A poison ivy rash can sometimes be intense, but AFC can help. Our walk-in urgent care clinics proudly serve southeast Tennessee. We’re open daily!
Poison ivy has a way of sneaking up on you. Maybe you were hiking the Fort Dickerson Trail, enjoying a sunny afternoon at Meads Quarry, or just mowing your backyard. Even if you didn’t notice the plant, it might have noticed you – and now you’re dealing with a red, itchy rash.
If you’re wondering whether urgent care can help, the short answer is yes! AFC Urgent Care treats poison ivy rashes so you don’t have to spend hours in a crowded ER or worry about costly hospital bills. Our providers can handle many of the same conditions as the ER, including poison ivy, at an affordable price and with shorter wait times.
Visit an AFC East Tennessee clinic today!
What Is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy is a common plant found in nearly every state in the U.S., including Tennessee. It usually grows as a vine or a shrub and is known for its classic “leaves of three.”
The trouble starts with urushiol, an oily sap the plant produces. This same sap is also found in poison oak and poison sumac. Even a tiny amount (less than a grain of salt) is enough to cause a reaction.
Why Does Poison Ivy Cause Itching?
When urushiol comes into contact with skin, it often triggers allergic contact dermatitis, a reaction that causes redness, swelling and intense itching. Around 85–90% of people are allergic to urushiol, which explains why poison ivy rashes are so common here in East Tennessee.
Symptoms of Poison Ivy
The timing and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people notice irritation within a few hours, while others may not see a rash for a couple of days.
Typical signs include:
- An itchy rash (patchy or streaked in appearance)
- Redness and swelling
- Blisters that may ooze or crust over
Do I Need to Visit Urgent Care?
Most poison ivy rashes can be managed at home and usually clear up within one to two weeks. However, there are times when medical care is the safest option. You should visit AFC Urgent Care if you experience:
- A rash that hasn’t improved after two weeks
- A rash near your eyes, mouth, nose or genital area
- Severe itching, redness or swelling that worsens over time
- Blisters with pus, which could signal infection
- Fever, trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat
How AFC Urgent Care Can Help
Our providers are experienced in treating poison ivy rashes and will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Depending on the severity of your reaction, we may recommend:
- Prescription-strength corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation and itchiness
- Oral medications to help with itching, especially at night
- Antibiotics if your rash shows signs of infection
The goal is simple: to provide relief, prevent complications and get you back to feeling comfortable. Be sure to follow all instructions from your AFC provider for the best results.
Can Poison Ivy Be Prevented?
While poison ivy is nearly impossible to avoid completely in East Tennessee, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Learn how to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac.
- Wear long sleeves, pants, socks and closed-toed shoes when hiking, gardening or camping.
- Wash clothing, tools and gear after outdoor use. Urushiol can linger on surfaces for days.
- If your pet has been outside, check their fur. If you bathe them, wear protective gloves to avoid contact with the oil.
- Use rubbing alcohol to clean tools or equipment that may have touched the plant.
The AFC Way
At AFC, we’re proud to provide convenient and compassionate care to our East Tennessee community. We know that dealing with poison ivy is stressful, especially when your primary care provider isn’t available and the ER feels overwhelming. That’s why we offer extended hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays – no appointment necessary.
So, whether you’ve just come back from a hike or notice a rash a few days later, our team is here to help you find relief quickly.
