Poison ivy, oak and sumac

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that can cause a red, itchy rash called allergic contact dermatitis. It is the most common skin problem caused by contact with plants.

The usual symptoms are:

• Itching.
• Red streaks or general redness where the plant touched the skin.
• Small bumps or larger raised areas (hives).
• Blisters that may leak fluid.

In people who are very allergic to the oil, even a little may cause serious symptoms that need medical attention right away, such as:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of the face, mouth, neck, or genitals. The eyelids may swell shut.
• Widespread, large blisters that ooze a lot of fluid.

The rash usually takes more than a week to show up the first time you have a reaction to the oil. It develops in a day or two on later contacts. The rash may form in new areas over several days, but you will only get a rash where the oil touched your skin.

The rash usually lasts about 10 days to 3 weeks. But it may last up to 6 weeks in more severe cases.

A doctor can usually diagnose the rash by looking at it. The doctor will ask when you were exposed to the plant and how long it took the rash to develop. You'll also be asked about your outdoor activities, work, and hobbies and about other rashes you've had.

Mild to moderate rash

If you get a mild rash, you can take care of it at home. Here are some tips to help with itching:

• Apply a cool, wet cloth for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day.
• Take short, cool baths.
• Use calamine lotion to help relieve itching.
• Try not to scratch the rash. Scratching could cause a skin infection.

If itching affects your sleep, ask your doctor if you can take an antihistamine that might reduce itching and make you sleepy, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Severe rash

See your doctor if:

• The rash covers a large area of your body.
• Your symptoms are severe.

Your doctor may treat your rash with prescription corticosteroid pills, creams, or shots.

• If your doctor prescribed a cream, use it as directed. If the doctor prescribed medicine, give it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Use cold, wet cloths to reduce itching.
• Take warm or cool baths with oatmeal bath products, such as Aveeno.
• Keep your child cool and out of the sun.
• Leave the rash open to the air.
• Wash all clothing or other things that may have come in contact with the plant oil.
• Avoid most lotions and ointments until the rash heals. Calamine lotion may help relieve symptoms of a plant rash. Use it 3 or 4 times a day.

To prevent exposure

• If you know that your child might go near poison ivy, oak, or sumac when playing outdoors, use a product (such as Ivy X Pre-Contact Skin Solution) that helps prevent plant oil from getting on the skin. These products come in lotions, sprays, or towelettes. You put the product on the skin right before your child goes outdoors.
• If you did not use a preventive product and your child has had contact with plant oil, clean it off your child's skin with an after-contact product as soon as possible. These products, such as Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser, can also be used to clean plant oil from clothing or tools.