A leisurely walk in the woods can quickly turn scary after making contact with poison ivy. The extremely uncomfortable exposure is immediate and may require urgent care if severe. Recognizing the signs of a poison ivy rash is the first step towards proper treatment. Here is what you need to know about identifying the skin condition, how to treat it at home, and when to see a doctor.

How to Tell if You Have a Poison Ivy Rash

What Are the Signs

Poison ivy contains urushiol, a resin that can trigger an allergic reaction on the skin. After contact, the oily substance will typically cause a line of red blisters on legs, arms, and other areas of the body where the poison ivy brushed up against. 

An individual can experience chronic itching, swelling, and, in some cases, respiratory problems if the ivy was being burned at the time of exposure and the smoke was inhaled. Fever and difficulty with swallowing can occur in severe cases. The rash may emerge between 12 and 48 hours after exposure to poison ivy. If not immediately treated, the skin ailment can last up to three weeks.

How to Treat It at Home

Urgent care doctors urge individuals to immediately rinse their skin with lukewarm, soapy water after exposure. This step helps eliminate most of the oily urushiol produced by poison ivy. Adding a cup of baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath can also help minimize itching and swelling. Applying calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream or cool compresses may provide additional itch-relief. An over-the counter antihistamine medicine is another treatment option if the itching is severe. Avoid applying topical antihistamine creams to the skin because they can make the itch and rash worse.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience difficulty breathing or have a fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit after poison ivy exposure, see an urgent care doctor immediately. Severe swelling and blisters with oozing pus will also require medical care. If the rash spreads, especially around the mouth, eyes or genitals, or if the skin ailment doesn't improve within a week or so, contact a doctor for more treatment solutions. 

The encouraging news is poison ivy exposure is treatable. HDR Healthcare Network in the Bronx, NY, provides urgent care for this common skin condition for individuals of all ages. The team of professional and licensed doctors and staff have extensive experience identifying medical issues and prescribing the proper medical solutions. You can count on a comfortable environment, affordable services and bilingual assistance for all your personal health needs. Stop by today or call (929) 256-5005 to schedule an appointment. Visit the website for the full listing of available services.