If you scratch your blisters, they may become infected. Here are some steps you can take to help control the itching:. These unassuming plants can cause problems on your skin. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac all have an oily resin throughout the plant that can create an allergic reaction that lasts for weeks. If they can, wear higher socks or longer clothing to cover their legs. Summer Allen, a Mayo Clinic family physician, says, if you come into contact with a plant like poison ivy, wash the exposed skin right away.

Rashes typically appear red, slightly raised or swollen with occasional blisters.

Poison ivy rash - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

It can get infected if you itch it, and you open up one of the welts. The rash typically goes away after a few weeks. Topical treatments include calamine lotion; oatmeal baths; a mixture of baking soda and water; or a cool, wet compress. You probably won't need medical treatment for a poison ivy rash unless it spreads widely, persists for more than a few weeks or becomes infected.

If you're concerned, you'll probably first see your primary care doctor. He or she might refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders dermatologist. Before your appointment, you may want to list all the medications, supplements and vitamins you take. Also, list questions you'd like to ask your doctor about your poison ivy rash.

Recognizing poison ivy

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis You generally won't need to see your doctor for a poison ivy rash. Treatment Poison ivy treatments are usually limited to self-care methods. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. And another important tip Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; Bolognia JL, et al. Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, occupational dermatoses and dermatoses due to plants.

Oral antihistamines lessen the severity of allergic reactions, thereby reducing itching and rash.

Diphenhydramine Benadryl is one example that may also help some people sleep better through their symptoms. According to research , oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. Adding oatmeal or an oatmeal-based product to a lukewarm bath is a simple poison ivy remedy. Soaking in the tub for up to 30 minutes may provide symptom relief.

Some people report relief from poison ivy rash after applying a paste of bentonite clay and water to the affected area.

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Research suggests that using a modified version of bentonite clay quaternium bentonite effectively prevents or reduces the allergic contact dermatitis caused by poison ivy and poison oak. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is a salt that is mainly used in baking. However, it is also used as a natural cleaning agent and as a home remedy for various ailments.


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Adding a cup of baking soda to the tub is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology for relief from poison ivy rash. In addition to natural and home-based poison ivy remedies, medications are available to offer symptom relief. Steroid drugs, such as prednisone, can be prescribed by a doctor to ease itching and inflammation. Antibiotics may sometimes be necessary if an infection develops due to scratching the skin or picking at blisters.

Most cases of poison ivy dermatitis clear up without medical intervention. However, it is important to see a doctor if the rash:. Recognizing and avoiding the plant is the best way to prevent poison ivy rash. However, the following tips can also help:. We picked linked items based on the quality of products, and list the pros and cons of each to help you determine which will work best for you.

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Article last reviewed by Fri 23 June Visit our Dermatology category page for the latest news on this subject, or sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on Dermatology. All references are available in the References tab. Prevention of poison ivy and poison oak allergic contact dermatitis by quaternium bentonite [Abstract]. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 33 2 , Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology , 78 2 , Poison ivy, oak and sumac: Who gets and causes.

8 Poison Ivy Remedies and Preventive Measures

Ease the itch with tips from dermatologists. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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Register take the tour. Table of contents Recognizing poison ivy Home remedies When to see a doctor Avoiding poison ivy rash. Poison ivy contains urushiol, which is an oil that may cause contact dermatitis. Over-the-counter creams and lotions may help to relieve the symptoms of a poison ivy rash. A poison ivy rash may be prevented by wearing protective clothing when outdoors. This content requires JavaScript to be enabled. Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.

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