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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Poison Ivy

Overview

Poison ivy causes a skin irritation called contact dermatitis and results in a red, itchy rash consisting of small bumps, blisters or swelling. Many people are sensitive to an oily plant resin called urushiol, the common irritating substance in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. It takes only a tiny amount of urushiol to cause a reaction. Urushiol is very sticky and doesn't dry, so it easily attaches to your skin, clothing, tools, equipment and pet's fur. Treatment for poison ivy aims to relieve the itching until the reaction naturally resolves.

Diagnosis

Signs and symptoms of a poison ivy rash include redness, itching, swelling and blisters. The rash usually appears within a couple of days after contact with the plant's oils and lasts for up to 3 weeks. Poison ivy can vary from mild to severe. It presents as a red rash that it is extremely itchy; eruptions in streaks or patches where the plant touched the skin and where it was transmitted by our hands from the original site of contact to other areas; red bumps and possibly also large, weeping blisters.

Management

The poison ivy reaction is self-resolving and not contagious. However, certain circumstances require clinical attention. For example, a severe or widespread reaction; rash affecting sensitive areas of your body, such as your eyes, mouth or genitals; large blisters or a fever. Scratching a poison ivy rash with dirty fingernails might cause a secondary bacterial infection resulting in pus within the blisters. Treatment of a secondary infection generally requires prescription antibiotics. In rare circumstances, poison ivy may be so severe that hospitalization is indicated.

Treatment and Medication

The urushiol resin enters skin quickly, so try to wash it within 30 minutes of exposure with soap and water or with Tecnu, an oil-removing product. Scrub under the fingernails with a brush to prevent the resin from spreading to other parts of the body. Typically, the poison ivy rash goes away on its own within one to three weeks. Effective relief of symptoms can be achieved with over-the-counter medications like calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream or aluminum acetate (Domeboro solution) soaks. Antihistamines can stop extreme itching. In severe cases, especially rash around the face or genitals, your doctor may prescribe oral or injected steroids.

Coping

Fortunately, neither the poison ivy rash nor blister fluid is contagious. Since the reaction is based on contact with urushiol, thoroughly clean anything that may be contaminated. If the contact with urushiol has left black stains on clothing or utensils, these need to be exposed off as effective cleansing can no longer be performed. Gently washing off the harmful resin from your skin within minutes after exposure may help avert a reaction.

Prevention

The best way to prevent an allergic or irritant reaction from urushiol is avoidance of contact with poison ivy, poison sumac or poison oak. Know what these plants look like and where they are commonly found. They typically have leaves made of three or more leaflets and climb on other plants or fences. When hiking or engaging in other activities that might expose you to poison ivy, try to stay on cleared pathways. Remove poison ivy from your backyard.

How can we help you?

SKIN

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Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

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Compare our service to other similar practices

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Overall doctor performance

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4.89%
good
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The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
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The doctor took time to answer your questions

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1.27%
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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
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5.69%
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Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
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very good
7.61%
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Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
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6.93%
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Parking

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2.49%
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0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
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7.23%
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What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

I definitely liked Dr. Ringpfeil since she was thorough and attentive to my questions.

#12024-12-28

Doctor was very pleasant and informative.

#22024-07-24

Staff and doctor was very friendly and informative

#32024-05-08

I WAS VERY COMFORTABLE WITH THE VISIT

#42024-11-26

I actually was able to see the physician, the physician assistant and the aesthetician, which was awesome for one visit! It shows that the team works together to provide patients with the best possible results.

#52011-10-04 14:18:20

Art work

#62024-12-08

I have al;ways liked the Doctor and the satff

#72010-11-17 15:23:04

Yes your patiences and willingness to answer all my questions.

#82025-01-26

staff/ambiance/cleanliness

#92024-08-30

I was very happy to be able to get an appointment so quickly. The doctor was very thorough.Also, now I know what do do the next time my problem reappears and know that it can be taken care of.

#102024-05-12

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Can't think of a way to better your service; it was excellent.

#12024-07-24

i work from 7:30 to 4:30, and i am very disappointed that you have no night hours......

#22010-10-12 12:10:30

Offer a male of female medical assistant and ask if opposite sex assistant is okay

#32011-06-02 13:39:55

Can't think of anything staff were very helpful

#42024-07-13

Today I had to wait 45 min. to see the Doctor. I understand that sometimes other appointments run over but I took time off work to come here and I felt like I spent most of my time here waiting to see her.

#52024-10-19

nothing just keep up the good work.

#62024-06-11

Everything was great

#72010-11-04 12:31:22

I think everything was wonderful. Keep up the good work!

#82011-02-22 09:25:17

maybe classical music on the radio? and some hunting and fishing magazines for the men. but the waiting period is so short it may not matter

#92010-11-08 11:23:38

this is my first time so will let you know as time progresses

#102010-11-02 11:02:24

Customer Rating : 4.7

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