Spending time outdoors in the summertime and getting some sun is essential. If you’re someone with plans to spend time outdoors this summer, it is important to be vigilant and look out for poison ivy. Poison ivy, as well as poison oak and poison sumac, is a common plant that is found across the country. However, contact with the plant’s leaves can transfer the plant’s oil onto the skin and lead to an intense skin reaction. Being able to identify a poison ivy rash and knowing how to treat it effectively will help you manage your symptoms more effectively.
If you’re experiencing a skin rash after spending time outdoors, you could have poison ivy. At AFC Urgent Care Attleboro, our walk-in clinic offers convenient care for minor conditions, including poison ivy rashes. Poison ivy rashes can be incredibly uncomfortable, so seeking medical care for proper symptom management will help you recover quickly. Our clinic is open 7 days a week, and accepts walk-in patients daily. Walk in today, or save your spot online using the button below.
How to Identify a Rash Caused by Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are all plants within the same family. They look different, and grow in different areas, however, they all can transfer the same oil from their leaves onto our skin and cause a nasty rash to form. Poison ivy rashes typically appear within 4 hours of contact with the plant.
The most common places to have a poison ivy rash are the feet, legs, hands, and arms. However, the rash will occur anywhere where the body comes into contact with the oil produced by the plant. Poison ivy rashes are red with tiny raised bumps. They are extremely itchy and irritated. However, they will not spread to other parts of the body, and they are not contagious from person to person.
How Long Does the Rash Usually Last?
Poison ivy rashes typically appear within a day of coming into contact with the plant’s oils. You can also contract a poison ivy rash from touching fabrics with the oils on them, so sometimes rashes are later onset. The rash typically lasts for about 2 weeks, however, how long the rash will last depends on how sensitive your body is to the oils produced by the plant. For some, the rash can last much longer. However, for others, the rash may clear up relatively quickly.
Treatment Options and When to Seek Medical Care
If you notice a rash and think it could be poison ivy, you should always seek medical care to be sure. Rashes can happen for a variety of different reasons, and the treatment options for rashes caused by poison ivy may be different than rashes caused by other underlying conditions.
If you notice that you came into contact with poison ivy, cleaning the affected area with alcohol or soap and water may kill some of the oils and reduce the reaction. Once the rash appears, applying a cold compress can help manage discomfort. Additionally, over-the-counter anti-itch creams can help patients stay comfortable.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Attleboro for Same-Day Rash Treatment
If you come into contact with poison ivy, it is important to act quickly and clean the affected area. The rash that occurs from poison ivy exposure can be extremely uncomfortable, however, it will go away on its own in most cases in a couple of weeks. At AFC Urgent Care Attleboro, our board-certified medical providers are experts in identifying poison ivy rashes, and they can provide treatment as needed to prevent infections and speed up healing.
Our walk-in clinic is open 7 days a week, including on weekends. We never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance, just walk into the office when it’s convenient for your schedule. We work with most medical insurance providers, and we have competitive rates for self-paying patients. Walk into the clinic for same-day treatment, or give our team a call at (774) 254-9500 to learn more.
