DiagnosisYou generally won't need to see your doctor to be diagnosed with a poison ivy rash. If you go to a clinic, your doctor will likely diagnose your rash by looking at it. You usually won't need further testing. Show TreatmentPoison ivy treatments usually involve self-care methods at home. And the rash typically goes away on its own in two to three weeks. If the rash is widespread or causes many blisters, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, to reduce swelling. If a bacterial infection has developed at the rash site, your doctor might prescribe an oral antibiotic. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health
topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Lifestyle and home remediesA poison ivy rash will eventually go away on its own. But the itching can be hard to deal with and make it difficult to sleep. If you scratch your blisters, they may become infected. Here are some steps you can take to help control the itching:
Mayo Clinic Minute: How to treat poison ivy rashJason Howland: These unassuming plants can cause problems on your skin. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac all have an oily resin throughout the plant that can create an allergic reaction that lasts for weeks. Summer V. Allen, M.D., Consultant, Family Medicine/Obstetrics, Mayo Clinic: Be aware of your surroundings. If they can, wear higher socks or longer clothing to cover their legs. Mr. Howland: Dr. Summer Allen, a Mayo Clinic family physician, says, if you come into contact with a plant like poison ivy, wash the exposed skin right away. Rashes typically appear red, slightly raised or swollen with occasional blisters. Dr. Allen: The hallmark for people is that the intense itching that they will feel from it and almost burning, and then redness on their skin. It can get infected if you itch it, and you open up one of the welts. Mr. Howland: The rash typically goes away after a few weeks. Topical treatments include calamine lotion; oatmeal baths; a mixture of baking soda and water; or a cool, wet compress. And another important tip ... Dr. Allen: Make sure to wash all their clothing. Mr. Howland: For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I'm Jason Howland. Preparing for your appointmentYou probably won't need medical treatment for a poison ivy rash unless it spreads widely, persists for more than a few weeks or becomes infected. If you're concerned, you'll probably first see your primary care doctor. He or she might refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist). What you can doBefore your appointment, you may want to list all the medications, supplements and vitamins you take. Also, list questions you'd like to ask your doctor about your poison ivy rash. Examples include:
What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
Oct. 08, 2022 How quickly do steroids work on poison ivy?Poison ivy rashes typically respond to steroids quickly. If you get appropriate therapy for your reaction, it can stop within 1-2 days.
What will doctor prescribe for poison ivy?If the rash is widespread or causes many blisters, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, to reduce swelling. If a bacterial infection has developed at the rash site, your doctor might prescribe an oral antibiotic.
Will steroids cure poison ivy?Corticosteroid pills (usually prednisone) can dramatically reduce the symptoms caused by a strong reaction to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Oral corticosteroids generally work better than other forms of these medicines for poison ivy, oak, or sumac. And they are usually taken until the symptoms are gone.
How much prednisone should i take for poison ivy?Acute severe allergic contact dermatitis, such as from poison ivy, often needs to be treated with a 2-week course of systemic corticosteroids. Most adults require an initial dose of 40-60 mg.
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