Poison Ivy, Oak or Sumac

ADVICE for treating MILD RASH from exposure to POISON IVY, OAK or SUMAC

1. Steroid Cream: Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream 4 times per day to reduce itching. Keep the cream in the refrigerator. Reason: it feels better if applied cold.
2. Local Cold: Soak the involved area in cool water for 20 minutes or massage it with an ice cube as often as necessary to reduce itching and oozing.
3. Benadryl: Take an antihistamine (e.g. diphenhydramine/Benadryl) if itching persists. The adult dosage of Benadryl is 25-50 mg by mouth 4 times daily.
   • Do not take antihistamine medications such as Benadryl if you have prostate enlargement.
   • Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink alcohol, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
   • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
4. Avoid Scratching: Cut your fingernails short and try not to scratch so as to prevent a secondary infection from bacteria.
5. New Blisters Appear: If new blisters occur several days after the first ones, you probably have had ongoing contact with the irritating plant oil. To prevent recurrences: bathe all dogs, and wash all clothes and shoes that were with you on the day of exposure.
6. Contagiousness: Poison ivy or oak is not contagious to others.
7. Expected Course: Usually lasts 2 weeks. Treatment reduces the severity, not the length.
8. IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.