If you know, or even suspect, that you have come in contact with poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, there are some steps you should take to treat it immediately. You should first rinse the area with cool water to try and remove any oil that has yet to be absorbed by your skin. Make sure not to use hot water, as this can damage your skin even further. You should also wash all of the clothes you were wearing, as well as any objects that may have also come in contact with the plants.
Once the rash has set in, you can soothe the itch by using a topical corticosteroid cream, using calamine lotion, taking cool showers, applying cool compresses or taking antihistamine pills. Do not, however, use an antihistamine cream, as it can actually worsen the rash. Although it can be tempting, avoid scratching the rash as much as possible to avoid damaging the skin and spreading infection.
While a rash from these three plants is generally not serious and can be treated at home, there are signs that it is time to see a doctor. If, after developing the rash, your temperature rises above 100 degrees, you should go to the doctor immediately. This could be a sign that you have an infection. Also, if the rash does not improve within a few days or is covering more than a quarter of your body, see a doctor. An immediate sign that you need medical attention is if you contract the rash around your eyes, mouth or genital area, as these are more sensitive areas.
Part 3 of the series will help you identify and avoid the three plants.
If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.
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