Austin Poison Ivy Treatment Dermatology Services
Summer is here, which means that Texans will be spending more time outdoors and wearing less protective clothing. This will in turn expose them to some of the risks of nature, including poison ivy. Those who have been exposed to such poisonous plants may require Austin poison ivy treatment.
What Is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy and poison oak can be found in most parts of the U.S., growing as vines wrapping around trees or stretching across the ground, or even growing upright in the form of bushes. These plants produce the resin urushiol, and it is this substance that can have unpleasant effects on humans.
What Causes Poison Ivy?
The actual condition caused by exposure to poison ivy is known as contact dermatitis, which is essentially an allergic reaction to something that is foreign to the body. Approximately 75 percent of the human population will experience contact dermatitis if they touch this type of poisonous vegetation, and about 20 percent of this group may experience severe symptoms from such an exposure. Poison ivy will generally not pose a great risk to most individuals, but those exposed to it should consider seeking assistance from Austin dermatology services.
How to Treat Poison Ivy?
Washing with soap and water can help reduce the effects of the resin, although this needs to be done within 30 minutes of exposure to be effective. Additionally, many of those who are exposed may not realize that they have come in contact with a plant until the development of a rash one or two days later. The rash will normally consist of lines of bumps or blisters that may continue to appear for several days, creating the effect that the condition is “spreading” across the exposed area. However, this is actually part of the allergic reaction. The condition will normally heal itself within two weeks, but it can last longer. Cortisone creams, some of which require a prescription, can help reduce the itching that usually accompanies the rash, and calamine lotion has been known to bring relief to many victims. Those who experience a severe rash may require treatment with such oral steroids as prednisone. The most serious complication posed by exposure to these poisonous plants is the development of an infection caused by excessive scratching of the affected area.
Poison ivy treatment is one of the health services available at Four Points Dermatology, an Austin Dermatologist. A number of other cosmetic and surgical dermatology services are also available there, covering the wide array of needs of skin care Austin.
Get Poison Ivy Treatment in Austin
Contact us at 512-478-3376 to arrange an appointment to learn more about Poison Ivy Treatment that’s right for you.
