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You’re Gonna Need an Ocean of Calamine Lotion

You’re Gonna Need an Ocean of Calamine Lotion

Summertime means fun outdoors here in Fairfield County, Connecticut, from going to the beach to having a barbeque. Unfortunately, all the outdoor activity also brings the risk of poison ivy. There is probably nothing more uncomfortable than the itch of poison ivy. It is certainly one of the more common reasons for office visits in the summer here at Advanced Specialty Care Dermatology. Fortunately, there are ways to both avoid and treat poison ivy if you are exposed.

The rash of poison ivy comes from an allergic reaction to the oil contained in the plant called urushiol. It is found in all parts of the plant – the leaves, stems, and roots. It is even in the dried leaves and dead vines that you might handle in the late fall and winter. After touching the plant, the oil quickly absorbs into the skin. The allergic reaction usually begins within 12 to 72 hours, although in some individuals it can take up to one week. About 85% of people are allergic to poison ivy. The most common way of getting the oil on your skin is by direct contact with the plant. Since the oil can stick to items such as a pet’s fur, garden tools, sports equipment, and clothing it is possible to get poison ivy by touching these contaminated items. Pets do not get poison ivy, only humans are allergic.

The symptoms of poison ivy usually include itchy skin, red rashes – often with red streaks, swelling, small and/or large blisters, and crusting after the blisters break. A dermatologist can usually make an accurate diagnosis by just looking at the rash. Typically the symptoms and rash worsen over several days, giving the illusion of a contagious spread. The rash, however, is not contagious to you or to other people. Poison ivy is not spread by scratching, and the fluid in the blisters is not contagious.

The best way to prevent poison ivy is to become familiar with its appearance and avoid touching the plant. Poison ivy has 3 leaves on one stem and grows as a vine. It can grow on the ground and can climb shrubs, trees, and telephone poles. More than 99% of the poison plant rashes seen in Connecticut are from poison ivy. If you are going to be working in an area where poison ivy might exist, there are ivy-blocking lotions that can be applied to the skin before exposure. These lotions are non-prescription and can absorb some of the urushiols to prevent the oil from penetrating the skin. However, these blockers are not 100% effective. If you should get poison ivy on your skin, wash with lukewarm soapy water immediately. The oil starts to absorb into the skin within 5 minutes.

As far as treatment goes, very mild cases of poison ivy can be treated with non-prescription hydrocortisone cream, cool compresses, and an oral antihistamine like Benadryl. These cases can resolve in 1 to 3 weeks. In moderate cases, a prescription topical cortisone cream will effectively treat the poison ivy. In very severe cases involving large body areas or facial swelling, oral cortisone-like prednisone is necessary. Always avoid heat sources like hot showers and direct sun exposure as this will make the skin itchier.

It’s important to be aware of poison ivy here in Connecticut. If you need a consultation or treatment regarding poison ivy, dermatologists are available to help at Advanced Specialty Care, with various locations throughout Fairfield County.

Dr. Kenneth Egan


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Multi-Specialty Private Practice with six locations in Fairfield County, CT