Rashes caused by poison ivy can be very annoying. They cause itching, blistering, and are generally uncomfortable. Fortunately, these rashes are not contagious. However, there is an important piece to that statement. While poison ivy rashes are not caused by a spreadable bacteria or virus, multiple people can get rashes around the same time. This is because the oil that causes the rash can get on clothing, backpacks, or other materials and spread. In this blog, we’ll outline a few precautions to avoid poison ivy and explain what you should do if you get a poison ivy rash.
For same-day poison ivy treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our urgent care center specializes in a wide range of summer conditions, including skin rashes. Appointments are not required– just walk-in today!
What Causes A Poison Ivy Rash?
Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac all contain an oil known as urushiol. This oil is an allergen. A majority of people are allergic to it. In fact, there is a common misconception that people will think they aren’t allergic to it because they have touched poison ivy before and have not developed a rash. In those cases, it is more likely that they just simply did not have enough contact for the oil to get on their skin. The severity of a poison ivy rash is usually proportional to how much exposure you have to the oil. That means it’s possible to brush up against poison ivy and not develop a rash.
Common signs and symptoms of a poison ivy rash include:
- Redness and inflammation
- Swelling around the affected area
- Intense itching
- Blisters filled with fluid may develop
- Overall pain or discomfort
How Do You Prevent A Poison Ivy Rash?
The best way to avoid poison ivy rashes is to avoid the plants that have urushiol oil. Poison ivy famously has three leaflets and grows on a vine or a bush. Poison oak has three leaflets with rounded tips and grows on shrubs and vines. Poison sumac has clusters of seven to thirteen leaves that are arranged in groups and grow as a tree.
Another way to prevent exposure is to make sure you cover your skin when you hike. Tucking your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants can prevent your skin from getting exposed to poison ivy as well as ticks and biting insects. If you are gardening or doing yard work, be sure to wear gloves. When hiking, try to stay on the trail as trails are often maintained by a parks department that removes dangerous plants.
What Do You Do If You Have A Poison Ivy Rash?
When you notice a poison ivy rash you should clean your skin to remove any excess oil. Sometimes a rash will “spread” because the oil is still on your skin and you are moving it around when you scratch the rash. Make sure to clean your clothing and any other items you had with you after coming into contact with poison ivy, otherwise, you or someone else could be exposed to the oil. This is actually why some people think the rash is contagious, while the rash is not bacterial or viral in nature, if the oil is still on your clothing or other items it could accidentally be spread.
It’s important to seek proper care for a poison ivy rash if your symptoms persist or worsen. A healthcare provider at an urgent care center can prescribe creams or ointments to reduce inflammation and itching. At home, use cool compresses and pain relievers to ease your symptoms.
Get Same-Day Seasonal Care at AFC Urgent Care Clark
Have you developed a poison ivy rash? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. If you have come into contact with poison ivy and are dealing with a rash or blisters, we can help. Our clinic in Clark, NJ provides same-day treatments for rashes and other summer concerns. We’re open seven days a week and operate on a walk-in basis, meaning no appointments are required to be seen by a board-certified medical provider. Our facility accepts most health insurance plans and provides cost-effective payment options for those who wish to self-pay. If you have any additional questions about poison ivy treatment, or other services we provide, please contact a member of our team directly at (732) 301-5114.
