Poison Ivy/Poison Oak Rash

Poison ivy rash is an itchy, allergic reaction to poison ivy. Poison ivy is a very common plant in the United States. It's similar to two other plants called poison oak and poison sumac. These plants cause allergic dermatitis. This means the body's immune system releases certain chemicals that cause a skin reaction. Most children are allergic to poison ivy. 

The fluid from the blisters doesn’t make poison ivy spread. But oil on the skin can cause a rash if wiped on another person.

Causes of Poison Ivy Rash

Poison ivy has an oil called urushiol. This oil causes the allergic skin reaction. The oil is easily wiped from the plants to other objects. These include clothes, toys, and pets. Smoke from a burning plant can also contain the oil. 

Children Who Are at Risk for Poison-Plant Rashes

Children who live near the plants are at risk for the skin reaction. There are different types of these plants around the United States. They are: 

• Poison ivy. This is a ground or climbing vine with leaves grouped in threes. It grows in most of the U.S. Another type grows as a shrub in the Western U.S.
• Poison oak. This is a ground or climbing vine or shrub with leaves grouped in threes. One type grows on the West coast, and another type grows mostly in the Southeast.
• Poison sumac. This is a shrub or small tree with groups of several leaves arranged in pairs. It grows in very wet areas.

Symptoms of Poison Ivy Rash

Your child may have symptoms within hours or days after coming in contact with poison ivy. The symptoms include: 

• Small bumps where the plant oil touched the skin. These bumps quickly turn into blisters.
• Severe itching
• Redness and swelling
• Blisters that break, ooze fluid, and crust over. The fluid in the blisters doesn’t spread the rash.       

The symptoms of poison ivy rash can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees a doctor for a diagnosis if you are unsure. 

Diagnosing Poison Ivy Rash

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. The doctor will give your child a physical exam. More testing is usually not needed. 

Treating Poison Ivy Rash

Your child's rash may be treated with over-the-counter medicines at home. You can also help ease your child's symptoms by: 

• Bathing your child in water with colloidal oatmeal

• Applying cool, wet cloths (compresses)

• Using calamine lotion or corticosteroid cream on the skin

• Giving your child diphenhydramine (Benadryl) liquid by mouth at bedtime, if itching is making it hard for your child to sleep. Always check with your child's doctor before giving any medicine to your child.

Contact the doctor if your child: 

• Inhaled smoke from a burning poison ivy plant

• Has the rash on their face or genitals

• Has a severe rash

• Has a rash on a large part of their body

In these cases, your child's doctor may prescribe a prescription medicine, such as:

• Corticosteroid cream

• Corticosteroid pills or liquid

• Corticosteroid shot (injection)

Possible Complications of Poison Ivy Rash

The rash may become infected from bacteria. This is often spread from under the fingernails while scratching.

Preventing Poison Ivy Rash

A poison ivy rash can be prevented by staying away from the plant. Creams containing bentoquatam may be used as a barrier on the skin if contact with the plant is likely. But it is not recommended for children younger than age 6.

The rash can’t spread from person to person. But oil on your child’s skin can spread to another person who may then get the rash. To help prevent a poison ivy rash:

• Teach all family members to recognize the plants and stay away from them.

• Make sure your child wears pants, long sleeves, shoes, and socks when in areas where the plants grow.

• Wash your child's clothes and shoes right after your child has been in areas where the plants grow.

• Make sure your child doesn’t touch a pet that might have been in contact with the plants. Wash your pet after it has had contact with the plant.

• Make sure your child showers or bathes with soap and warm water if they have been in an area where the plants grow. To remove all plant oil, help your child wash all areas of their body very well.

When to Contact Your Child's Doctor

Contact the doctor if your child has: 

• Symptoms not relieved by over-the-counter medicine

• Rash on their face or genitals

• Severe rash

• Rash that covers a lot of your child's body

• Signs of a skin infection, such as a fever, increased redness, warmth, swelling, or fluid

• A rash that does not get better after 1 week.

Call 911 if your child has:

• Trouble swallowing or breathing