Poison Ivy
Dermatitis
What is
it?
Poison ivy
dermatitis is a skin inflammation that occurs when the
skin touches the oil contained in the poison ivy
plant, which triggers an allergic reaction. Poison ivy
is a weed found in just about every state except
Alaska and Hawaii.
Who gets
it?
People who
are sensitive to the oil in the poison ivy plant get
this type of dermatitis. Over 50% of the population
has this sensitivity, which can run in families.
What
causes it?
Poison ivy
dermatitis is a type of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).
ACD occurs when a substance called an allergen
triggers the body’s immune response. In this case the
allergen is the poison ivy plant oil, called urushiol,
which is quickly absorbed by the skin. The immune
system produces antibodies and other disease fighting
cells in response to the allergen. The antibodies
release chemicals that actually injure the surrounding
cells and cause the physical symptoms of an allergic
reaction. Poison ivy oils can be carried on anything
that rubs against the plant, such as clothing and pet
fur, and still cause a reaction when touched. If the
plant is burned, the oils can be carried in the smoke
and cause a reaction in those who are sensitive.
Poison ivy dermatitis is not contagious and is not
spread from the fluid from the blisters.
What are
the symptoms?
The
symptoms of poison ivy dermatitis usually appear
within one to two days of contact with the plant oils.
They begin with intense itching and a rash that
progresses to swelling and blistering. In severe
cases, open sores can result in bacterial skin
infections. The inflammation is confined to the area
that had contact with the plant, often the hands or
face, and can occur on any part of the body. In most
cases, the blisters dry up and heal within two to
three weeks.
How is it
diagnosed?
Poison ivy
dermatitis is diagnosed according to a pattern of
symptoms. Your doctor will take your medical history
and ask you questions about your activities and the
types of substances you had contact with right before
the symptoms appeared.
What is
the treatment?
If you know
you have had contact with poison ivy, you can prevent
or minimize symptoms by washing the area thoroughly
with soap and water. To treat poison ivy dermatitis,
your doctor can recommend ointments or lotions to
relieve itching and irritation until the symptoms go
away. If you have severe swelling and/or itching, your
doctor may prescribe oral or topical corticosteroids
or oral antihistamines. Antibiotics are prescribed for
bacterial skin infections. You can relieve itching by
bathing the area with cool water or soaking in an
oatmeal preparation.
Self-care
tips
You can
prevent poison ivy dermatitis by knowing what the
poison ivy plant looks like and avoiding contact with
it. It’s always a good idea to wear protective
clothing before walking in areas where there is
overgrowth or a likelihood of poisonous plants. People
who are extremely sensitive to poison ivy can use
protective creams before entering areas where they are
likely to contact the plant.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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