Treating poisonous plant rashes
For many, summer is best spent outdoors enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer but unfortunately some of her offerings include poisonous plants.
"We see a lot of contact dermatitis this time of year," said Richard Hodge, MD, St. Luke’s Physicians and Clinics Marion Family Medicine. "It’s a localized rash caused by contact with a foreign substance that causes inflammation. The common offenders are plants, cleaning solutions and other household chemicals. This is the time of year, many people are hiking, fishing and mushrooming – they unknowingly come into contact with plants that cause the rash. We also see chemical irritants from household cleaners or deck cleaning solutions.
In the case of poisonous plants, the rash individuals get is the result of an allergic reaction. Dr. Hodge said the most common poisonous plant rashes he treats are the result of a brush with poison ivy, oak or sumac.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically include a red rash and blisters and the individual’s skin will itch and may even burn. "It’s best to avoid poisonous plants if you can," said Dr. Hodge. "If you’re going out in a wooded area wear long pants and learn what poison ivy, oak and sumac look like so you can steer clear. But if you do come in contact with one of these plants wash the area with soap and water immediately."
If you do have symptoms, Dr. Hodge recommends the following:
- Take a cool bath
- Use a cold compress on the affected area
- Use Calamine lotion
- For small areas non-prescription strength hydrocortisone can be used
- Use oral antihistamines such as Benadryl
The rash should go away within a week or two. If it doesn’t or if the rash affects a large area individuals should see their doctor. "In these cases a doctor would need to prescribe a steroid to combat the inflammation," said Dr. Hodge. "But in most cases the rash will get better in time on its own."
