Q&A for How to Treat Poison Ivy and Poison Oak

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How can I make my poison ivy rash less itchy?

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI
Board Certified Allergist
Dr. Alan O. Khadavi is a Board Certified Allergist and a Pediatric Allergy Specialist based in Los Angeles, California. He holds a BS in biochemistry from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook and an MD from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. Dr. Khadavi completed his pediatric residency at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York, and then went on to complete his allergy and immunology fellowship and pediatric residency at Long Island College Hospital. He is board certified in adult and pediatric allergy/immunology. Dr. Khadavi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), and a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Dr. Khadavi's honors include Castle Connolly’s list of Top Doctors 2013-2020, and Patient Choice Awards "Most Compassionate Doctor" in 2013 & 2014.

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI

Board Certified Allergist

Expert Answer

I recommend using a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion on your skin. You can also take an oral antihistamine to help relieve the itching.

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Question

Does poison oak get hard before it heals?

Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Peña-Robichaux is a board certified Dermatologist and Clinical Professor in Texas specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult skin conditions. She completed her MD at Harvard Medical School in 2010 and completed her residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Telemedicine Association.

Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

The inflammation from the rash can cause swelling, which can make the skin feel "hard". Also, scratching will cause the skin to thicken and feel "hard". This will resolve once the rash heals. The less you scratch, the faster your skin will heal.

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Question

How long does it take for the rash to show?

Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Peña-Robichaux is a board certified Dermatologist and Clinical Professor in Texas specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult skin conditions. She completed her MD at Harvard Medical School in 2010 and completed her residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Telemedicine Association.

Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

On average it takes 2 to 4 days for the rash to appear, but it can be longer or shorter depending on your prior exposure.

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Question

Do you cover the poison ivy spots with bandaids?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

It's best not to use bandaids on poison ivy. Instead, allow the air to circulate around it. Your sores need air to heal.

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Question

What if it gets on your private part?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

It's unfortunate when poison ivy gets in a sensitive place! Don't scratch the area. If it appears inflamed or is causing you a lot of discomfort, visit your doctor for treatment.

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