What happens if you itch poison ivy

Here are 5 things you can do to help your teen. Find out what helps. If your child develops scabies, everyone in your household will need treatment. Follow this advice to treat everyone safely and effectively. We're helping you achieve YourHealthiestSkin from head to toe. Use these tips from dermatologists to keep all your skin looking and feeling its best. AAD Shade Structures provide permanent outdoor shade in areas that are not protected from the sun. When it comes to treating the skin, plenty of people say they have expertise.

Only a board-certified dermatologist has these credentials. A rash from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is caused by an oil found in these plants called urushiol. When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash. Most people can safely treat the rash at home. It may seem like the rash is spreading if it appears over time instead of all at once.

But this is either because the plant oil is absorbed at different rates on different parts of the body or because of repeated exposure to contaminated objects or plant oil trapped under the fingernails. If you do decide to visit your doctor, they can diagnose a poison ivy rash by looking at your skin. No other tests, such as a biopsy , will be needed. Several common skin issues can cause red, itchy rashes.

For example, a common skin condition called psoriasis can be confused with a poison ivy rash. Psoriasis can cause a red rash with whitish-silver scales. This rash can be itchy, and it may even crack and bleed. Psoriasis, unlike a poison ivy rash, will likely come back after it disappears. Learn how to tell the difference between the two conditions so you can decide which you may be experiencing.

You can usually treat the rash yourself at home. Widespread poison ivy rashes may require treatment with a prescription corticosteroid.

Rarely, you can also develop a bacterial infection at the rash site. If this happens, you may need a prescription antibiotic. Immediately wash any areas of your skin that might have touched the plant. This may help remove some of the oil and lessen the severity of your reaction. Also, be sure to wash the clothes you were wearing, along with anything that may have touched the plant. Taking an over-the-counter OTC antihistamine can help relieve itching and allow you to sleep more comfortably.

Scratching the rash will only make things worse. While it may bring immediate comfort, scratching will only prolong symptoms. You may even develop an infection if you break the skin, causing itching to intensify. Take frequent warm baths in water containing an oatmeal product or apply cool, wet compresses to help relieve the itch. Some home remedies can help reduce irritation and itching while the rash is healing. These include:. Organic compounds from peppermint have a cooling effect on irritated skin.

You can buy OTC products with this ingredient, or you can make your own with peppermint essential oils. Be sure to dilute the essential oil in a lotion or oil so it does not irritate the sensitive skin. Several other essential oils, including calendula, chamomile, and eucalyptus may be helpful for reducing symptoms of poison ivy rash. Learn more about these oils and how to use them on irritated skin.

The soothing burn treatment can also relieve itching and inflammation in skin affected by a poison ivy rash. Oatmeal baths are a popular home treatment for skin rashes and conditions. The finely ground oats can coat the skin and relieve itching temporarily. A liquid product of the Hamamelis virginiana plant, witch hazel may ease itching, swelling, and burning on irritated skin.

Apple cider vinegar is a popular alternative poison ivy treatment. It can, however, be spread in a few other scenarios. For example, a pet that encounters poison ivy leaves can carry the urushiol oil in its fur. When you touch the animal, you may pick up the oil and develop a rash. If you touch poison ivy with a pair of pants or shirt and do not wash it after contact is made, you could develop another rash if you touch the clothing. There is no cure for the reaction once the rash starts.

Avoiding the plants is the best treatment. It is very important to learn what the plants look like and to not touch them. If you have already come in contact with the plants, remove the oils from your skin as soon as possible. Do this by washing with ordinary soap. Repeat the cleaning with the soap 3 times. There are also alcohol-based wipes that help remove the oils. Also wash all clothes and shoes because the oils can remain on them. For the itching, your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter creams, such as calamine lotion.

He or she may also recommend bathing in a baking soda or colloidal oatmeal bath. These can be bought at your local drugstore. Sometimes your healthcare provider will prescribe a topical cortisone containing cream or medicine to take by mouth for the itching. Oral steroids are commonly used along with oral antihistamines.

After a medical history and physical, your healthcare provider may prescribe a steroid cream, pills, or injection to help with the swelling and itching. In some cases, a severe reaction that causes swelling or trouble with breathing or swallowing may happen.

If this happens, get treatment right away.