Our walk-in urgent care can diagnose & treat skin conditions such as poison ivy. Find relief today at our clinic near you in Athens – open daily.
Weekend activities in Athens can range from relaxing park adventures at Prof Powers Park to heart-racing hikes at nearby Chestnut Mountain Bluff. This town in southeast Tennessee has a variety of outdoor ventures, whether you’re looking to stay local or take a short drive to some neighboring sites. However, despite the blue skies and sunshine, there’s something many outdoor enthusiasts have to be wary of, poison ivy.
This poisonous plant along with poison oak and poison sumac have a way of ruining even the best planned trips. Here’s everything you need to know about poison ivy, including when to seek medical attention at our walk-in urgent care clinic.
What is Poison Ivy?
This is a common poisonous plant that is found throughout the United States except for in Alaska and Hawaii. Poison ivy can grow as a vine or shrub depending on its environment and is often identified as having three leaves on each vine.
Its poisonous nature stems from urushiol, an oily sap that the plant creates. This same oil is produced by poison oak and poison sumac.
Why Does Poison Ivy Make Me Itchy?
When urushiol comes into contact with human skin, an irritating and itchy reaction is the result (allergic contact dermatitis). This type of dermatitis is caused by something that your skin is allergic to. For 85-90% of the population, poison ivy will lead to allergic contact dermatitis. The smallest amount of this oily sap is strong enough to trigger a reaction.
For instance, if a backpack strap with urushiol on it rubs against your skin it can create a rash. Even urushiol equaling the size of a single grain of salt can irritate your skin.
Symptoms of Poison Ivy
After the initial contact, a rash can appear within a few hours or a few days. Some rashes may be more intense than others depending on the person’s sensitivity.
Common signs of a poison ivy rash include:
- An itchy skin rash that appears in patches or streaks
- Redness or swelling
- Blisters
At-home Treatments for Poison Ivy
Typically, poison ivy rashes can be treated at home. Expect most rashes to take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to heal. Here are some tips for treating poison ivy at home.
- Rinse your skin with soapy water as soon as you can. If you don’t wash off the urushiol sap immediately, you risk spreading it to other areas of your body.
- Avoid scratching the area (this can lead to infection).
- Utilize over-the-counter anti-itch creams/ointments, calamine lotion or other creams containing menthol.
- If needed, take oral antihistamines to help with swelling, irritation and sleep.
- Keep the rash clean and dry and wear loose breathable clothing to help the skin breathe.
*Be sure to wash everything that might have encountered poison ivy. This could include clothes, gardening tools or golf clubs.
Signs a Poison Ivy Rash Needs Medical Care
If your poison ivy is still persistent after two weeks stop by AFC Athens for prompt care. Additionally, if you experience the following, we recommend seeing one of our providers sooner than two weeks.
- A rash in your eyes, mouth, nose or genital area
- Blistering, swelling and pus
- Intense itching that has not subsided
- Fever or difficulty breathing
How Can AFC Treat Poison Ivy?
Since poison ivy is a common occurrence, especially here in Athens, our providers are equipped to efficiently diagnose your condition and set you up with an appropriate treatment plan. Common treatments involve prescribed topical corticosteroids for inflammation and itching, or antibiotics for infected rashes.
Remember to follow all guidelines given to you by an AFC provider for effective treatment.
Poison Ivy Prevention
Poison ivy can sneak up just about anywhere, whether it’s your favorite hiking trail or your wooded backyard. Learning how to prevent it can save you and your loved ones from that uncomfortable feeling.
Here’s what AFC recommends:
- Learn how to identify poisonous plants like poison ivy, oak and sumac
- Wear long sleeves, socks or pants when participating in outdoor activities (hiking, gardening or farming)
- Wear protective gear when outdoors such as gardening gloves and hats
- Wash items that have been outside or could have come in contact with poison ivy (clothing, pets, camping gear or shoes)
*Pro tip: use rubbing alcohol to help strip away urushiol on outdoor tools; and wear rubber gloves when bathing a pet that has been exposed.
Compassionate Care with AFC
We understand that poisonous plants are no fun, whether your child has poison ivy or you have a severe case, walk into AFC Athens today. No appointment is necessary, so when the irritation and swelling become unbearable and beyond at-home help, we’re here for you.
Don’t let poison ivy put a stop to your Athens adventures, our professional providers are here to help you live life uninterrupted.
