How to Treat Poison Ivy: A Practical Guide

Dr. Thomas Bailey, MD
5 days ago
2 min read

Poison ivy is a common cause of an itchy, blistering rash — especially during the warmer months when outdoor activity increases. If you've had an encounter with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, you're not alone. About 85% of people are allergic to the oily resin urushiol, which is found in the leaves, stems, and roots of these plants. Here's how to treat poison ivy if you are allergic to it and are unfortunate enough to come in contact with it.

What to Do First to Treat Poison Ivy

If you think you’ve been exposed, act quickly. Wash the affected skin with soap and cool water within 10 minutes to remove the oil. Wash your clothing as well, since the oil can linger and continue to cause reactions.

Treating the Rash

A poison ivy rash usually appears 12 to 72 hours after exposure but may even appear a week or so later. It often looks like red, itchy streaks or patches and may develop blisters.

a picture of a skin rash caused by poison ivy exposure

For mild cases:

Apply cool compresses and calamine lotion
using 1% hydrocortisone cream, obtained over the counter, 2-4 times a day can help with quicker healing
Use oral antihistamines (like Benadryl, Zyrtec or Claritin) for itching, especially at night
Avoid scratching to reduce the risk of infection.

DO NOT:

don't use benadryl or triple antibiotic creams

use topical benadryl cream
OR
topical triple antibiotic creams (Neosporin, etc.)

These treatments may actually worsen the rash and skin reaction!

If the rash is spreading, involves the face or genitals, or is accompanied by fever or swelling, it’s time to reach out to your doctor. It may be necessary to prescribe a short course of oral steroids to calm the reaction. Usually, 2-3 weeks of oral steroids is recommended to quell the reaction.

Prevention Is Key

Learn to identify poison ivy (“leaves of three, let it be”) and wear long sleeves and gloves when hiking or gardening. Barrier creams may offer added protection for sensitive skin.

At Mahoning Valley Direct Primary Care, Dr. Thomas Bailey is here to help you manage urgent skin conditions like poison ivy — with timely treatment, clear guidance, and no surprise bills. Schedule an appointment today for an affordable, personalized health experience like no other!