Your Care Instructions

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause a skin rash upon contact. The red, itchy rash often shows up in lines or streaks and may cause fluid-filled blisters or large, raised hives.

The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oil in poison ivy, oak, and sumac. The rash may occur when you touch the plant or when you touch clothing, pet fur, sporting gear, gardening tools, or other objects that have come in contact with one of these plants.

You cannot catch or spread the rash, even if you touch it or the blister fluid, because the plant oil will already have been absorbed or washed off the skin. The rash may seem to be spreading, but either it is still developing from earlier contact or you have touched something that still has the plant oil on it.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor prescribed a cream, use it as directed. If your doctor prescribed medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Use cold, wet cloths to reduce itching.
• Keep cool, and stay out of the sun.
• Leave the rash open to the air.
• Wash all clothing or other things that may have come in contact with the plant oil.
• Avoid most lotions and ointments until the rash heals. Calamine lotion may help relieve symptoms of a plant rash. Use it 3 or 4 times a day.

To prevent poison ivy exposure

The best way to prevent future rashes is to learn to identify these plants and avoid them.

When you can't avoid contact with the plants:

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed shoes to help keep the oil from getting on your skin.
• Wear vinyl or leather gloves. Rubber (latex), cotton, or wool gloves offer no protection.
• Wash well or throw away anything that came into contact with the plants. You can use an after-contact product, such as Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser, to clean plant oil from your skin, clothing, or tools.
• Be sure to wash your hands before and after you use the washroom.