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Poison Ivy - Oak - Sumac

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t doesn't look like poison ivy, see Rash - Localized And Cause Unknown

Definition

A very itchy, blistering rash caused by contact with the poison ivy plant

Symptoms

Localized redness, swelling, and weeping blisters
Located on exposed body surfaces (such as the hands) or areas touched by the hands (e.g., the face or genitals). May be carried by pets.
Extreme itchiness
Onset 1 or 2 days after the patient was in a forest or field
Rash is shaped like streaks or lines

Cause

Caused by oil from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants
The oil is found in the leaves, stems, berries and roots of the plant.
May be carried by pets.

Return to School

Poison ivy or oak is not contagious to others. No need to miss any school or child care.

When to Call for Poison Ivy - Oak - Sumac

Call Us Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick
Difficulty breathing or severe coughing following exposure to burning weeds
Looks infected (e.g., soft yellow scabs, pus or spreading redness)
You think your child needs to be seen urgently

Call Us Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently
Swelling is severe (e.g., the eyes are swollen shut)
Severe poison ivy reaction in the past
Rash involves more than one fourth of the body
Face, eyes, lips or genitals are involved
Severe itching (e.g., can't sleep)
Big blisters or oozing sores
Taking oral steroids for over 24 hours and rash becoming worse

Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
Rash lasts longer than 3 weeks

Parent Care at Home If

Mild poison ivy or sumac and you don't think your child needs to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD POISON IVY

Steroid Cream: Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) 4 times per day to reduce itching. Keep the cream in the refrigerator (Reason: It feels better if applied cold).

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.

Antihistamines: If itching persists, give Benadryl (no prescription needed) orally every 6 hours as needed (see Dosage table).

Avoid Scratching: Cut the fingernails short and discourage scratching to prevent a secondary infection from bacteria.

More Poison Ivy:

If new blisters occur several days after the first ones, your child probably has ongoing contact with poison ivy oil.
To prevent recurrences, bathe all dogs or other pets.
Also, wash all clothes and shoes that were with your child on the day of exposure.

Contagiousness: