Poison Ivy - Tips to Ease the Itch

As summer activities heat up, spending time outside is part of our warm-weather routine. But along with these outdoor activities comes the itchiest obstacle of all – poison ivy.

Whether you’re having a picnic at the neighborhood park, watching your child’s soccer game or spending the night outdoors on a camping trip, outside activities bring the potential for exposure to poison ivy.

Poison ivy is part of a family of plants including poison oak and poison sumac, which cause a red, itchy rash when they touch your skin. Appearing in lines or streaks, poison ivy is often marked by blisters and hives.

Exposure to the plant itself is not what causes the annoying rash we associate with poison ivy. The rash is caused by urushiol, oil that is found in all parts of the ivy, oak and sumac plants. Urushiol is an allergen, which causes an allergic reaction in some people that results in itchy blisters and hives. However, indirect contact with this oil, such as clothing, gardening tools and pet fur, can cause this rash.

Usual symptoms of poison ivy, oak or sumac rash include:
- itchy skin where the plant oil was exposed
- red streaks or redness where the plant made contact with the skin
- small bumps or larger raised areas (hives)
- fluid-filled blisters.

The rash usually appears within 8 to 48 hours of contact, but may not appear until 5 to 15 days after touching the plant. This rash is not contagious, regardless of the intensity of hives or blisters present. It generally takes 10 days to three weeks for the rash to disappear.

While poison ivy generally causes only a minor skin reaction, some people may suffer severe reactions, including:
- swelling of the face, nose, mouth, neck, genitals or eyelids
- large blisters that ooze significant amounts of fluid.

If you suspect you’ve come in contact with poison ivy, wash the infected area with soap and water immediately after contact. Over-the-counter antihistamines and calamine lotion may ease symptoms. If you experience severe symptoms, contact your primary care physician.

For immediate, same-day treatment for poison ivy, or other minor illnesses or injuries, visit Shawnee Mission Urgent Care at Oak Park Mall. No appointment necessary. Click here to learn more.

Shawnee Mission Urgent Care
11367 W. 95th Street
Overland Park, Kan.
913-888-1151

Hours
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Gregory Sweat, MD
Medical Officer for the Shawnee Mission Physicians Group