Poison ivy has leaves of 3 and smooth edges.  Poison oak has leaves of 3 and has rough edges like an oak leaf.  They both cause blister like rashes to skin.

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Doctor answers about:

What is exposed to poison oak or poison ivy

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: recently exposed to poison oak or poison ivy?

A member asked:

How can i get rid of poison oak or poison ivy?

A member asked:

Why aren't my child's hands being affected by poison oak or poison ivy?

A member asked:

Are there medicinal uses for poison ivy or poison oak?

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?

A member asked:

What is the difference between poison ivy and poison oak?

A member asked:

How do i tell the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

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