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Health & Fitness

What to do when you get Poison Ivy

The appearance of an intensely itchy rash after contact with plants or yard clippings suggests a rhus dermatitis.  This is an allergic contact dermatitis caused by the oil of certain plants such as poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.  Some individuals get very little or no reaction to contact with these plants but some are highly allergic and get an intense reaction.  The first rule of thumb is prevention.  Protect your skin with a long sleeve shirt, long pants and gloves when working among plants outdoors.  Do not touch unprotected areas of your skin such as your face when handling plant material.  Wash clothing and skin with soap and water after yard work is done.  If you are unfortunate enough to contract poison ivy, control of the itch is usually the person’s primary concern.  Itch can be controlled through the use of oral antihistamines and usually a topical prescription strength steroid is needed.  The type of cream used depends on the location and degree of involvement.

People who have widespread involvement or involvement concentrated on the face or genital area may need to take an oral steroid.  This type of allergic contact dermatitis usually takes three weeks to resolve.  Medications can make you more comfortable while you ride out the course.  This is one type of skin problem where prevention is key.

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