There are many ways to pick up a poison ivy rash that don’t include a long hike in the woods. If you are especially sensitive to poison ivy you could find yourself with a rash just from being near poison ivy. And if you let your dog off the leash in a wooded area, be aware that they could be bringing that itchy rash back home.
Facts On Poison Ivy
First of all, you should know what these poisonous plants look like to be able avoid poison ivy. Look out for plants that have leaves with 3 small leaflets, grow like a shrub or a vine depending on the area you’re in, grow yellow-green flowers in the spring, and in the fall may have green berries that turn off-white. If possible, you should also use an ivy block barrier to protect your skin and wear clothing that covers your entire body to decrease the chances of contracting poison ivy when you’re outdoors.
However, since you can’t always prevent contact with these plants, learning how to treat it and the itch may come in handy at the least expected times. If possible, you should always treat it immediately to experience the quickest results. Here are a few tips on how to most effectively treat your poison ivy and help reduce the itch.
Treat Immediately
- Rinse your skin with lukewarm water
- Wash all the clothes you were wearing when exposed
- Wash everything that may have oil on its surface
How to Control the Itch
- Take lukewarm baths in an oatmeal based bath product or 1 cup of baking soda
- Apply calamine lotion
- Take short, cool showers
- Take oral antihistamines (but do not apply an antihistamine to your skin!)
- Make a cool, wet compress and apply to your skin for 15-30 minutes several times a day
For each way to get poison ivy, there are a dozen rumored cures. Washing with soap and warm water within 30 minutes of exposure could be your best bet for avoiding weeks of itchy red bumps. But if you’re in the Austin area and are especially allergic to the plant, it’s good to know that there are professionals who can help.
Looking for treatment for your poison ivy rash ? Call Four Points Dermatology for a consultation with a professional Austin dermatologist.
