How is poison ivy, oak or sumac treated?
As soon as the adolescent recognizes that he or she has been exposed to poison ivy, oak or sumac then the following should be done: • Wash the exposed skin immediately with any type of soap or even plain water. This will inactivate and remove the oil • Washing the area should be done, if possible, within fifteen minutes of exposure • Exposed clothing should be removed and washed in hot water and detergent • Teens should trim their fingernails and try not to scratch the skin in order to avoid infection If the teen develops a rash, then cloths soaked in Burrow’s solution will provide relief. Liberal use of calamine lotion on external skin surfaces will reduce itchiness, redness and help to dry the blisters. Tub baths with either ½ cup cornstarch or Aveeno colloidal oatmeal are soothing, relieve the itch and help control the inflammation. Over the counter benadryl, an antihistamine will also provide relief from the intense itching. If the rash is widespread, occurs on the face, eyes or ge
