A 42-year-old member asked:
What can be done for poison ivy?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Sparacinoanswered
Family Medicine 38 years experience
Aviodance: First avoid if possible. Wash with soapy water, then keep clean and dry. If a rash erupts, see your doctor.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Poison Ivy: There are specific products that you can buy that will wash the urushiol off. Some options of treating poison ivy include calamine lotion, oatmeal soaks, Hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines. Anything which has touched urushiol from the poison ivy needs to be cleaned (clothes, shoes, gear etc.) oral steroids are sometimes indicated.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 44-year-old member asked:
What should I do for poison ivy?
7 doctor answers • 16 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Zacharisenanswered
Allergy and Immunology 34 years experience
Avoid: Poison ivy is a common form of allergic contact dermatitis to the oleoresin of rhus plants. Depending on location and severity of symptoms, mild to potent steroid ointments are usually sufficient. If symptoms are widespread or severe, Prednisone may be needed and tapered over 2-3 weeks. Oatmeal baths and zyrtec (cetirizine) may help. Ultimately best thing is to recognize these plants and avoid them.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 21, 2019
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