Poison Ivy
by Cecilia Mullen, R.N.C., N.P.
June 8, 1999
With spring in the air and summer only a few weeks away, most of us will be spending more time outdoors. Frequently, while gardening or hiking we may come in contact undesirable plants such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
In some areas, the burning of brush and leaves is allowed, so just going for a walk in the neighborhood can bring us in contact with these plants, particles of which become airborne when the plants are burned. It is the oils from the plant leaves that cause an allergic-type reaction within the skin layers. Typically, we see this as a patch or patches of redness with fluid-filled lesions on exposed areas of the skin, which are quite itchy.
The telltale signs are familiar, but what are some remedies for mild cases? If the lesions are wet and oozing, they can be dried with Burow's solution compresses. (For more information about Burow's solution compresses ask your local pharmacist.)
For small patches on the arms or legs, topical steroids can be used to reduce the inflammation. Topical steroids, such as Cort-Aid and hydrocortisone, should be applied sparingly and should not be used on the face or genitals. If the dermatitis or rash affects a more generalized area or affects the face or genitals, see your health care provider. Sometimes a more potent topical steroid or a short-course of prednisone pills is needed. Potent topical steroids need careful monitoring because they can affect the skin.
Of course, the first line of defense is prevention. Cover as much of your skin as possible when gardening or hiking and gloves are especially important. When you are through, shower with soap and water and wash your clothes in hot water. For those of you lucky enough to have someone else do your laundry, be aware that just handling clothes covered in plant oils is enough to cause a reaction. Take care to warn anyone involved.
All tools used in gardening should be considered contaminated with oils and handled appropriately. And don't forget the family pets! Their fur can also carry oils from ivy plants, which can be transferred when they are petted and hugged. Wash your pet if he has been exposed to poison ivy or oak. The oil from these plants can stay on pet fur for days.
Only contact with plant oils causes the rash. The rash itself is not contagious once the oils are removed from the skin by washing. It can take up to two weeks for a reaction to occur although typically a rash appears within a few days.
New England summers are truly a joy to be spent outdoors. A little caution will help you to avoid those pesky poison ivy plants and enjoy nature.
Cecilia Mullen is a nurse practitioner at Granite Medical Group. The information in this column is not intended to diagnose individual conditions. Readers should see their own doctors about specific problems.