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20
Doctor insights on:
Poison Ivy
2
Is poison ivy contagious?
No: Poison ivy lesions are not contagious. Anything which has touched urushiol from the poison ivy needs to be cleaned. This includes skin, clothes, shoes, gear etc. Touching urushiol can cause spread. ...Read more
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3
Poison ivy (Tip)
If you are allergic to poison ivy, be sure to shower as soon as possible after exposure. ...See more
4
Treating Poison Ivy & Poison Oak (Checklist)
5
Poison oak and poison ivy the same thing?
Yes: Poison ivy (in eastern us), oak (in western us), sumac (in eastern us) are 3 species in the genus toxicodendron or rhus which all produce urushiol oil, the substance that in sensitive individuals produces contact dermatitis. Urushiol is very stable and can be blown on leaf particles into contact with the skin or carried on clothing for over a year so dermatitis can occur without plant contact. ...Read more
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6
Does hot water worsen a poison ivy / poison oak rash?
Poison ivy: No, hot water does not worsen the rash, but it does not help it either. ...Read more
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Poison ivy (Tip)
Do learn what poison oak and poison ivy look like and actively avoid them. ...See more
8
Cures for poison ivy and oak?
See below: mild cases can probably be treated with a steroid cream. severe cases usually require oral steroids. ...Read more
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9
Can poison ivy poisoning spread internally?
Yes -- if vaporized: If poison ivy is burned, the oils vaporize, and you breathe it in -- yes, you can have internal poison ivy reactions which could be very dangerous. Sometimes this can happen accidentally, like when clearing a yard in winter, that you don't realize has poison ivy vines on trees, etc. (i've seen it happen.) poison ivy just on your skin will not "spread" internally, though. ...Read more
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Poison ivy (Tip)
The plant oil is very sticky and one should thoroughly shower off and wash the clothes. ...See more
11
Does the poison ivy and poison oak look identical?
Yes: Both are due to contact allergy to oils/ sap from the plants. The rashes are identical. ...Read more
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12
What's good for poison ivy and poison oak?
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. ...Read more
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13
Poison ivy (Tip)
The rash is caused by a resin in the plant getting on your skin and causing a contact dermatitis. ...See more
14
How are poison ivy or oak rashes different?
Similar: Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac can all cause allergic contact dermatitis. Since the rashes will all look the same, to determine which rhus plant it was, it will mean taking a walk and trying to identify the specific plant. Look but don't touch! ...Read more
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How to treat poison ivy, oak , sumac fast?
What to do.: 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 /oak etc needs to be cleaned (clothes, shoes, gear etc.) oral steroids are sometimes indicated. ...Read more
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Poison ivy (Tip)
Otc benadryl, (diphenhydramine) calamine lotion, other topical preparations. Steroid shots, hi dose creams avail rx. ...See more
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Poison oak/poison ivy, how to treat?
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. If the problem is not serious, topical hydrocortisone may help. For more severe problem , a Rx strength topical steroid and /or oral cortisone may b neede ...Read more
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Does poison ivy always itch?
At some stage: Since it is a contact allergic reaction, it will always itch at some stage . ...Read more
19
Poison ivy (Tip)
Scratching it will spread it! wash your clothes separately after exposure. ...See more
20
Can you use triamcinoione acetonide to for poison ivy oak and poison sumac?
Yes: It is ok for mild cases. For serious cases, an oral course of Prednisone may be needed. ...Read more
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