Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac Treatment
Call 911 if the person has:
Trouble swallowing or breathing
Swelling, especially near the eyes or on the face
1. Wash Exposed Area
Wash with warm soap and water.
Washing within 10 minutes can prevent an allergic reaction.
2. Remove Contaminated Clothing
Plant oil can continue to spread from clothing and shoes.
3. Ease Itching and Discomfort
Apply cool compresses for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
Avoid topical antihistamines, which may make skin more sensitive.
Have the person take oatmeal baths.
Apply calamine lotion.
If itchiness makes sleep difficult, give an oral antihistamine.
4. When to See a Doctor
Get medical help if rash covers a large part of the person's body, or if the person has blisters or can't sleep.
5. Follow Up
Symptoms usually go away within a week or two.
Wash contaminated clothing to avoid exposure to oil.
If serious rash persists, call a doctor.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
Lee, N. Western Journal of Medicine, November - December 1999; vol 171: pp. 354 - 355.
Children’s Hospital Boston: “Poison Ivy and Poison Oak.”
American Academy of Dermatology, “Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.”