A member asked:

Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with poison ivy and poison oak.

21 doctors weighed in across 17 answers
Dr. Bradford Romans answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: The plant oil is very sticky and one should thoroughly shower off and wash the clothes.

Answered 8/18/2016

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Dr. Kim Kuhar answered

Ignore: If you are allergic to poison ivy, be sure to shower as soon as possible after exposure.

Answered 12/24/2017

4.3k views

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Dr. Derek Farley answered

Specializes in Urgent Care

Ignore: Otc benadryl, (diphenhydramine) calamine lotion, other topical preparations. Steroid shots, hi dose creams avail rx.

Answered 10/20/2017

4.2k views

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Dr. Natalie Sieb answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Ignore: Wash all clothing and anything that might have the poisonous oil on it.Don't scratch or pop blisters.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Dr. Matt Wachsman answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Limit its spread with soap/water adsorbents taking care not to spread it further to skin or eyes.

Answered 7/30/2014

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Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Ignore: Do wear heavy duty vinyl gloves when handling poison ivy/oak.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Ignore: Not contagious, even when weeping. Best remedy is prescription clobetasol gel. Learn to recognize .

Answered 6/6/2014

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Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Do: Wash yourself off right after contact with poison ivy, using detergent soap.

Answered 7/30/2014

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Ignore: Careful wheer you may have touch toe avoid further exposure.

Answered 7/7/2014

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Ignore: Avoid the plants. Wash after exposure. See a doctor if rash appears.

Answered 7/9/2014

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Ignore: Avoid shrubs and vines with 3-leaf clusters. "Leaves of three, let them be!".

Answered 9/29/2016

3.9k views

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Dr. Dustin Colegrove answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Wash clothes and affected area immediately after exposure.

Answered 7/25/2014

3.9k views

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Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

Wash: Wash with soap at first exposure. Don't scratch. Apply Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for itching. If severe, visit MD.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Michael Rupp answered

Specializes in Allergy and Immunology

Ignore: Do learn what poison oak and poison ivy look like and actively avoid them.

Answered 1/16/2019

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Dr. Marc Serota answered

Specializes in Dermatology

Ignore: Wash off skin, wash clothes, apply topical steroids for itch. You can't give rash to someone!

Answered 1/25/2015

3.3k views

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Ignore: Steroids are the only medications that really help.

Answered 1/28/2015

3.3k views

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Dr. Justin Greiwe answered

Specializes in Allergy and Immunology

Ignore: Prevent rash by avoiding exposure. Use protective clothing like pants/vinyl gloves when gardening.

Answered 7/21/2016

2.9k views

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