What can be done for poison ivy?

Question

I have what seems to be poison ivy/oak on the back of my leg. Now the whole area has gotten swollen and extremely weepy. What's to be done?

Answer 1

Aviodance: First avoid if possible. Wash with soapy water, then keep clean and dry. If a rash erupts, see your doctor.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

Depends on stage: Treatment for contact to the poison ivy or poison oak plant depends on the stage of exposure. If the rash is present, a doctor can prescribe steroids and antihistamines. If the exposure is recent and pre-symptoms, washing with tecnu helps remove urushiol, the oil from the poison ivy and poison oak plants that cause the blisters, itching, and pain. See your doctor and don't rub your eyes!

Answer 6

Avoidance is best: The best treatment for poison ivy is to avoid it all together...Once the rash develops, i would recommend antihistamines to control the itch. Also, if severe, you should see your doctor for a prescription of topical steroids.

Answer 7

See below: You can use a mixture of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) gel over the counter, mix it with Hydrocortisone cream and rub over the affected area this will help to clear up the rash associated with poison ivy.

Answer 8

Options: 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.

Answer 9

Steroids: Poison ivy is a contact dermatitis. Once one has been exposed and develops the rash then treatment options include topical steroids and it the rash is severe enough then a course of oral steroids may be considered. Oral antihistamines may be helpful for the itchiness of the rash.

What can be done for poison ivy?

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