If you’re spending time outdoors this summer, it’s possible that you may accidentally come into contact with poison ivy. If you do, one important question to ask is: what can you do to prevent a poison ivy rash from forming? Poison ivy is a common allergen for many people and contact with the plant will often lead to a severe skin rash. Keep reading to learn more about what to do if you touch poison ivy and treatment options for a poison ivy rash.
At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, we’re available 7 days a week to support your summer healthcare needs. Our clinic offers rapid same-day care for poison ivy rashes in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. We’re open 7 days a week to provide convenient care to working professionals and college students alike. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot in advance below.
Why Do Poison Ivy Rashes Occur?
Poison ivy is a plant that grows across the country. It is easily identified by its unique 3 leaf shape and shiny leaves. However, poison ivy can easily blend into the brush and disguise itself in other plants, which is often how exposure happens. Poison ivy is a common allergen, and when you brush up against the plant, it deposits an invisible oil into your skin that leads to an allergic reaction.
Can You Prevent a Poison Ivy Rash?
Poison ivy exposure is completely preventable. However, it can be difficult to reverse the symptoms of poison ivy after exposure to the plant. This is why it is important to take measures to avoid contact like wearing long pants and socks to limit exposed skin while outdoors and always staying on a cleared path when possible.
If you do come into contact with a poison ivy plant, there are a few methods to remove the oil from your skin, but they are not guaranteed to prevent or reverse a reaction. Using dish soap or alcohol pads and cleaning the area thoroughly to remove the oils is a common way to reduce the amount of oil on your skin, which can help prevent a rash from forming after exposure.
Treatment Options for a Poison Ivy Rash
In many cases, you may not know that you came into contact with poison ivy until the rash appears. Poison ivy rashes can be extremely itchy, which makes them prone to infection from excessive scratching. Poison ivy rashes do typically go away without medical intervention, however, symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last up to 3 weeks. Managing your symptoms is crucial to staying comfortable. There are many OTC medications available to help reduce itching caused by poison ivy rashes. If you think your rash could be developing an infection, you should seek medical care for treatment. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate the rash and treat any infection effectively as well as provide at-home care instructions.
Visit AFC Back Bay for Poison Ivy Treatment
If you have a skin rash that has suddenly appeared, you could have poison ivy. Poison ivy rashes can quickly become infected due to scratching at the rash site. If your poison ivy rash is intolerable or infected, AFC Urgent Care Back Bay can help. Our walk-in clinic offers rapid same-day poison ivy rash treatment for patients in Boston, MA!
We’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, including on weekends. When you need rapid care, you can rely on AFC Back Bay. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans and offers affordable care for self-paying patients. For more information, give us a call at (617) 869-0500 or walk into the clinic.
