Do not touch a pet that might have been in a poisonous plant. Wash hands thoroughly. What are the complications of an allergy to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac?
Living with an allergy to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac Be sure to follow recommendations for preventing an allergic reaction to these plants by avoiding exposure. When should I call my healthcare provider? An oily substance in the plants called urushiol causes the allergic reaction.
The allergic reaction causes a rash followed by bumps and blisters that itch. The best treatment is avoiding contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. There is no cure for the allergic reaction, but treatments can minimize the discomfort. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.
Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. If there is a large area affected by the rash, or it is in a place that makes movement difficult, the problem is more serious. This is most commonly the case for people who are often exposed to the plants, such as those working where poison oak grows.
The rash should quickly settle down and begin healing; but it can take a few weeks for a poison oak rash to clear up fully. The rash itself cannot be spread between people. However, anyone who is regularly exposed should be careful to avoid spreading the oil and causing a reaction in other people; for instance, if the poison oak oil is transferred from protective gear, clothes, and tools.
Any swelling beyond small hives in the affected area should visit a doctor. For anyone who has a wider reaction, it is important to get medical help.
People should call for immediate medical help or go to an emergency room straight away if any reaction causes these signs of severe allergy:. Recognizing the actual plant itself is tricky because individual poison oaks come in different forms. Below are some examples:. If a person thinks they have come into contact with poison oak, they should wash their skin and clothes in warm, soapy water as soon as possible.
The allergic rash should start to settle down naturally. Ways to soothe the rash and prevent it from getting worse include:. Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, can ease the itchiness. A range of antihistamines is available for purchase over the counter or online.
Over-the-counter remedies like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream may temporarily take care of the itch. You can also try applying cool compresses to the itchy patches. Antihistamine pills can also help with the itching.
But be careful — antihistamine on your skin can make matters worse. A poison oak rash can be diagnosed by its appearance. The oil can be contagious.
You can have an allergic reaction by touching the plant, but also clothing or other objects that came into contact with the plant. The poison oak rash itself is not contagious. Burning poison oak can disperse the oils in smoke, leading to severe respiratory problems and lung irritation.
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